From Guest Blogger Lana Hawkins: Sustainable Office Design for a Green Tomorrow

Dark office with nothing but fake lighting and small cubicles cannot really benefit us. We feel tired, closed up, depressed and can’t wait to leave the office. Also, such offices are not good for the environment since they use too much energy and are throwing money out of the window. However, there is a simple solution to all this – green offices.

Green offices are a big trend today, and there is a good reason for that. First of all, they are doing a favor to the environment. Secondly, they are making us more productive because the atmosphere is different then in a conventional office space. Lastly, they are benefiting our health and they are not making us dull like the old-fashioned offices do. If you want your office to be a bright place for working with the high productivity and profits, you should definitely green it up with these simple things.

Introduce Plants

Every office should have as many plants as possible. Smaller indoor trees, colorful flowers and air-filtering plants are always welcome. A few plants in the corners and on desks will not only elevate the design of the office, but will bring many benefits to everyone. First of all, plants make the work environment better. They filter the air and your employees will enjoy the fresh air which will result in higher creativity and productivity. Secondly, they reduce stress which automatically means healthier employees and less absence from work. Also, plants can serve as a sound proofing device; the less noise means less stress in the office which once again increases productivity. Lastly, they are good for the environment because they produce more oxygen and thus your workspace requires less electronic air-filters that can drain the energy.

Green Furniture

We are not talking about the color, but about the materials you use for the office furniture. Every piece should be made of natural or recycled materials. Wooden desks and chairs are the most comfortable office furniture and they will help preserve the environment. Also, you should use fabrics made of natural materials, such as cotton and linen for the optimal comfort. Plus, you are not polluting the environment because such materials can easily be recycled when outdated. By using less plastic in the office you will help raise awareness for the preservation of the environment and, more importantly, you are not allowing any toxic elements enter the work environment. Once again, this is beneficial to the health of your employees and they will work harder without even realizing it.

Natural Light

Fluorescent lights are convenient, but they are not the best for the health of your employees. The best source of light is right outside your office. So, instead of shutting the blinds closed, open them up and let the sun shine inside. Natural light will instantly change the mood of the workspace which will result in better cooperation, increased creativity and better health of everyone inside. Vitamin D is essential for peoples’ health and you should promote it. Besides increasing the productivity levels at the office, natural light can improve your sleep which results in better focus on the job the next day. Additionally, the more an office relies on natural sources of light the less it will use lighting fixtures which contributes to less energy consumption and a better world outside.

Image source: uow.edu.au

Cubicles are perfect for some personal space, but they are not good for the overall office success. Open up the windows and you will see how much everyone can benefit from it. Add a few plants to clear the air and use everything that is good for the environment and the health, creativity and productivity of your coworkers and employees will instantly elevate. Not to mention the good example you are making to the world by doing something good for our planet.