Coworking spaces have become popular with independent contractors or freelancers. These are neutral places where they can work on an independent project or a group one.
While some people are still on a work-from-home setup, others are returning to their coworking spaces. People coming back to offices need to re-evaluate their practices when it comes to sustainability.
Since offices can contribute a significant number to producing carbon footprint, we need to ensure that our workspace can be sustainable.
Coworking spaces are eco-friendly by default. Various people work in one space and share the utilities. However, we can still make it more sustainable.
There are many ways to sustain coworking spaces, and it does not require major adjustments. With minor tweaks and changes, workspaces can become better.
6 Ways to Sustain Coworking Spaces
Here are the best ways to make your workspace greener.
1. Ensure Energy Efficiency
Electricity and water supplies are two of the most important things for work. You need water to keep you hydrated while working on projects, while the electricity is to power up computers and other essential devices.
Power outages can happen anytime. Buying a generator can help, but it also emits carbon. The most efficient is to install solar panels as they can provide enough power to ensure business operations.
Additionally, electrical contractor software can be instrumental in managing the energy-efficiency of a coworking space. This software can allow for comprehensive service management, enhancing the overall effectiveness of all electrical systems. This can certainly aid in project planning, tracking energy usage, and optimizing efficiency across all power-related processes, from lighting to the operation of technical devices.
Another essential piece of equipment for your workspace is the heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, they highly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.
We can integrate data-tracking tools, such as explainable AI toolsor predictive maintenance software with the HVAC systems to become more carbon-efficient. The tools will collect the data regarding energy usage patterns and identify areas where you can improve. This can help you create plans to reduce carbon emissions.
We can integrate data-tracking tools, such as explainable AI tools or predictive maintenance software with the HVAC systems to become more carbon-efficient. The tools will collect the data regarding energy usage patterns and identify areas where you can improve. This can help you create plans to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Encourage Greener Commuting
When going to work, people usually drive their cars or take public transportation. Riding trains and buses is considered green, but it’s more eco-friendly when you ride a bicycle or walk.
Cycling and walking greatly contributes to reducing carbon emission and making the coworking space more sustainable. Their benefits do not stop from lessening the air pollution as it also helps in keeping our physical and mental health conditions well.
Shower facilities in workspaces are helpful. After you ride your electric bicycle kit or walk, you’d most likely sweat. To have a fresher mind, taking a shower is necessary.
Parking spaces for bicycles and lockers should also be secure. You can use digital locks that require fingerprints to unlock them. Since fingerprints are unique, people would feel safer about their belongings.
3. Promote Recycling
Recycling is probably one of the most common things to do when it comes to making workspaces greener. However, not all people are proactive about it. Others don’t make an effort to segregate recyclables and non-recyclables.
Placing a trash bin by each desk can help, but it’s much better if you use a centralized recycling area. You label them with large and colorful prints, so people will see what the trash bin is for.
Using intelligent trash cans is also efficient. People wouldn’t mind checking the container if it’s already full. Instead, the machine will automatically seal the garbage bag attached to it, ready for disposal.
In the case of electronics or other pieces of equipment, disposing of them properly is essential as they can leak toxins harmful to the environment.
4. Go Digital on Paperwork
Printing memos, reminders, updated guidelines, and other documents aren’t necessary. Most paperwork nowadays can be sent through emails.
Instead of reminding each member about the meeting, you can send them emails along with the agenda. If it’s a regular meeting, using automation is a great way.
Some tools can send schedules to members automatically. Once sent, you can set another automation for a reminder of what other things they need to bring.
People can easily access their emails through phones and can answer them any time of the day. You won’t need to use paper and ink, plus, there’s no need for you to visit them individually as the messages can be sent by batch.
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5. Use Reusable Materials
One minor thing workers usually do is use non-reusable materials. For instance, when they use a coffee machine, they pour their hot coffee into a paper cup. After drinking, they’d throw it away.
Instead of using paper cups, use ceramic mugs that they can reuse. They just need to wash it. Just make sure that there is a sink to wash the cups or dishes. It would be better if there is a dishwasher with AI, as you can schedule its usage, allowing more control.
Since we are tackling coffee machines, you can use coffee makers with AI technology. You can simply connect them on your mobile devices and you won’t need to stand from your desk as the machine will take care of it for you.
6. Put Some Office Plants
Indoor plants strongly help in reducing air pollution in coworking offices. Not only will you have better air quality inside your workplace, but also it’ll help improve the workforce’s productivity.
Each member will be able to focus more on their tasks as the plants replenish our capacity for attention. Looking at pictures of nature alone can help. Imagine what a wall of plants in your office gives you.
Indoor plants are also good stress relievers. It gives us the feeling of being away from heavy tasks that cause stress and anxiety.
You can either place a small plant on each desk or designate a specific area where you can put the plants. Although it is not necessary, it’s best to put the plants visible to the employees.
If the building has a rooftop or balcony, you can utilize the area to put outdoor plants.
Make Your Coworking Spaces More Sustainable: Go Green
Making your coworking offices greener gives you and the members plenty of benefits. Aside from contributing to the lessening of carbon emissions, the customers will be able to have a more relaxing environment and cleaner air to breathe. Thus, making them more productive.
With the simple ways above, your coworking space will surely become more sustainable, and the people working there would appreciate the effort of making them feel more comfortable.
Need more guidance on setting off on a sustainability journey as a coworking space owner? Read Amy King’s interview! She is a wonder woman and a pioneer in creating sustainable shared environments where people work and live in harmony with nature.
