The Best Offices For The Planet
Today, businesses have started to realise that success goes beyond just the profit margins. They're taking a hard look at their environmental and social impact, and that extends to where and how their employees work. Across industries, there's fierce competition to design the best, most sustainable offices.
The discussions around climate change concerns and the increasing significance of trusted green building certifications like LEED and WELL have made sustainable design non-negotiable. It's no longer a design option, but a business essential. Studies show that executives recognise the value of sustainability and eco-conscious workplaces, with 41% considering it a key metric for business success. So, how can prioritising sustainability benefit your workplace?
- Reduce your carbon footprint: This translates to lower operating costs and a positive contribution to the environment.
- Enhance brand reputation: Eco-conscious consumers and investors are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise sustainability and well-being.
- Attract and retain top talent: The modern workforce seeks employers who prioritise their well-being and are environmentally conscious.
Do you want to create a workplace that achieves this ‘triple bottom line’ of a healthier planet, happier employees, and a thriving business? Take inspiration from some of the world’s best offices for the planet.
Gartner, Gurgaon
Imagine stepping into an office that's inviting, stimulating, and designed to maximise productivity. Gartner's Gurgaon office achieves just that. It demonstrates how cultural awareness can be seamlessly integrated with thoughtful workplace design. But what truly elevates Gartner's office is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and employee well-being. Sustainability isn't just an afterthought, it's a core design principle behind Gartner's CoE. Achieving the prestigious LEED and WELL Platinum certifications and the title of ‘India’s Healthiest Office’, the office sets a high bar for doing the best for both people and the planet. Also read: A Walk Inside India’s Healthiest Workplace
Imagine lush greenery filtering the air, energy-efficient lighting reducing your carbon footprint, and eco-friendly materials surrounding you. It's a breath of fresh air – literally and figuratively. But that's not all! To further encourage a healthy lifestyle, the office boasts walking tracks throughout the space, promoting movement and a break from your desk.
This is a workplace where working hard doesn't come at the expense of a healthy planet or your well-being. You can feel good knowing your work environment prioritises both environmental and personal sustainability.
Simmons & Simmons, Singapore
Singapore's commitment to green buildings and sustainable workplaces is growing, and Simmons & Simmons's office design exemplifies this trend perfectly. The workplace design incorporates several green elements, creating a workplace that is responsible, efficient, and above all, human-centric.
The design approach emphasises connection with nature by incorporating abundant greenery and natural light into the space. The large glass windows, indoor plants, and green walls not only enhance the visual appeal of the workplace but also help to improve employees’ mood and energy while leaving an admirable environmental footprint.
Simmons & Simmons's commitment to sustainability is further showcased in its variety of work areas and social spaces which utilise reused furniture to minimise waste. Energy-efficient technologies and eco-certified materials are seamlessly integrated throughout the workplace to align Simmons & Simmons's culture and practices with ESG principles. This thoughtful design philosophy creates a workspace that is not only functional but also environmentally responsible.
Taikoo, Shanghai
Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai is another great example of an organisation prioritising wellness and sustainability in its office design. Located on the 8th floor of the Qiantan Center, Taikoo's workplace embodies the perks of having a naturalistic and open-plan working environment. Their design approach, 'The Ripple Effect', aligns perfectly with today's focus on sustainable living. It seamlessly integrates natural elements with contemporary architecture, fostering a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable work environment.
Taikoo's biophilic design principles are evident in the green wall greeting visitors and employees at the reception, the potted plants lining the open office area, and the graphic walls featuring natural patterns and colours.
The workplace also features strategically designed spaces called 'Mindful Moments' – dedicated wellness hubs offering spaces for relaxation, meditation, and overall well-being. Such thoughtful integration of nature and contemporary design fosters a sense of connection to the surrounding environment, contributing to a more sustainable and employee-centric workplace.
Rubrik, Bangalore
The first thing that strikes you in Rubrik's Bangalore office is the air. It's refreshingly clean, thanks to advanced air purification systems working tirelessly behind the scenes. Real-time monitors ensure the air quality remains pristine, a subtle detail with a significant impact on employee health and comfort.
Natural light takes centre stage, flooding the open spaces thanks to large windows. This not only reduces energy consumption but adheres to WELL lighting standards, creating an environment that's easy on the eyes and boosts employee morale. The commitment to sustainability goes beyond just air and light. Every piece of furniture and wall panel is meticulously chosen, prioritising eco-friendly and health-conscious materials. This dedication to a healthy and sustainable environment is further underscored by their recent achievement of WELL v2 Platinum certification. Rubrik India project achieved a great milestone with the highest points in India by obtaining 105/110 points. This prestigious recognition highlights Rubrik's broader vision: to minimise environmental impact while fostering a healthy workspace for their employees. Also read: All’s well that works WELL: Rubrik India’s tools for embracing wellbeing and sustainability
Taking it a step further, Rubrik boasts an efficient waste management system and cleaning protocols that utilise eco-friendly products. And to top it all off, biophilic design elements like plants and natural textures bring the outdoors in. This creates a calming and restorative atmosphere, fostering well-being and reminding employees they're part of something bigger than just work.
These examples showcase how sustainable design can translate into tangible benefits for employees, the environment, and the business. It's a win-win-win situation and a model for the future of work.
Space Matrix, leading the way in sustainable design and build
Inspired by these examples? Like Rubrik, Gartner, Taikoo, and Simmons & Simmons, Space Matrix is helping businesses worldwide design and build their workplaces for a brighter, healthier tomorrow, and we don't just stop at that.
SBTi approved Net Zero Emission goals
At Space Matrix, sustainability isn't just a buzzword – it's the driving force behind every design blueprint. Our net-zero goal is now endorsed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), affirming our commitment to workplaces that are planet-positive and make the world a better place.
We acknowledge the urgency of addressing climate change and fully embrace our responsibility as a global organisation. Space Matrix has set ambitious near-term emission reduction goals through SBTi, further advancing our mission to create a better world at work. - Akshay Lakhanpal, CEO India, Space Matrix
Re:Source - A zero-waste construction initiative by Space Matrix and Saahas Zero Waste
As a group of change makers, we’re committed to innovations that solve tomorrow’s business challenges, today. That's why we're proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Space Matrix and Saahas Zero Waste to launch Re:Source, a revolutionary initiative tackling India's construction waste crisis.
India currently generates a staggering 35-40% of the world's construction waste, with only a meagre 1% being recycled. Re:Source aims to disrupt this unsustainable cycle by pioneering a circular economy approach to Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management.
The success of our initial Re:Source pilot project has been incredibly promising, demonstrating the feasibility and environmental advantages of this approach. We're excited to scale this initiative across future projects, inspiring a nationwide shift towards responsible C&D waste management in India. Join us in building a more sustainable future, one project at a time.
