The Importance of Sustainability in Office Design

As UK businesses set ambitious targets to reduce their carbon footprints and improve the sustainability of their operations, prioritising sustainability in office design is one of the best ways for businesses to prove that their initiatives are much more than just a marketing tagline.

If your business is overdue for a commercial refurbishment then here is everything you need to know when planning your sustainable office design project, including the current sustainability standards and guidelines for 2025.

Energy Efficiency Standards for Commercial Buildings

In April 2023, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were amended to prevent non-residential buildings from being leased unless they have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of at least E.

Commercial buildings had previously only been required to hold an EPC rating of just F or G, but since these stricter standards were implemented, commercial landlords have had to increase their energy-efficient efforts. This includes improving insulation, upgrading lighting fixtures, and prioritising energy savings across a “whole building” approach, and all properties must demonstrate their commitment to improving their energy performance and achieving a high EPC rating.

Future proposals also highlight the national commitment to commercial energy efficiency and the ongoing importance of the MEES. The Net Zero Review (a government-commissioned report) recommends that the current minimum EPC rating be raised to:

⦁ Band C by 2027

⦁ Then again to Band B in 2030

It is estimated that up to 85% of all rented commercial properties across the UK will need to actively improve their energy performance to meet these updated EPC standards in time - so, make sure that you are prepared to meet these increasing standards in your own commercial redesign project.

UK Net Zero Building Standard

The UK government has committed to achieving national net zero targets by 2050, and the excessive carbon footprints of the construction and commercial property sectors currently present a huge barrier to this.

Before 2022, the rules, regulations and even definitions around net zero targets were not consistent and the need for a single, agreed framework for all parties to adhere to was apparent. To support businesses in their efforts to achieve carbon neutral status, the plan to deliver the UK Net Zero Building Standard was announced in 2022 and the pilot version was launched in September 2024.

This Standard was established through collaboration between industry experts and offers consistent information and metrics for any party that wants to verify whether a building currently adheres to the UK’s carbon standards, or research what can be done to achieve a net zero carbon target. It outlines the metrics that must be met, the technical evidence needed, and the reporting process that must be followed to verify that a building has met these targets, so if you’re interested in exploring the overall footprint of your workplace, either before or after your redesign project, then this new Standard has all the information you need.

Sustainable Office Design Ideas

The nationwide push towards sustainability in office design cannot be denied, but it doesn’t have to be an ambitious, large-scale undertaking - it can be as simple as:

Using recycled materials: Reduce the demand for new materials by using recycled or reclaimed materials across your office, including glass, wood, brick, stones, and metal.

Opting for reclaimed furniture: Stop high quality furniture and materials from being sent to landfill and reduce commercial waste by giving old furniture a new home in your design.

Choosing renewable energy: If possible, make the switch to fossil-fuel-free operations and opt for renewable energy sources to power your operations.

Upgrading existing facilities: Retrofit your fixtures and systems with energy-efficient ones as needed, rather than installing new ones.

Meeting requirements: Be sure to improve the building's energy efficiency to at least an EPC C rating (preferably a B) in line with the changing standards.

Prioritising Sustainability in Office Design

Ready to balance performance, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability in office design this summer?

Contact us today to discuss your refurbishment project needs with a member of our team, or to find out more about our office design services, today.