sustainability

What is BREEAM Certification? Sustainable Office Design in London

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A low-angle daytime view up at three towering skyscrapers in the London business district. The buildings are modern with glass facades shining with a turquoise hue under a cloudy sky. Modern London office buildings are leading the way when it comes to sustainable office design, many attaining Excellent or Outstanding BREEAM ratings. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

In the London commercial real estate market, sustainable office design is no longer a trend, but a defining factor. With growing pressure from regulatory requirements, corporate ESG commitments, and changing tenant expectations, demand for green office spaces has never been higher. As a result, businesses and landlords are rethinking their approach to office space.

One of the key ways they’re doing this is through BREEAM certification, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Originating in the UK, BREEAM is a guideline for sustainable building design that is now accepted as a gold standard the world over. But what exactly does BREEAM involve, and why does it matter for landlords and occupiers in the London office market? Let’s take a look at how London offices are going green through this accredited standard.

The Green Shift in London’s Office Market

The demand for sustainable office spaces in London has surged in recent years, driven by stronger enforcement of corporate responsibility schemes and stricter government regulations, such as Net Zero Commitments, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Requirements, and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

This has caused a shift in how commercial real estate is valued. For example, Grade A offices are now exclusively comprised of those that meet green criteria. As a result, landlords are prioritising green features that improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and create healthier working environments.

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Sustainable Workspaces: How Office Spaces in London Are Adopting Eco-Friendly Practices

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Artwork of interlocking leaves placed on a rustic white wall. Below is a white chair and desk with a silver closed laptop and small potted plant resting on it. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

During the past few years, environmental concerns have taken front stage in the UK’s construction market. This is a reflection of a generalised trend towards sustainability, which affects both residential and commercial existing space, including offices, as well as planned new builds. This trend mirrors the requirements and expectations of eco-conscious tenants and office occupiers, who are increasingly committed to sustainable workspace initiatives.

In this blog post, we explore the different ways in which office spaces in London are adopting eco-friendly and sustainable ventures, putting green innovation at the heart of the workplace.

6 Ways London Offices are Embracing Sustainable Practices

 1. Renewable energy

The adoption of green energy sources in business settings is not a new practice, but it has been gaining popularity over the years. It’s estimated that 60% of developers now approve of this measure. 

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Shining a Light on How Office Lighting Fuels Employee Creativity

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lights in an office space

The contemporary workspace is not merely a place where tasks are executed; it is an environment where creativity flourishes, ideas merge, and productivity thrives. The importance of the office environment in fostering productivity is an intricate web of factors, many of which are often overlooked. Among them, the role of lighting and office lights stands towards the top. The right lighting doesn’t just illuminate a room; it sets the tone, mood, and energy of a workspace. A well-lit office can boost morale, reduce fatigue, and significantly enhance efficiency. It’s not merely a matter of aesthetics, but a critical aspect affecting the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

Understanding the role of lighting in the workplace goes beyond the selection of bulbs and fixtures. It’s about creating a harmonious working space, where light complements the work, whether in a bustling coworking environment or a serene private suite. In the UK, where the blend of tradition and modernity often reflects in architectural designs, the challenge and opportunity lie in integrating lighting solutions that enhance rather than impede the workflow. This post aims to explore the best office lighting strategies for employee productivity, considering the unique characteristics of various office solutions provided by London Office Space, and aligning them with the specific regulations and trends within the UK market. It’s a journey towards creating a brighter, more productive future for your office space.

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Green and Growing: How Sustainability in the Office Increases Commercial Property Value in Central London

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In recent years, the narrative around sustainability has shifted dramatically. Once seen as a peripheral concern, sustainability has steadily risen to become a key focal point of businesses worldwide. In the real estate sector, particularly the office space market, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a determinant of value. This is particularly noticeable in one of the world’s premier business hubs: Central London.

As we navigate through the age of conscious consumerism, a sustainable footprint can significantly affect an office space’s perceived and actual value. Both established businesses and budding freelancers are seeking office spaces that not only facilitate growth and productivity but also contribute positively to the environment. This is driving a transformative wave across the office space landscape, leading to the re-evaluation of what constitutes truly valuable office space.

At the heart of this transformation is London Office Space, a leading provider of comprehensive workspace solutions. For over a decade, we have been at the forefront of helping businesses and freelancers find their ideal workspaces in Central and Greater London. Whether you’re searching for serviced offices, business centres, short-term office spaces, hot desking solutions, shared offices, or coworking spaces, our portfolio offers a diverse range of options tailored to meet your unique needs.

Our mission transcends the simple facilitation of office space. We aim to align with the contemporary shift towards sustainable business practices, helping you find workspaces that do more than just house your operations—they reflect your company’s values and commitment to a sustainable future.

As we delve into this discussion on sustainability and its impact on office space value in Central London, we invite you to reconsider how you perceive office space and to explore how London Office Space can help you align your workspace needs with your sustainability goals.

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2023 London Office Market Predictions

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The 2023 London office market looks to be characterised by a number of primary influencing factors. These drivers of change, and the trends that will be solidified as a result, include: record completions, lowering lease lengths, ongoing recovery in the flexible workspace sector, and a supply crush of prime office space due to a continued flight to quality.

Read on to find out more about how these, and other factors, are going to shape London’s prime markets in 2023 and beyond.

Stats Hinting Towards the Future of the London Office Market

  • 13.6 million sq/ft of office space is under construction
  • Around 9 million sq/ft of office space is scheduled for delivery in 2023
  • Over 50% of projects are targeting ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Excellent’ BREEAM sustainability ratings
  • Forecasts for construction price inflation have blown out to 6.1%, up from predictions of just 3.8% at the start of 2022
  • Around 12% of the West End’s under development office product is pre-let

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