A sustainable office space is increasingly necessary to address environmental challenges, reduce energy consumption and promote the health and well-being of those working in it.

Climate change and environmental degradation are urgent global issues. At Grup Efebé, we follow 6 principles throughout our projects to guarantee and promote sustainability in office design.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation

Whether you believe in a hybrid model (combining remote and in-office work) or a full return to the office, one common agreement is the need for healthy and sustainable office spaces that enhance both employee and environmental well-being.

To improve energy efficiency, it is essential to have good thermal insulation to maintain a pleasant and consistent temperature regardless of external conditions. Our sustainable office solutions, besides minimizing energy consumption, require the energy used to be generated by renewable energy systems. This can lead to significant savings in heating, cooling and acoustic conditioning costs. A more comfortable and quieter indoor environment contributes to reduced level of stress, and can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Proper thermal insulation can also help prevent condensation, humidity and mold formation, which can be harmful to our health.

Additionally, acoustic insulation helps reduce both external noise, such as traffic and construction, and internal noise from the office itself, ensuring a quiet environment that enhances employees’ quality of life.

Natural and Healthy Materials

Our sustainable office designs use materials that are suitable for our well-being as well as the environment. Some of the options we consider include:

• Wood: A natural and warm material that creates a cozy office environment. When sourced sustainably, wood comes from renewable sources, contributing towards creating a sustainable office space.
• Eco-friendly Paints: We work with eco-friendly products with low VOC content. These paints are made with natural ingredients and contain fewer harmful chemicals, improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to toxic substances. For instance, we often use photocatalytic paints that help improve indoor air quality.
• Natural Fabrics: Materials like organic cotton, linen, or silk used in curtains, upholstery and bedding can have health benefits. These materials are breathable, hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals, providing a pleasant tactile sensation while contributing to a healthier and sustainable office space.

Maximizing Natural Lighting

Efficient lighting design should maximize the use of natural light in the space. Here are some lightning strategies we employ in our sustainable office designs:

• We utilize sunlight by painting ceilings and walls in light colors.
• We use light intensity regulation and control systems with sensors.
• We incorporate LED or compact fluorescent lighting, which uses 90% less energy than conventional bulbs.
• We install motion detectors to centralize and automate the lighting system.

Natural Lighting in this Sustainable Office Space in Lisbon. Photography: Toni Santiso.

Naturalizing Spaces with Biophilic Office Design

In all our sustainable office solutions, direct contact between employees and nature is crucial.

• Biophilic Office Design: Focused on improving comfort and well-being as well as air quality. This includes integrating natural elements such as plants, water features and natural materials.
• Environmental Commitment: Encourages recycling and reuse, and values biodiversity. We implement waste reduction programs and promote the use of eco-friendly products.
• Urban Garden: Creates a new social and interactive environment with colleagues. Having an urban garden in the office space can foster teamwork and provide a relaxing break area.

Mechanical Ventilation System

An effective sustainable office design includes a mechanical ventilation system that ensures a constant supply of fresh, filtered air. This maintains an indoor environment with clean, contaminant-free air. Such a system uses fans and filters to extract stale indoor air and supply clean, healthy outdoor air. High-efficiency filters capture particles like dust, pollen, allergens, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants, preventing their dispersion in the office space. Maintaining optimal indoor air quality promotes the health and well-being of occupants, reducing the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and other adverse health effects related to poor air quality. Regular maintenance of this system is essential to ensure proper operation and periodic replacement of filters to keep indoor air quality at optimal levels.

Water Conservation in Sustainable Architecture

These are a few ideas to consider in sustainable architecture and interior design projects in order to enhance water conservation:

• Incorporate low-flow devices in faucets, showers and toilets to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.
• Install rainwater harvesting systems to capture and store rainwater.
• Use native or climate-adapted plants that require less water to stay healthy.
• Implement water monitoring systems to better control consumption and detect potential leaks or efficiency issues.
• Raise awareness of the importance of responsible water use among employees, customers and the community at large.

Contact us to discuss how to make your office more sustainable. Our sustainable office design specialists will accompany you from design to execution and beyond.