Circular Workplace Design

What is Circular Workplace Design?

We grew up in a linear economy – take, make, use, dispose. As the climate crisis makes regular headlines and initiates new laws, we are working to create a circular economy.

Reuse, repair, recover, recycle, design, make, use.

Our mindsets are slowly changing. Individuals challenge companies to source sustainably, reuse or repurpose instead of waste. First of all, we all need to be proactive rather than reactive. Even more so as a company, which can have a big impact when it takes responsibility of its actions. The best time to implement changes is when big changes are happening already. Take the opportunity when relocating/redesigning/restructuring to design with a circular workplace in mind.

Why be Circular?

Other than the obvious of reducing your environmental impact, desining a circular workplace comes with many other benefits…

Cost saving. Being circular can reduce procurement and operational costs. Purchasing refurbished goods, purchasing fewer materials and paying lower waste management fees willl reduce costs. Being agile will prevent the costs of replacing or reconfiguring for future changes.

Corporate social responsibility. Donating existing products to charities to reuse in their offices will create a community and engage stakeholders who believe in brand values and purpose.

How to Design a Circular Workplace

1. Do you need to relocate or can you rennovate?
2. If you relocate, reuse an existing space. According to WRAP, a new construction creates 83% more waste per 100m2 than a refurbishment project.
3. Undertake an audit of what is actually needed to reduce over ordering (saving money and being more efficient). Reuse existing furniture. It’s worth noting that soft furniture, such as seating or ‘booths’ can only be reused if the fire labels are still attached, so don’t remove those when first placing furniture on floors.
4. Think about how to dispose of existing items you don’t need. Can you donate them to a charity? Can you work with an ethical clearance specialist such as Waste to Wonder?
5. Create a design brief with circular workplace in mind. Circular Workspace objectives and requirements should be highlighted in the design brief.
6. Design an agile office. Being flexible will allow you to adapt to everchanging future needs. This willl reduce the need to buy new products, dispose of old products and knock down/build new spaces. This approach will also reduce costs. Consider modular products, flexible partitions, multi-use spaces and mobile furniture. Plan cabling to be able to redesign the office without having to recable.
7. Outdoor areas can be made green.
8. Provide technology. Reduce paper by providing digital training for your employees and screens for presentations. Reduce travel by encouraging video conferencing and ensure this techonology is reliable.
9. Finally, take care with your product selection. Look for materials and products that are repurposed or recycled. Check if the products can be fully recyclable. You could even look at leasing furniture.

Interface achieve Mission Zero^® and are now working toward the goal of Climate Take Back™

Let’s go full circle… Get in touch to see how we can help you deliver a circular office!