In a world where sustainability and social responsibility are becoming central, the role of workspaces is evolving. Offices are no longer simply places of activity, but are becoming true strategic levers for achieving your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. Discover how to transform your offices into concrete ESG assets.
1. Reduce your offices' carbon footprint
Companies are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Buildings alone account for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions (source: Global Status Report 2022).
Here's how your offices can contribute:
- Energy optimisation
Install smart energy management systems to reduce unnecessary consumption. For example, a medium-sized company can reduce its electricity bill by 30% by installing sensors to automate lighting and air conditioning.
- Sustainable development
Prioritise recycled or certified sustainable materials such as FSC wood or low-VOC paints. For example, tech giant Google uses 100% recycled materials for its London offices, achieving BREEAM Outstanding certification.
- Waste reduction
Implement zero-waste policies, such as recycling points or eliminating single-use plastics.
2. Create an inclusive and healthy work environment
The social aspect of the ESG strategy is based on improving working conditions and creating an inclusive environment.
- Employee well-being
Companies that have invested in ergonomic offices see a 15% increase in productivity (source: Harvard BusinessReview). For example, at Microsoft France, the integration of relaxation and collaborative areas in their Issy-les-Moulineaux offices has improved employee satisfaction by 30%, according to an internal survey, and reduced absenteeism.
- Inclusivity and accessibility
Guarantee accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM standards). Or, adopt a universal design approach to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
- Mental health and well-being
Integrate dedicated spaces for disconnection, such as meditation areas or indoor gardens. Spotify, for example, has designed a green space in its New York offices, improving the overall well-being of its teams.
3. Adopt responsible governance throughout your offices
Responsible governance requires transparency and choices aligned with your values.
- Committed partners
Select suppliers who share your ESG values. For example, you can collaborate with local companies for interior design to reduce the carbon footprint related to transportation.
- Certifications and reporting
Obtain recognised certifications (LEED, BREEAM) for your buildings. This can also improve investor perception, as certified companies are 20% more likely to attract ESG capital (source: PwC).
- Collaborative governance
Involve your employees in the design and management of spaces. It has become common to organise collaborative workshops to define design priorities.
4. Case Studies: Concrete ESG Transformations
Case 1: SME – Reducing Environmental Impact
- Actions: Installing rooftop solar panels, transitioning to shared office space to limit unused space.
- Result: A 20% reduction in annual carbon footprint.
Case 2: Large Company – Investing in Well-being
- Actions: Creating green spaces, implementing coworking areas to strengthen collaboration.
- Result: 25% improvement in employee satisfaction, according to an internal survey.
Case 3: Startup – Aligning with ESG Governance
- Actions: Obtaining LEED Gold certification, choosing local maintenance providers.
- Result: Strengthened image among investors and customers.
5. Why integrate your offices into your ESG strategy?
An office aligned with your ESG objectives offers numerous benefits:
- Environmental: reduced emissions and operational costs.
- Social: improved well-being, increased productivity and talent retention.
- Governance: increased transparency and stakeholder trust.
Offices are no longer just an expense item. When well-designed, they become drivers of sustainable and strategic change. At Squareful, we help you design and manage workspaces aligned with your ESG values with our expertise.
Ready to transform your offices? Contact our experts to find out how to integrate ESG into your spaces.
