How to Build a Sustainable Office That Grows With Your Team

Beyond the buzzword, what does it mean to be sustainable in 2025?

Green architecture (at least by 2025 standards) is defined by a holistic integration of sustainability, smart technology, and biophilic design. There is also a strong focus on the health of anyone inhabiting the space and durability – building spaces that last. Together, these attributes serve as necessary pillars to an eco-friendly HQ, each one with its own vital part in the process of smarter architecture.

How to Build a Sustainable Office That Grows With Your Team

The Sawtooth Building, home to the Click Rain + Lemonly HQ in Sioux Falls, SD, transformed a 1919 spark plug factory into a modern office. Revitalizing the East Bank neighborhood and preserving historic architecture, the manufacturer recycles hundreds of millions of plastic bottles into high-performance insulation for the building, upcycling manufacturing waste.

Sky Headquarters in Sky Central, West London achieved one of the highest sustainability ratings for buildings in the UK, with rainwater harvesting, solar panels, 400 timber roof light cassettes (reducing concrete usage), and high-efficiency lighting systems.

100% of office electricity at the Boston Consulting Group in Paris, France are sourced from renewables. The space, which was once home to French automotive manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroën, reduced its carbon footprint by about 30% compared to their 2018 baseline, on track for net-zero by 2030.

• Sustainable Materials (Ceiling to Floor)
• Smart Technology and Energy-Efficient Devices
• Digital Free Spaces
• Biophilic Design
• Sustainable Operational Processes

The 5 Pillars of an Eco-Friendly HQ

Here are our five pillars of creating an eco-friendly HQ with some of the most sustainable brands.

1. Choosing Sustainable Materials (Ceiling to Floor)

Flooring

Over the past few decades, flooring materials have evolved, and with that, our understanding of health and environmental impacts has grown. Older options like asbestos tiles, vinyl with toxic additives, and lead-based finishes are being replaced with safer, healthier materials from low-emission engineered wood to innovative, non-toxic alternatives.

Sustainable flooring materials can include reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood, concrete, cork, and natural stone from brands such as Mannington, Tarkett, Mohawk, and NexxaCore. The advantages of these materials include:

• Can often be recycled at the end of its life cycle
• Typically low-VOC or free from harmful chemicals, leading to healthier work environments and reduced risk of respiratory issues
• Longevity and low upkeep mean fewer replacements and repairs over time
• Helping to control indoor temperature and reduce energy consumption

By recognizing the risks of legacy products, designers can confidently choose flooring that supports both well-being and sustainability in modern spaces.

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare Paint, “Headspace”
Trio Image: Sona Marble

Walls

Over the years, wall materials and finishes have also carried hidden risks. From lead-based paints to asbestos-laden plasters to formaldehyde-emitting panels, these legacy products were once common choices in homes and offices. As we know now, these products can release harmful dust or fumes when they age or are disturbed during renovation. Thankfully, design and construction have shifted toward healthier, more sustainable options: zero-VOC paints, natural plasters, and responsibly sourced wood panels are now widely accessible.

Sustainable wall materials may include non-toxic paint and wallpaper, ceramic, recycled glass, porcelain, and bio-based tile. The benefits of these materials are:

• Zero-VOC and natural finishes minimize harmful emissions, reducing risks of respiratory issues
• Many of these materials can be recycled or safely returned to the environment at the end of their life cycle
• Natural plasters and quality wood panels offer long lifespans and require minimal upkeep
• Certain natural plasters and wood materials help regulate indoor temperature and humidity

Brands such as Clare, Little Greene, ECOS Paint, Erfurt & Sohn, Farrow and Ball Wallpaper, Marazzi and Porcelanosa, LIVDEN, Mosaic Tile Company, and the Mindful MATERIALS platform can provide insight into available products and pricing. For both flooring and walls, organizations such as GENSLER recommend what they call a “materials guidelines audit,” which bases the selection of materials on the sustainability goals of their clients.

Trio Image: Livden, Vepa UK

Furniture

Many common furniture pieces—such as desks, chairs, cabinets, and upholstered seating—were once made with materials we now know can be harmful. Particleboard and pressed wood often contained high levels of formaldehyde in their glues and resins. Vinyl and synthetic upholstery sometimes included phthalates or flame retardants linked to health concerns. Even paints and finishes could release toxic VOCs into the air.

Now, awareness has transformed the industry. Healthier alternatives are widely available—furniture built with responsibly sourced wood, low-VOC finishes, natural fabrics, and safer fire-resistant materials. What was once hidden behind stylish veneers is now an opportunity: furniture that not only looks good but also supports healthier, more sustainable spaces for work, dining, and relaxation.

Sustainable materials include reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood, recycled plastics, bioplastic desks, workstations, seating, and storage. The advantages of these materials include:

• Furniture made with low- or zero-VOC finishes, natural fabrics, and non-toxic adhesives reduces harmful off-gassing
• High-quality, sustainably crafted pieces are built to withstand frequent use
• Responsibly sourced wood, recycled metals, and eco-friendly textiles can often be recycled or repurposed
• Natural, well-crafted furniture enhances ambiance, reinforces sustainability values
• Upholstery and natural materials can help regulate acoustics and temperature

Brands such as Humanscale, Vepa, Frovi, Flokk, Orangebox, Avocado, Medley Home, GreenRow, Emeco, and Sabai are leading the way in innovative, sustainable furniture.

Moodboard Tile Swatch: Merola
Trio Images: Vepa, Humanscale, Frovi

Fixtures

For years, traditional fixtures consumed significant amounts of water and energy, contributing to waste and higher operating costs in commercial and residential spaces. Standard taps, toilets, and plumbing systems often lacked efficiency, overlooking their environmental footprint.

