How flexible workspace is leading the way on sustainability 

The flexible workspace industry is leading the way in promoting sustainability in the modern workplace. At the Flexible Space Association, we saw such a growing focus on reducing waste, energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly practices that we introduced an ESG category to our annual awards this year, which proved very popular. 

The industry is dedicated to making positive change via everything from reducing carbon footprints to sustainable building practices. One of the most significant ways flexible workspaces promote sustainability is by reducing the carbon footprint of businesses. The central location of many flexible workspaces means reduced need for extensive employee commutes. As employees can often choose to work closer to home or use public transportation, this translates into a substantial reduction in the carbon emissions associated with daily commuting. IWG and Arup’s research suggests that hybrid working can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% in the UK and a staggering 87% in the US thanks to the fall in building and transport emissions. 

Energy efficient

Flexible workspaces are also more energy-efficient than traditional office spaces. Providers are increasingly using energy-efficient technologies and design principles to reduce electricity consumption. The use of natural light, energy-efficient HVAC systems and sustainable materials contribute to a lower environmental impact. Take Regus Trondheim, which opened in 2019 in the Norwegian city’s first ‘energy positive’ building, an energy-efficient building that produces more energy than it uses via renewable sources. 

As well as helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint, flexible workspaces are also working hard to reduce their own. Clockwise, for example, is working towards the goal of certified carbon neutrality by 2025 and reports its carbon performance annually. It is just one of many workspace providers moving towards carbon reduction goals like this. Impact Working, Bristol, also offsets the carbon emissions generated by the business and its team inside and outside of work through its reforestation partner, Play it Green. 

Less wastage

Flexible workspaces are designed with resource efficiency in mind. They emphasise minimalism, reducing the amount of wasted space, furniture and supplies. By sharing amenities like conference rooms, kitchen spaces and printers, businesses can significantly reduce their resource consumption and, consequently, their ecological footprint. 

Additionally, many flexible workspace providers are making strides in reducing single-use plastic waste and encouraging recycling initiatives. The provision of filtered water stations and the use of reusable, eco-friendly products contribute to minimising waste. 

BE Offices is a great example of this. BE Offices recycled over 161,464 kg of business waste in 2022 and 97,600 kg of BE’s waste was converted to energy sufficient to power a dishwasher 32,000 times. 

Sustainable building practices 

Flexible workspace providers are increasingly choosing sustainable building practices when constructing or renovating their spaces. Many opt for buildings with green certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), to ensure their spaces are environmentally friendly. 

The use of reclaimed materials, sustainable insulation and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes are becoming standard practices. Impact Working partners with Office Portfolio and Bureau to ensure that its furniture is either ‘pre-loved’ or has the very best green credentials, for example. By choosing sustainable materials and construction techniques, flexible workspace providers contribute to reducing the environmental impact of their properties.  

Since its inception in 1976, Bruntwood has taken unloved buildings and brought them back to life  by retrofitting, which generates 80% to 85% lower upfront carbon emissions than a typical new build. 

TOG’s Black and White building (pictured) is another great example of sustainable building practice. Mass timber was used as an alternative to carbon-radiating concrete and steel – using 37% less embodied carbon than comparable structures and powered by 100% renewable energy sources. 

Smart energy management 

The integration of smart energy management systems is another way in which the sector leads on sustainability. These systems monitor and control energy consumption in real-time, allowing for more efficient use of electricity and heating and cooling resources. Lighting and HVAC systems are automatically adjusted to optimise energy use based on occupancy, significantly reducing energy waste. 

Many flexible workspaces are also exploring renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Pure Offices is just one flexible workspace provider prioritising solar panels. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also lowers long-term operating costs. 

B Corp status 

A good number of our members have achieved, or are on the journey towards achieving, B Corp status, another proof point of dedication to sustainability.  

x+why is not only a B Corp itself but has its own six-week B Corp certification programme, which is hosted alongside B Lab UK and B Corp consultancy Seismic Change and helps other companies gain B Corp certification. Companies in this sector are also raising the bar with their certification. Runway East, which became certified in July 2022, earned an overall score of 97.5, well above the minimum of 80. 

By prioritising eco-friendly practices, flexible workspaces not only reduce the environmental impact of businesses and their employees, they also set a positive example other businesses around the world can follow.