Given the UK’s target of reaching net-zero by 2030, sustainable design influences key decisions across the construction sector. While it could be argued that the word ‘sustainable’ has become overused, and often misused, to the point where its meaning has become diluted, at Terence James Interiors sustainability is a primary objective of all our office fit outs.
To design a truly sustainable office fit out, it is imperative that we understand how a client’s building is used and what their sustainability goals are. We can then plan accordingly while also exploring the integration of additional sustainable elements that hadn’t previously been considered to create an office fit out that optimises sustainability potential.
What is a sustainable office fit out?
While the vision of a sustainable office fit out may look different from one client to the next, the underlining principles are the same. A sustainable office fit out creates a space with improved energy efficiencies, reduced carbon emissions and increased use of sustainable materials.
When clients asks us to design a sustainable office fit out, they will have preconceived, and perhaps limited, expectations of what is involved. Expanding those expectations through our site visits and design expertise allows us to help our clients adopt the true meaning of sustainability and understand the importance of futureproofing office environments.
Why is sustainability in office design important?
The wellbeing of both the environment and individuals is key to sustainable office design. Of course, there are goals around energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint, but sustainable office design also has a direct impact on the people who use the space.
Office workers spend a large proportion of their lives in office environments. Work rates are far more productive in sustainable spaces with plenty of daylight, LED lighting rather than incandescent or fluorescent lights, eco-friendly materials, biophilic elements and so on.
Sustainability in office design allows a company to send a clear statement about its environmental intent while influencing its workforce to also make environmentally sound choices: influence that cascades to family and friends.
How can office fit out design improve energy efficiencies?
Energy efficient lighting such as LEDs, timers and sensors, along with good insulation, energy-efficient appliances, optimised HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and connection to a renewable energy system will all reduce energy consumption and improve efficiencies.
Navigating the increasing problem of greenwashing in office fit out design
The road to sustainable design is sadly littered with examples of greenwashing. Greenwashing is the term used for false or exaggerated claims about the environmental credentials of initiatives, products or services. The claims are generally made for the purpose of ticking a box or creating an impression of a green commitment.
For the materials used in a truly sustainable office fit out design, all aspects of the journey from conception to completion must be environmentally credible. This includes the process of obtaining raw materials, all manufacturing elements, transport and the lifecycle of the materials.
Any company embarking on a sustainable office fit out should asked detailed questions to establish the integrity of eco-friendly materials. For example, if offered responsibly sourced wood they should ask for certifications, for recycled and recyclable materials they should understand the true extent of the recycle element, and other areas such as the use of toxic glues and finishes should also be explored.
Eco-friendly office fit out materials
Sustainable materials for office fit outs might include:
- Fabrics
- Flooring materials
- Wall coverings and ceiling tiles
- Biophilic materials such as wood, bamboo, cork and ceramic
- Living plant installations
- Sustainable furniture
At Terence James Interiors, as part of our commitment to the use of sustainable materials, we encourage our clients to incorporate recycled wooden furniture into their office fit outs. The beautifully crafted wooden furniture helps our clients to meet their sustainability objectives while providing a stunning focal point in the office space.
Terence James Interiors can design your truly sustainable office fit out
Terence James Interiors is a family run business that designs, plans and delivers fit outs for commercial, education and industrial clients. Our company has been built on extensive experience, quality craftmanship and a sustainability focus. Get in touch to find out how we can transform your space with a sustainable office fit out.