How do you choose sustainable materials for your workplace?

1 What are sustainable materials?

Sustainable materials are those that have minimal negative impact on the environment and human health throughout their life cycle. This means they are sourced, produced, transported, used, and disposed of in ways that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, emissions, and toxicity, and support social and economic well-being. Some examples of sustainable materials are recycled, reclaimed, renewable, biodegradable, or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products.

2 Why use sustainable materials?

Using sustainable materials for your workplace can offer you a wide range of advantages. For instance, it can improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals, while also creating a pleasant and stimulating environment that promotes comfort, well-being, and productivity. Additionally, it can save money and energy in the long run by reducing maintenance, replacement, and utility costs. Finally, using sustainable materials can boost your reputation and credibility by showing your commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which will help you attract customers, employees, and partners who share your values.

3 How to assess sustainable materials?

When selecting materials for your workplace, you should evaluate their sustainability performance in terms of source, production, transportation, use, and disposal. Consider where the material comes from and if it has a certification or label verifying its origin and quality. Also, investigate the processes, technologies, and inputs used in production, as well as the energy, water, and waste generated. Additionally, analyze the means of transportation to your location and the fuel and emissions involved. Furthermore, consider the installation and maintenance of the material, its durability, functionality, adaptability, and effect on indoor environment. Finally, make sure you can reuse, recycle or compost the material at the end of its life without creating too much landfill space or pollution.

4 How to compare sustainable materials?

Once you have assessed the sustainability of different materials, you can compare them based on your needs, preferences, and budget. You can use tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) or environmental product declaration (EPD) to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of materials across their life cycle. You can also use rating systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or WELL (Well Building Standard) to measure and certify the sustainability of your workplace design and construction.

5 How to find sustainable materials?

Finding sustainable materials for your workplace may require some research, planning, and creativity. To start, you can check the availability and prices of sustainable materials in your local market or online, as well as look for suppliers or manufacturers who specialize in sustainable products or offer customization options. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations and references from other businesses, designers, or consultants who have experience with sustainable materials or projects. It's also worth exploring alternative or innovative materials that may suit your needs and style; for example, bamboo, cork, hemp for flooring, walls, or furniture; bioplastics, biocomposites, or biophilic design elements for accessories, lighting, or art. Ultimately, choosing sustainable materials for your workplace is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor that can help create a positive and lasting impact on the environment and your business. We hope this article has given you some useful tips and insights to help you get started and make the best choices for your workplace.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?