A Circular Office Involves A Transformation
A circular office strategy is a comprehensive approach that involves transforming the business in every department, including procurement, maintenance, operations, and building design. The aim is to not only benefit the environment but also benefit businesses financially and improve employee well-being. Sustainable building rating schemes like LEED, DGNB, BREEAM, and WELL can provide guidance on how to ensure modern office design meets environmental standards.
Bring Nature Into the Office
One way that interior designers are creating circular offices – while also exploring evidence-based design – is by bringing nature indoors. Plants are natural air purifiers and can make office air quality healthier. They can also reduce distractions from noise. This practice has been embraced by a lot of businesses, for instance, a company in California has created a co-working space that includes a 50,000-square-foot garden.[5]
Designers can also take advantage of natural light to save energy costs. Large rooms might have open layouts where workstations are located near windows.
To increase energy efficiency in office spaces, ceilings with high light reflection and diffusion are essential. These types of ceilings can effectively use natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. One example of ceiling tiles that disperse light effectively is the Rockfon Blanka ceiling tiles.
Plan for Disassembly from the Beginning
To create circular offices, designers should consider modular office furniture, which can be reused and reconfigured. They easily adapt to changing needs, for example, a modular chair might have interchangeable legs that workers can swap out to suit their needs. [6]
Modular shelving and zone dividing systems can easily change function and size, and demountable partitions can be used to reconfigure a large open space. In addition to its flexibility, modular furniture can be disassembled and reassembled easily, making it an ideal choice for office spaces that need to relocate.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Incorporating sustainable materials is a key element of circular design, and can greatly benefit the environment. Non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials are preferred options.
Bamboo is a versatile biodegradable material that can be used in textiles, cutlery, and furniture. Similarly, hemp is a natural fibre that works well in textiles, while jute is a biodegradable fibre that can be used for carpets.
On the other hand, plastics are generally not environmentally friendly choices for furnishings as they are often not recyclable. Bioplastics are becoming increasingly popular, but it's essential to note that some bioplastics are partly made from fossil fuels. [7]
Collaborate with Others
Collaborating with suppliers is an effective way for businesses to reduce their resource consumption and promote sustainability. For instance, they can collaborate with office furniture manufacturers that use mechanical joints rather than adhesives, or offer the option of refurbished products made with reused parts.
Furthermore, businesses can work with suppliers to discover new products that help eliminate waste or promote effective recycling. Repairing furniture and machines rather than replacing them can also minimise waste and reduce the need for new resources.
Circular Office Design Solutions in Practice
Circular design is critical to prevent waste and avoid depleting the earth's resources. It also improves productivity and employee well-being.
At Rockfon, we consider waste to be a valuable resource that can be transformed into something new, rather than being discarded. Through our circular business model, we are able to recycle waste and convert it into new raw materials. Additionally, we collect and recycle construction site waste and used products, contributing to a sustainable future.
Furthermore, our stone wool products are fully closed-loop and can be recycled countless times without losing their quality, while our operational efficiency supports this circular approach.
Our acoustic solutions are designed for modularity and disassembly, reducing the need for disposal and promoting reusability. In many European markets, we offer recycling services for old stone wool ceiling tiles and cut-offs from installation, and our products are highly durable, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement.
To learn more about our office design solutions, you can visit https://www.rockfon.co.uk/sectors/office/
Sources
1. “The World Is Now Only 8.6% Circular - CGR 2020 - Circularity Gap Reporting Initiative.” n.d. Www.circularity-Gap.world. https://www.circularity-gap.world/2020.
2. United Nations Statistics Division. 2019. “SDG Indicators.” Un.org. 2019. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/goal-12/.
3. “Circular Business Models for the Built Environment | Shared by Business.” n.d. Emf.thirdlight.com. https://emf.thirdlight.com/link/xes8zli8r33k-thd85r/@/preview/1?o.
4. “Business and the Circular Economy.” n.d. Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/resources/business/overview.
5. Lashbrooke, Barnaby. n.d. “The Big Green Office Design Trend That Will Make Your Workers More Productive.” Forbes. Accessed February 14, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2019/11/27/the-big-green-office-design-trend-that-will-make-your-workers-more-productive/?sh=45a689a92b3e.
6. “The Disappearing Office: How Can the Circular Economy Apply to Interiors?” n.d. Frameweb.com. Accessed February 14, 2023. https://frameweb.com/article/work/the-disappearing-office-how-can-the-circular-economy-apply-to-interiors.
7. Cho, Renee. 2017. “The Truth about Bioplastics.” State of the Planet. December 13, 2017. https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/#:~:text=Bioplastics%20are%20currently%20used%20in.
