Promotion: companies that prioritise sustainability in their office design are preferred by workers according to a report commissioned by developer Brookfield Properties and architecture studio Foster + Partners.

Named Design of the Workplace, the report reveals that 93 per cent of people working in an “environmentally friendly office” feel happier in their job. It was also found to boost workers’ productivity and wellbeing.

“The workplace of the future is about creating spaces that support a greater range of activities and diverse working practices while focusing on wellbeing and offering people a sense of community,” said senior partner at Foster + Partners, Dan Sibert.

“Allied to this is a thorough analysis of the building’s carbon footprint – both operational and embodied carbon.”

Natural ventilation and lighting important

The publication, which surveyed more than 3,000 office workers in the UK, was released by Brookfield Properties and Foster + Partners at the Ecocity World Summit conference.

Participants said a sustainable workplace design means having good quality air and natural ventilation, as well as natural lighting and recycling facilities.

However, a fast internet connection, effective heating control and adaptable desks and chairs were also important factors to employees.

“Since Covid-19, every aspect of the building design needs to show how it impacts human health,” said Foster + Partners deputy head of workplace consultancy, Grant Kanik. “Workers, particularly younger workers, want to know what the air filtration systems are like, they want to know what the fresh air return rates are.”

“They want to understand their lighting systems, not only if they are energy efficient, but also if they are healthy. Basically, they simply want control over their environment. And that is what buildings should deliver,” he continued.

Material reuse should be considered

According to Design of the Workplace, if factors such as natural lighting and recycling facilities are not considered in a workplace, happiness levels drop to 55 per cent.

Three in 10 office workers who participated also said they would consider leaving their job if their company were not committed to sustainability. However, as many as 65 per cent of office workers were unaware of their office’s carbon footprint, with 75 per cent wanting to know more about it.

Team also showcasing workspace installation

Foster + Partners deputy head of workplace consultancy Kanik said longevity is also key.

“There’s the inherent sustainability of a building – the carbon embodied, the design and the energy consumption that goes into our design parameters as a matter of course now. But I think real sustainability goes beyond that, it’s about longevity,” he said.

Alongside the report, Brookfield Properties and Foster + Partners are showcasing a co-designed workspace installation at Ecocity World Summit.

The installation includes new “climate-forward” products by Foster + Partners that will later be used at Brookfield Properties’ own workspaces.

“Design of the Workplace and our workstation installation at the Barbican in collaboration with Foster + Partners reflects the feedback from our occupiers and office workers generally,” said Brookfield Properties’ executive vice president, Dan Scanlon.

“There is a strong desire from companies and individuals to understand the carbon footprint of their workplace, and importantly how they can make meaningful reductions and deliver upon their own ESG goals.”

To download and read the report, visit Brookfield Properties’ website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Brookfield Properties as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.