Sustainable office spaces: environmental design for a healthier workplace,
Workplace design promotes employee health and sustainability, as it is not only good for the environment,
but also for their productivity, creativity and well-being.
So we’ll provide some tips and strategies for creating a workplace that supports the physical,
mental and social needs of employees, while reducing environmental impact and costs.
Enhance natural light and ventilation
One of the most important factors for designing a healthy and sustainable office is natural light and ventilation.
Exposure to natural light can boost mood, energy, and circadian rhythm.
While fresh air can improve cognitive function, focus, and comfort.
To maximize natural light and ventilation, windows, skylights, solar tubes, and operable vents may be used.
Light shelves and curtains can also be used to control the amount and direction of light.
In addition, energy-efficient lighting systems can be installed that adapt to natural light levels,
Sensors are used to turn off when not needed.
Natural daylight
Natural daylight is the best lighting source, providing maximum visual clarity for tasks with higher lighting needs.
It has the best color display index.
Embracing and maximizing daylight also results in energy savings resulting from less reliance on electricity.
Daylight has also proven positive effects on humans, as it mimics the outdoors,
It helps users stay true to their natural circadian rhythm while promoting productivity,
health and wellness.
The best thing about daylight is that it is free.
So taking advantage of natural light and identifying spaces or activities that can best utilize it will generate cost savings for businesses.
With all these positive features, the effect of daylight on the space must be taken into consideration at the beginning of the project.
Use comfortable furniture and equipment
Another key aspect of a healthy and sustainable office is ergonomic furniture and equipment.
Ergonomic furniture and equipment can help prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders,
eye strain, headaches and fatigue, which can affect employee performance and satisfaction.
To choose ergonomic furniture and equipment, look for features such as adjustable height,
tilt and support, as well as cushioning, padding and lumbar support.
Accessories such as monitor mounts, keyboard trays, footrests and wrist rests can also be used to improve your posture and body alignment.
Furthermore, furniture and equipment can be chosen that are made from recycled,
renewable or biodegradable materials, or that contain low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It is also important to strive to make people who leave the workplace healthier than when they arrived and this is the main goal of any workplace design.
Ensure that employees’ physical, cognitive and emotional needs are met,
in addition to targeting differential postures, and providing spaces for standing, sitting and relaxing as equal as possible.
Incorporate green plants and bioactive elements
Green plants and bioactive elements will enhance the aesthetic,
emotional and psychological connection to nature, which may have positive effects on stress, mood, creativity and productivity.
To incorporate green plants and bio elements, you can use potted plants, vertical gardens, living walls or green roofs.
Natural materials, colors, textures, patterns and shapes can also be used that mimic or evoke nature.
Furthermore, water features, sounds or scents can be used that create a relaxing and stimulating sensory experience.
Indoor and outdoor exposure to plants (and relaxation spaces) is crucial to people’s health and a sustainable and responsible architectural practice.
Plants are also a gentle reminder of our mother nature and our place in an ever-changing world.
Designing flexible and collaborative spaces
Flexible and collaborative spaces foster employee autonomy,
diversity and innovation, as well as their communication, collaboration and learning.
To create flexible and collaborative spaces, modular,
mobile or multi-functional furniture and partitions can be used that allow adaptation to different tasks, preferences and situations.
Open, shared or informal spaces can also be used that encourage interaction, feedback and brainstorming.
In addition, technology can be used, such as wireless networking, cloud-based platforms,
or video conferencing tools, that enable employees to work remotely or with other locations.
Adopting healthy and sustainable practices
Healthy and sustainable practices improve employees’ habits, behaviour,
and personal and organizational values, which may impact their health, well-being and environmental responsibility.
To foster healthy and sustainable practices, policies and programs can be implemented that promote physical activity,
nutrition, hydration, rest, and mental health, such as fitness classes, healthy snacks, water dispensers, nap pods, and counseling services.
Policies and programs that reduce waste, energy, water and carbon footprint can also be implemented,
such as recycling, composting, green purchasing, renewable energy, water conservation and carbon offsetting.
Promoting social sustainability
Sustainable office design extends beyond the physical environment.
Organizations also need to consider how people interact with and benefit from the office environment.
The health pandemic has exacerbated concerns about how the workplace can successfully enhance the psychosocial well-being of employees.
Organizations and space designers now face the challenge of building a work environment that nurtures and facilitates human connection.
Design today must understand what drives behavior, take into account human experience, and improve efficiency.
So he can create happier, healthier and more productive workplaces.
Acoustic design
Some studies have revealed the impact of audio distraction on employee health, significantly impacting productivity and stress levels.
Therefore, organizations can make use of sound absorption solutions to reduce noise levels in the office.
Acoustic panels, usually made of compressed mineral wool or foam, absorb
The sound waves thus reduce general noise, clarify speech, and reduce sound echoes in walls within enclosed areas.
These sound-absorbing panels come in all shapes and designs.
Material efficiency
Material efficiency refers to the selection of materials that are obtained from sustainable sources.
Made with a high percentage of recycled content or that emit lower levels of VOCs.
By adopting such practices, organizations can help significantly reduce the energy needed to produce new materials,
In addition to improving the quality levels of the indoor environment in the office.
Conclusion
By following these tips and strategies, you can design an office that promotes employee health
and sustainability, and enjoys the benefits of a happier, healthier, and greener workplace.
