What can you learn from the 'world's greenest office'?

A new office in London is paving the way for environmentally-friendly buildings everywhere. In 2017, Bloomberg’s headquarters opened in Square Mile and has been named the most sustainable office worldwide. The 1.1 million square foot complex, which uses 70 per cent less water and 40 per cent less energy than the average workplace, has achieved the highest rating yet against the BREEAM sustainability assessment. But what can we learn from the ‘world’s greenest office’? A brand message that is good for business The fundamental idea behind the new Bloomberg building is that going green not only benefits the environment, but business too. The hope is that the planet-friendly brand message and altruistic outlook will help to attract customers, clients and top talent. After all, a company that shows concern for social and environmental issues is likely to be far more appealing to potential business partners and employees than one that is solely profit-driven. Research has also shown that sustainable office design and green practices can stimulate workers and improve engagement. One study by office design specialist, Morgan Lovell, found that 72 per cent of UK office workers said a sustainable office was important to them, while 73 believed that it enhanced productivity. Consider the long term Another important lesson we can learn from the Bloomberg building is to avoid making decisions based on short term costs. While most CEO’s don’t have the luxury of a no-expense-spared attitude, considering the long term savings and longevity of a business is always a good idea. On the quest to become completely sustainable by 2025, the Bloomberg office has installed a number of high-tech features, such as 500,000 LED lights, toilets that use recycled rainwater, smart sensors that adjust airflow according to how many people are in the room, and gill-like cladding that acts as a natural ventilator. Over time, the company believes that these self-sufficient design elements will pay for themselves from the energy savings made. While many businesses will be unable to afford gadgets on this scale, it does nevertheless highlight the kind of investments that can help to minimise environmental impact and reduce operational costs in the long term. Focus on employee health and wellbeing The importance of promoting worker health is also gaining traction in the business world thanks to companies like Bloomberg. As well as energy-saving practices, the company heavily promotes worker health with sit-stand desks, cycle centres, a huge ‘living wall’, pedestrianised walkways and on-site wellness services. It is now well established that the healthier and happier a workforce, the more productive and efficient it will be. Even making small changes can work wonders for mental and physical health. For example, improving air quality with plants, making sure there’s lots of natural light and providing outdoor spaces can help to raise morale and stave-off ill-health. By following Bloomberg’s example, businesses stand to boost their green credentials, lower long term costs and build a more productive workforce, which in turn will bolster their bottom lines and give them a competitive edge.