To green or not to green: A sustainable office on a budget

Companies on the quest for sustainable office design often face a cost conundrum that throws a wrench in their green office plans.

More than half of market leaders surveyed by JLL in Asia Pacific (APAC) are actively pursuing sustainability design criteria in their offices, though one-third of them say that the decision to embrace sustainable design ultimately hinges on the overall project costs.

Despite budgetary limitations, companies are reluctant to settle for the status quo in today's fiercely competitive talent market. There is a prevailing sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), given the high stakes in the war for talent.

Particularly in markets where the return to office hasn’t yet fully materialised, the lack of investment in the office may inadvertently send the wrong message about the company's commitment to sustainability and raise questions about their dedication to employee wellbeing.

So, how should companies strike the optimal balance between budget and the implementation of sustainable office design?

In deciding the right green solutions to invest in, companies may fall prey to sustainability gimmicks.

Beyond budget, the true key should lie in impact. Before investing, it’s critical to weigh the environmental benefit and impact that a new solution brings, especially when it calls for the physical office space to be modified or adapted.

For instance, replacing furniture with accredited sustainable alternatives from overseas might sound good on paper, but the embodied carbon of production and transportation could negate any gains. Think local when it comes to the big items in a fit-out!

To navigate the balancing act between a green office and a tight budget, companies should first prioritise its most valuable resource: its people.

Focusing on solutions that matter most to them — tapping into their daily experiences and preferences for workspaces, for instance — will offer clues on where to start.

One way to gather feedback is through occupancy surveys. 

Insights into the intangible elements of the workplace experience, such as well-being initiatives, healthy food options, and learning and development opportunities, can inform design decisions that activate spaces for multiple purposes.

Whether it’s a place for community building or a venue for a broader spectrum of events, a well-located, well-designed space attracts the right mix of talent and events that foster positive brand equity and enhances the company’s intangible value.

To be sure, there will unlikely ever be a one-size-fits-all solution. But armed with this data, companies can focus on how to design the fit-outs and activate these spaces to achieve its sustainability goals, all without flashy upgrades and within the confines of the budget.