Green spaces are any urban area with trees, grass, shrubbery, or flowers. These include parks, gardens, and landscaped areas around buildings.
They offer multiple co-benefits like carbon sequestration and water filtration. They also reduce air pollution by intercepting pollutants and reducing noise levels.
Space sustainability involves ensuring that commercial activities in space don’t cause excessive damage to the pristine environment or indigenous populations. One way to achieve this is using the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR).
Green Spaces
A growing number of companies seek workspace solutions that combine adaptability and sustainability. Shipping container offices offer compact, mobile, and cost-effective packages. These innovative offices are built from repurposed cargo containers, originally designed to transport goods globally. The repurposed structures can be modified to include everything you need for your work environment, including solar water and power systems, insulation, doors, windows, and flooring.
The construction process of a shipping container office is also eco-friendly. Instead of using wood materials that off-gas toxic fumes and require heavy maintenance, these structures are made from a sturdy, repurposed metal framework. They’re also more energy efficient because they can be adequately insulated from the start.
Shipping container offices are more cost-effective to construct and maintain than traditional office buildings. Additionally, their modular design makes it easier to make modifications as your business grows or changes.
Repurposing shipping containers as office spaces isn’t just environmentally friendly; it also aligns with the upcycling trend. These enormous steel containers would otherwise gather rust in landfills or junkyards. The repurposed offices can be transported between projects and job sites with relative ease, making them an ideal solution for industries that need temporary or mobile office space. They’re also more cost-efficient than conventional construction and can be shipped nationwide with little effort.
Green Infrastructure
Shipping containers are in surplus worldwide, and some forward-thinking businesses are turning them into green office spaces. It is a sustainable construction method that reduces waste by repurposing shipping containers, and it also minimizes energy costs since the structure is built from recycled materials.
Additionally, the design of a container office allows for easy installation of HVAC systems, solar water and electrical panels, and insulation to ensure a comfortable indoor climate. These features also reduce building-related carbon emissions, promoting further sustainability.
In addition to their environmental benefits, container offices offer a range of functional advantages for businesses looking for innovative workspaces. They can be customized to fit various business needs, from simple layouts to furnished office spaces. They are also an excellent option for companies that are on the move frequently, as they can be set up quickly and relocated with minimal disruption to operations.
The trend of adopting flexible workspaces and environmentally conscious designs will continue as more businesses realize its immense value and benefits.
Biophilic Design
People who live or work in an environment surrounded by nature are energized and productive throughout the day. This innate attraction to nature is the inspiration behind the biophilic design movement.
The word “biophilia” originates in the Greek language and means “love of life.” Biophilic design incorporates this love into the construction of buildings. It aims to reconnect humans with the natural world by incorporating natural elements and patterns into built spaces. It can be accomplished by bringing greenery indoors, creating outdoor space, or using raw materials and textures.
Many companies use biophilic design strategies to meet sustainability goals and to create more engaging work environments for their employees. For example, Plantworks has found that workers who work in green workspaces have an increased ability to focus and problem-solve. “One way to enhance mental and physical well-being is by fostering a deeper connection with nature.
The most common ways of implementing biophilic design into office structures include:
- Integrating plant-filled walls.
- Creating open-air sanctuaries like roof gardens or exterior stairwells.
- Using natural materials.
Wood may be the most popular, as it evokes a sense of nature in many ways. It can also frame windows, create ceiling designs, and even provide circadian lighting.
Energy Efficiency
A growing emphasis on sustainability in commercial real estate (CRE) is helping companies achieve their business goals while taking environmental measures. CRE can improve their space while creating healthy work environments by using green spaces, repurposing shipping containers, and using low-VOC materials.
Shipping container offices are an excellent way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint because they use repurposed materials rather than new construction. They also allow for easy retrofitting of energy-saving components like high-efficiency windows, insulation, and solar panels. These elements help to keep buildings running more efficiently and cut utility bills on a month-to-month basis.
Portability: Shipping containers are designed to go everywhere, so they’re a perfect option for companies needing office space on multiple project sites or relocating their workspace. Whether you opt for a modular office building or a standard portable shipping container, your office can move with your team, giving you the flexibility you need.
Many portable shipping containers are available in a dual office layout, giving you two private offices separated by floor-to-ceiling walls. It is a good option for small to medium teams who prefer privacy or larger companies that need more office space. These models typically feature a bathroom and HVAC system in addition to the two offices.