_The New Workplace Journal: ESG and the growing importance of circular economy in today’s workplace
As the ripples of the pandemic continue to be felt, the flux generated can serve as opportunities for companies to alter their business models through innovative, cost-effective workplace design.
In their commitment to building a sustainable future, businesses are increasingly mindful that inefficient resource management could lead to the unnecessary generation of waste. Inherently, a circular workplace and zero-cost innovation have become intrinsically linked.
The concept of a circular workplace is linked to the production and consumption model of a circular economy. Its ethos: that raw materials mined should create articles and products that enjoy multiple life cycles or the longest lifespan they possibly can have.
To achieve this, a holistic approach that marries the power of workplace strategy and design is essential. It calls for a plan that aligns business goals, people, and the workplace to optimise performance and productivity, complemented by smart design to create an environment that supports the needs and well-being of the people who use it, and with minimal environmental impact.
We propose three strategies for success:
1. Right-sizing the footprint and reducing consumption
Companies can rationalise space planning and right-size their real estate footprint with a well-considered workplace strategy. Analysing space utilisation, implementing flexible work arrangements, designing for multi-purpose use, and reducing energy consumption are instrumental first steps. Consumption and waste may be further reduced through policies and practices to encourage employees to use fewer resources such as implementing the use of reusable water bottles and coffee cups in office pantries, encouraging file sharing as an alternative to paper printouts, and establishing a recycling and composting programme.
2. Designing for reuse and recycling
Furniture and space designed to be modular, durable, and easy to repair or repurpose herald a new level of spatial agility. Think carpet tiles made from recycled materials, and furniture made from reclaimed wood – the possibilities are endless. Change management can support these initiatives by programming multi-use spaces, promoting a culture of sustainability and educating employees on the importance of reuse and recycling.
3. Adopting closed-loop systems
Workplace strategy and design can support closed-loop systems by designing spaces and services to minimise waste and support circularity. For example, a furniture leasing program with a return option at the end of its lifecycle when items can be refurbished and reused, or a waste reduction programme to promote the use of refillable hand soap and purchase of bulk snacks.
For these strategies to work, employee engagement is vital. Circular thinking needs to be entrenched in business goals, so much so that the art of sustainability becomes second nature from the top down. Maintaining the status quo is no longer sufficient, more action must be taken now for the good of the environment, as well as our business communities.
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