Being smart around relocating with sustainability in mind is not only ‘the right thing to do’ but can reap a wealth of rewards in terms of cost savings, employee engagement and planet friendly solutions. Active Workplace Group has decades of experience in embedding sustainable practice into relocations and are pleased to offer our point of view and advice to businesses that wish to green relocate. In this, article we offer a brief outline of the key considerations but please reach out for more no-obligation advice.
A New Sustainable Office
Where you land is key. From industry benchmarks and datasets (including large UK datasets on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) vs energy use, a workable benchmark is that an A rated office will use 120 kWh/m²· annually where a C rated office will use 180 kWh/m². This simple of measure of difference in energy intensity seriously adds up over hundred of square meters and who doesn’t want energy bills that are 40 to 50 percent lower?
Energy saving measures can almost always be added retrospectively but knowing what you are looking for in prospective real estate is a quicker win. Insulation, glazing, solar panel installations and optimal HVAC are simple fabric measures that will make a difference to your energy bills.
Supporting Green Travel
Getting your employees to work in the most planet-friendly way possible requires a richness of commuting options. Public transport links are essential, but commute measures can go further with Electric Vehicle charging points, bike parking, shower facilities for walkers, runners and cyclists. Selecting a building that offers as many of these as possible will encourage sustainable travel and show that your business is willing to support its workforce to be more green in their working time.
Reuse/Recycle and Avoid Waste
Active has a wealth of networks that support the circular economy and are proud to be able to offer relocations that result in zero landfill of existing assets such as our recent relocation for Frasers which you can read about here. An asset survey that pinpoints what can be reused, repurposed or recycled into charitable donations is the backbone of our relocation projects.
Sustainable Sourcing
It is also not just about how unwanted furniture and equipment can re-enter the circular economy but also about finding the most sustainable options for any new or additional furniture requirements. At Active we have a brilliant network of sources for second life furniture and equipment. We also have skilled craftsmen and women who can customise furniture, reupholster and upcycle to get a new lease of life from precious investments. For our client at Telemos, we sourced and French polished a beautiful. but tired, second-hand boardroom table back to its former glory as a high-quality statement piece that would have cost a fortune to buy new. Happy client, happy planet.
Smart Packing & Loading
When it comes to the physical move – working smart pays dividends in climate-friendly savings of time, energy and fuel. Every Active move we conduct is carefully optimised to minimise freight, journey mileage and crew travel. Years of experience has taught us exactly how to load and travel – we often move hundreds of employees in a very short space of time, even on occasion during working hours. It truly is an art form but saves tonnes of carbon in petrol and diesel.
Thinking of Moving?
As a final note, relocations can feel daunting without adding in sustainable considerations. Partnering with a relocations expert who knows how to get the job done in the most sustainable way possible could be the most planet-friendly choice you make.
Have an office move on the horizon, or just want to find out more?
Get in touch!
📞 0118 944 2903
✉️ hello@activeworkplacegroup.co.uk