Sustainable Office Design Trends 2022: Embracing Eco-Friendly Innovations

A growing number of firms are adopting bio-based building materials, making it one of 2022’s most prominent emerging design trends. The built environment industry is shifting towards sustainable alternatives to combat climate change. With nearly 40% of global carbon emissions attributed to the built environment, there is a pressing need to focus on decarbonizing materials used in construction and fit-out processes. Operational emissions and embodied emissions contribute significantly to this carbon footprint.

Research from the Green Building Council highlights that operational emissions, stemming from powering, heating, and cooling buildings, make up 28% of the sector’s carbon output. On the other hand, 11% is generated by embodied emissions, associated with the extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and assembly of building materials. The urgency to address these emissions has sparked a movement within the industry. Developers, architects, and interior designers are increasingly turning to sustainable practices to mitigate climate impact.

The COP26 summit in November 2021 placed a spotlight on the built environment, with a significant focus on decarbonization commitments. Over 130 events at the summit were dedicated to tackling sustainability in the sector. Notably, 44 businesses, including prominent architecture firms, pledged to achieve net-zero carbon buildings. This commitment signifies a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of the built environment across various portfolios and business operations.

The 2022 office design trends emphasize sustainability as a core principle. These trends encompass a wide array of aspects, ranging from construction materials to the recycling of design elements. One key trend is the adoption of bio-based design materials such as wood, straw, and bamboo. These materials offer lower energy requirements and the potential to capture and store carbon through photosynthesis. Grosvenor Group’s Holbein Gardens project exemplifies this trend, utilizing low embodied carbon products like cross-laminated timber and CEMFREE Concrete.

Another innovative trend in sustainable office design is the integration of 3D printed office accessories. This method significantly reduces waste compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Bene’s bFriends collection showcases this approach, using 100% recycled bioplastic from waste food packaging. The products are designed for recyclability, aligning with a closed-loop production model that promotes sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

Biophilic design, a concept that connects humans with nature in the built environment, continues to evolve in 2022. Beyond incorporating plants, the focus now expands to multisensory experiences, including natural light, soundscapes, and scents. Circadian lighting, which mimics natural light patterns to support human biorhythms, is gaining popularity for its potential to enhance well-being and productivity in workplaces.

Embracing a circular economy model is another crucial trend in sustainable office design. This approach emphasizes sharing, reusing, repairing, and recycling materials to minimize waste. By partnering with circular-based suppliers like 2ndhnd, office designers can contribute to a more sustainable future. The growing awareness of sustainability, coupled with the challenges posed by the pandemic, has fueled a demand for circular economy practices in workspace design.

In conclusion, sustainable office design trends in 2022 reflect a collective effort within the industry to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices. By embracing bio-based materials, 3D printing, biophilic design, and circular economy principles, organizations can create healthier, more environmentally friendly workspaces. These trends not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also foster a culture of innovation and responsibility in the workplace.