“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” -Robert Swan, Author
In the ever changing world of business and organizations, concepts like marketing strategies, productivity and cash flow are discussed on a daily basis. One such trend in the business world is coworking space.
A coworking space features world class amenities which make it better than traditional office spaces. You can witness new approaches and amenities in the coworking spaces being introduced frequently. Let’s find out what is the latest trend in the coworking industry that is making all the difference in the business world.
So, the latest trend which is attracting lots of people towards coworking spaces is the concept of Green Workspaces. You must be having various questions like- What is a green workspace?
How is it any different than a regular workspace? What are its benefits? How can we make our workspace green? Why is it the future of coworking? Let’s find out answers to all your questions.
What is a Green Workspace?
If a workspace implements sustainable and cost-efficient methods to have environmentally sensitive, then it is called a green workspace. Green workspaces are the need of the hour, they not only contribute to saving the planet but also increase the productivity of any startup or business.
Green Workspaces are more lively than regular coworking spaces. So, it won’t be wrong to say that Green Workspaces are the future of the coworking industry.
Benefits of a Green Workspace
- A green workspace has comparatively lesser operating cost.
- Elimination of toxins ensures a safe environment for the employees & staff members.
- Improves occupant productivity.
- It promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing an improved indoor air quality.
- Carbon Footprint is reduced because a lesser amount of waste is produced.
How to transform your coworking space into a green workspace?
Here are some of the ways of transforming your workspace into a green workspace. Come, let’s take a ride on the green side!
Reduce Water Usage: Encourage people to use water in a limited amount to reduce its usage in the workspace. Restrict the flow of water from taps while washing hands in the washroom. Many workspaces are using rainwater harvesting plants to use rainwater efficiently. This is one of the best methods to save water.
Natural Cleaning Supplies: Order the staff members to use natural cleaning supplies for doing the dishes, wiping counters and mopping floors. Some of the natural cleaning supplies include white vinegar, lemons, baking soda, natural salt and many others.
This way you can avoid the chemical residue which may be harmful. There are various green cleaning products in the market available these days easily. These products are made up of non-toxic, biodegradable and naturally derived ingredients which do not have any negative impact on the environment.
Use Recycled Paper: Recycled paper is the greenest option available because it can be recycled 4 to 5 times. It produces lower carbon emission than the non-recycled paper. So, using recycled toilet paper itself can make a huge impact. And also, start using recycled paper in the printer and copier. You can easily get recycled paper in the market at a very cheap price.
Save Electricity: There has been much noise about saving electricity but do we actually try to save it? It is the time we understand our responsibility towards the environment and start taking actions. Use LED lights in your workspace and install motion sensors on the lightings to reduce electricity consumption.
This way you can reduce electricity usage and bills. Try to work in the daylight as much as possible. There is no better way to save electricity if you can manage to work in the natural light. Make sure you have enough windows in your workspace to allow daylight in.
Install Plants: Walk into any big corporate office, you will see many indoor plants and vertical gardens that are installed to use the office space in a more aesthetic manner. It enhances productivity, creativity and fosters engagement.
It is not merely a trend anymore because now people do realize the importance of plants and greenery. Mostly, air purifier plants like Ficus, Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Snake Plant are installed in workspaces. A study says that installing plants in the workplace can increase 15% productivity among employees. Green must be declared as the official color of productivity.