10 Best Ways To Create A More Sustainable Office Space

October 13, 2023

Wondering how to ramp up the cool factor in your office while also doing a favor for the environment?

You're not alone. These days, both big corporations and vibrant small businesses are embracing a shift toward office sustainability.

The days of sad cubicles and flickering fluorescents disappeared with dial-up internet. Today’s modern workplace is bustling with sustainable office designs. But it’s not just a trend. It's a smart business strategy — one that seamlessly blends cost-efficiency with caring for our planet.

Ready to take the leap and redefine what a modern, eco-friendly office can look like? Let’s embark on this green journey where innovation meets sustainability, and every step makes a significant impact.

Q: How can I make an office eco-friendly?

A: Start with LED lights.

Discover how to make your office eco-friendly by starting with your lighting. The spotlight is on swapping energy-guzzling incandescent bulbs with the dazzling brilliance of LED lights. Switching to LED lights can lighten your financial load. The numbers don't lie — investing in LED technology translates to remarkable energy efficiency and a noticeable reduction in those hefty electricity bills.

The multi-functional Alumina Lamp features a distinctive LED bulb with a 3-year warranty, making it a great choice for an eco-friendly office.

Q: What’s an easy way to embrace the benefits of green office spaces?

A: Freshen up with indoor plants.

Sprucing up your sustainable office space is as simple as adding a dash of greenery. Indoor plants aren't just for show. They can also purify the air, making every breath you take a little bit fresher.

Plants are also known morale boosters, injecting a dose of happiness into the workspace. Imagine a lush, green office that's a calming treat for the eyes and a haven for clean air. Plants aren’t just an important design element — they’re a pathway to office sustainability.

Alumina Lamp

Q: How can I make the office more sustainable?

A: Find the temperature sweet spot.

Another great way to protect the environment? Embrace a temperate oasis — where it's not too hot and not too cold. Striking a balance between heating and cooling helps keep everyone happy, and it's exactly how to make the office more sustainable.

Maintain your HVAC system with love and care, ensuring it doesn't have to work overtime, which can save both energy and money. This tiny step in sustainable office design guarantees a comfortable, eco-friendly workspace where everyone can thrive without shivering or breaking a sweat.

UMA Audio Lantern

Q: How does furniture play a role in a sustainable office?

A: Level up your office with eco-conscious furniture.

When upgrading your workspace, consider going for furniture that's not just stylish but also has longevity and versatility built right in.

Opt for quality pieces like our Upside Sit-to-Stand Desk, a design that blends aesthetics and purpose. Upside is GREENGUARD Gold® certified. That means it has low VOC emissions, giving you healthier air quality in your space. Plus, it’s designed to be resistant to stains and moisture. Because life happens, even when you’re grinding away on a spreadsheet.

Q: What's one quick win for office sustainability?

A: Invest in reusable kitchenware.

The benefits of green office spaces also extend to the kitchen — and it’s time to ditch the disposables. Elevating your kitchen space with stylish and reusable items is a smart way to reduce waste. Not only do these upgrades serve as eco-friendly office essentials, but they also pave the way for a trendier and more sustainable office space. Invest in glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and wood items for a stylish, environmentally friendly kitchen.

Q: How can we avoid harmful toxins?

A: Clean eco-consciously.

By opting for eco-conscious cleaning routines, you’re taking steps toward an eco-friendly office. Swap out those harsh chemicals for green cleaning products, or whip up your own using common items like vinegar or lemon juice. Make the switch to reusable microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes, and you'll be combating dirt and grime while doing your part to help protect the planet. Regular maintenance of appliances and fixtures can also prevent the need for heavy-duty cleaners down the line. By making these small tweaks, you'll be creating a sustainable office space that's as keen on cleanliness as it is on protecting the environment.

Q: What are the best ways to help the environment?

A: Start with your commute.

Who isn’t fed up with the frustrations of bumper-to-bumper traffic during their morning commute? (Not to mention the cloud of emissions that each car releases.)

Why not turn that around and champion a greener way to get to work? Encourage your team to carpool, bike, or take public transport by offering incentives. A nudge towards eco-friendly options not only eases road congestion but also makes a dent in reducing your carbon footprint.

Q: Beyond the basics: what more can my office do?

A: Consider hybrid work models.

Consider removing commutes from the equation a few days a week. The hybrid work model is a champion of the modern sustainable office. If you can make it work for your business, the benefits go way beyond reducing daily transportation and its carbon footprint.

It's not just about saving on gas — this approach helps reduce the need for daily office resources too (think things like single-use coffee cups). And guess what? Employees are enjoying a mix of flexibility and social interaction, which can amp up job satisfaction and productivity.

Veda Mid-Back Chair

Q: What's the next big thing in sustainable offices?

A: Join the circular economy.

Looking to make an impact with sustainable offices? Ditch the old “take, make, use, discard” routine and usher in a fresh approach to running your business. Welcome to the circular economy, where waste takes a back seat, and reuse and regeneration are the stars of the show.

By weaving in practices that encourage recycling and repurposing in your sustainable office space, you're not just being a friend to the planet, but you’re also setting the stage for financial rewards. Opt for furniture with a second (or third) life, and foster a culture of repair and reuse. Stepping into the circular economy isn't just a trend — it's the smart way to a greener office.

Q: How can I increase the impact of sustainable offices?

A: Support eco-friendly businesses.

A green future is a collaborative effort. That's why it’s important for businesses to support other businesses that prioritize sustainability.

When you put your money into products or services from a company that prioritizes eco-friendly practices, you're casting a vote for sustainability. Everyone wins. You get the goods, and the planet gets a break. Plus, the more people who support sustainable businesses, the more those businesses can invest in even greener innovations. It encourages the entire market to step up its eco-game.

Just like you, we're doing our best to foster a healthier planet. At Haworth, sustainability isn't just a buzzword. It's a pledge that’s deeply embedded in our daily operations and ethos.

Our zero-waste headquarters in Holland, Michigan is where eco-magic happens every day. Not a single sticky note from a brainstorming session ends up in a landfill. And lunch leftovers? They find new life too — just not in a garbage bin.

Our passion for the planet also extends to our innovative products, like our Zody Office Chair and Zody Upholstered Office Chair. Both seating options proudly sport the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze badge, signifying they meet rigorous environmental standards for products designed for a second life after their initial use.

And we’re not stopping anytime soon. We have ambitious goals set for 2025, including sourcing all our wood sustainably and flipping the switch to 100% renewable energy. We're all geared up to make waves in the industry.

Zody Office Chair

Alumina Lamp

Upside Sit-to-Stand Desk

Elements Monitor Stand

Now It’s Your Turn: The Best Ways to Create a Sustainable Office

What is a sustainable office? It's not just a trend — it's a movement. One with ripple effects that touch our environment, community, and conscience. You have the power to turn the tide and create a workspace that stands as a beacon of hope and green innovation. Implement these tips and you won’t just be asking “What is a sustainable office?” You'll be working in one.

Dive in and shop our collection of sustainably made design. Together, we can pave the path to a brighter, greener future. Shop now.