Workspace for Today’s Workforce:
The Path to Net-Zero

The momentum behind sustainability initiatives is still growing. Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) maintains a database of over 7,000 companies taking action on climate change, and within that dataset, 99% of those which have set Net Zero targets have done so since 20222. While the European Union and United Kingdom combined have the largest number of commitments, Asia Pacific has seen the greatest proportional growth in companies setting targets.  

Aside from occupying buildings with high sustainability credentials, there are additional measures that corporates can take to improve their workspaces. This comes through gaining accreditation for fit out design. LEED, WELL and Fitwell are three of the leading measures that have been adopted across the world. Seeking accreditation brings several benefits. One is they detail requirements to meet standards for the occupied space, providing a roadmap of what needs to be achieved. These standards bring clarity to understanding the operational performance of spaces. In addition, they are globally adopted, so multinational corporations can set common performance requirements across their entire portfolio.   

Many of the metrics analysed for such certifications dovetail with requirements for a healthy and inclusive environment. These include assessments of air, light and thermal systems, as well as healthy food availability, green purchasing, wellbeing and mental health. Green spaces have continually been proven to drive superior outcomes including higher cognitive performance, lower levels of sickness, higher productivity and greater creativity.