Environmental issues and collective awareness of the need for an energy transition have led to the emergence of the "responsible workspace" or "sustainable office " concept. What are their principles? To minimize their impact on the environment, and improve the lives of those who work in them. In line with corporate CSR policies, these initiatives can lead to the award of a label.
Workspaces often have features that are detrimental to the environment and well-being of their occupants. Some examples? Expensive lighting or heating, aggressive background noise, polluted air, or toxic paints.
Solutions exist to make them more sustainable, healthy and "green". This redevelopment is in line with the company's CSR policy.
The main principles of sustainable office design
The eco-design of an office consists in maximizing its use of renewable resources. Materials selected for their traceability and durability ( wood, for example), ecological paints and insulation, rational management of water and electricity (produced, why not, by solar panels), systematic sorting and recycling of waste...
These choices are coupled with a layout that includes, depending on the surface area, open-spaces or flex-offices, a dedicated meeting room and, ideally, an acoustic booth and a "family" leisure area.
The most daring turn to biophilic design (integrating plants in situ) or participatory vegetable gardening (often on the roof). The services of an interior designer with expertise in environmental footprinting are essential if certification of the premises is to be achieved.
What labels should you consider for your commitments?
Designed in this way, a workspace can at the very least display certificates for its furniture and materials: ISO 9001 (manufacturing quality), ISO 14006 (eco-design), ISO 14001 (clean production).
To qualify for the label, it must be part of a certification process such as HPE (Haute Performance Énergétique), BBC (Bâtiment Basse Consommation, awarded by Effinergie) or HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale, awarded by AFNOR).
- These demanding labels advocate zero C02 and the transformation of premises into:
"passive energy" buildings (optimizing natural energy sources such as the sun); - "positive energy" (on-site energy production, with surplus stored or sold on).
Other certifications are also possible, such as BREEAM(1) or LEED(2) for companies with an international outlook.
Measurable benefits for your company, and your space
What are the benefits? They result in asignificant reduction in energy bills. Savings can also be seen in purchasing, with an increase in the lifespan of products and a reduction in the use of paper.
An eco-designed workplace is also more comfortable and better insulated. Noise pollution tends towards the 55 dB threshold recommended by the WHO(3). Irritability, stress and fatigue are reduced. The result is often greater concentration, creativity and productivity.
(1) Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
(2) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(3) World Health Organization