Greening is more than just a catchphrase: the benefits of assessing the impact of one’s business on the environment are real. When it comes to office design, greening is the principle of using sustainable materials and processes, as well as creating a space which is optimally healthful for employees and visitors. In fact, Daniel Taylor, Managing Director of the standout London design firm Metro Design Consultants, provides this as one of his “Top Tips” for design students: “Remember to make sure that the office is environmentally friendly and energy efficient.”

Good office design reflects the personality of the business while being functional and attractive. This can all be accomplished just as easily with an eye to greening.A green office fit-out doesn’t have to cost any more than you’d pay for less sustainable options. And when you consider the future savings you are likely to see, it makes it that much more of an easy decision.

The Buildings Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a technique which has been developed to quantify the environmental impact of an office’s design. The goal is for a business to achieve a certification rating in the range of Pass to Excellent. A proposed office fit-out can be assessed ahead of time, so adjustments can be made up front to increase the rating.

Energy efficiency also contributes directly to the bottom line. If a business can reclaim the approximately 20 per cent of its energy which is wasted daily, the effect is equivalent to a 5 per cent increase in sales. Lighting, heating, and ventilation can all contribute to energy efficiency. Lights which turn themselves off and on – or dim – via motion detection eliminate the need to constantly remind staff to do so.

Elements of green design include recyclable carpet or flooring of natural materials and furniture made from sustainable or recycled materials. Such products are readily available in a number of styles to fit with any decorating scheme. Working with a design and build firm, which handles all aspects of a fit-out, will help to assure that green practices are followed every step of the way.

Open office design, which eschews cubicle walls for an airier feel, has become popular in recent years. In addition to improving workflow efficiency, it’s another way to go greener. Cubicle partitions may contain pollutants, and restrict airflow through the room. Open office design is more flexible, too, because elements can be rearranged more easily, without the need for time-consuming breaking down and building up.

Consumers are more savvy than ever these days, and they care about the ethics of the companies that they patronise. They’re more likely to choose a business which is environmentally conscious – just one more way in which greening is good business. In a competitive marketplace, this is worth keeping in mind.

If you are considering an office fit-out, don’t forget to consider the environmental impact. Your employees and your customers will thank you, and you will even see results in your bottom line. A firm which offers design and build is the best choice, because they will be able to ensure that every detail adheres to green principles.

Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding office design? Visit http://www.metrodesign.co.uk/ today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: office design