Now, smart technologies and sustainable design such as automatic taps, low-flow toilets, rainwater catchment, and gray water recycling systems make it easy to conserve resources without compromising performance. Sustainable fixture solutions include water-saving taps, sensor-based systems, and integrated water management technologies. 

The advantages of these innovations include:

• Water savings through smart sensors, low-flow designs, and gray water reuse
• Reduced operating costs thanks to efficiency and minimized waste
• Improved hygiene with touchless, sensor-based systems
• Alignment with green building standards and sustainability goals
• Future-ready infrastructure that adapts to both residential and commercial needs

Brands pioneering the sustainable space include American Standard, KOHLER, TOTO, Sloan, Moen, Watts Water Technologies, Chicago Faucets, and GROHE.

Moodboard Paint Swatch:
Trio Images: American Standard,  Kohler, Toto

Workplace Extras

Workplaces are also increasingly embracing extras that promote wellness and sustainability. From low-energy exercise and fitness equipment to efficient kitchen appliances and eco-friendly food subscription services, these choices support healthier lifestyles while reducing environmental impact. 

Brands like SportsArt ECO-POWR, Intenza Fitness, Fisher & Paykel, Green Chef, Daily Harvest, and Sunbasket offer products that combine performance with energy efficiency and responsible resource use.

Trio Images: Intenza Fitness, Fisher & Paykel, Sunbasket

2. Upgrading to Smart Technology and Energy-Efficient Devices

Buildings can consume vast amounts of energy through inefficient lighting, heating, cooling, and outdated office equipment. HVAC alone can account for 40-50% of a building’s total energy use, while lighting makes up another 10-17%. Increasingly, computing loads—from office hardware to data centers—are also major drivers of demand, with AI-related systems accelerating the trend. Even smaller plug loads like elevators, security systems, and appliances collectively add up to a significant share of energy use.

Today, smart technologies and efficient devices are reshaping how workplaces manage energy. LED lighting, occupancy and motion sensors, and climate controls that adjust based on daylight or room use dramatically cut consumption without sacrificing comfort. ENERGY STAR-rated hardware, printers with low-power modes, and e-waste recycling programs extend this impact, while cloud computing reduces the need for energy-hungry physical infrastructure. Benefits of these devices and tech include:

• • Lower energy consumption using LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and smart climate controls
  • Cost savings through efficiency upgrades
  • Healthier environments using Smart HVAC and lighting systems to improve indoor air quality, temperature consistency, and lighting conditions
  • Cloud computing and AI-driven energy management reduce physical infrastructure needs while preparing businesses for growing digital demands

Leading brands—including Signify, LEDVANCE, LEPOTEC, Nest, Ring, Canon, Epson, Brother, Honeywell, Siemens, Johnson Controls, LG, and Samsung—are driving innovation across lighting, HVAC, and office equipment. Together, these solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also lower operational costs, helping businesses create smarter, future-proof spaces.

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare, “Irony”
Trio Images: Nest, Canon

3. Creating and Maintaining Digital Free Spaces

In today’s hyper-connected world, creating intentional areas for rest and recharge has become just as important as productivity. Leading design publications like Workplace Magazine, Area, Laskasas, and Design Week report shifts to digital detox zones—quiet rooms, meditation spaces, unplugged lounges, and workplace pods—offering employees and visitors a chance to step away from screens and reset. These “pockets of joy,” as designer Julie Khuu calls them, help balance the demands of modern work with the need for well-being.

The benefits of these types of spaces include:

• Workplace pods and acoustic booths can be added to almost any environment, from lobbies to open offices
• Prioritizing rest and renewal signals that employee health and balance matter
• Nature-inspired, device-free areas create calming, memorable spaces for both employees and visitors

Brands like Prodec Acoustic, Framery, ROOM, OpenSeed, Herman Miller, Haworth, Knoll, Teknion, Okamura, and Ruggable are at the forefront of designing quiet pods, restorative lounges, and calming interiors through silent architecture and restorative design.

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare Paint, “Fire Sign”
Trio Image: Openseed, Framery, Haworth

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare, “Fire Sign”

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare, “All The Sage”

4. Experimenting with Biophilic Design

Biophilic design brings the natural world into built environments, fostering stronger connections between people and nature. Once considered a luxury, elements like plant walls, potted greenery, living roofs, water features, and art made from upcycled or responsibly sourced materials are now central to forward-thinking design. These features don’t just add beauty—they support health, creativity, and sustainability by creating spaces that feel alive. The benefits of this design approach includes:

• Greenery and natural features reduce stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive function
• Plant walls and living roofs improve indoor air quality and help regulate building temperature
• Green roofs and solar-integrated systems reduce cooling loads and overall energy consumption
• Upcycled and responsibly sourced art reinforces eco-conscious values

Brands such as Good Earth Plants, Green Plants for Green Buildings, Greensulate, 8MSolar, Biofilico, SAI Fountains, and Clarity Ponds offer everything from large-scale green infrastructure to sustainable art and immersive water features. Sustainable gardeners, landscape architects, and engineers also play a critical role in assessing the best fit and practicality for each space.

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare Paint, “Om Green”
Trio Images: Oat Foundry Split Flap at Nolita Hall

5. Sustainable Operational Processes

Sustainability doesn’t end with materials and design—it extends into the way spaces are managed every day. Green certifications, recycling and composting programs, zero-waste policies, and eco-friendly maintenance practices ensure that buildings operate responsibly. Education and green initiatives further empower teams and tenants to make daily choices that support long-term environmental goals. 

The advantages of these sustainable operational processes include:

• Recycling, composting, and zero-waste policies cut down on landfill contributions
• Eco-friendly cleaning and pest control improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being
• Efficient resource use and waste reduction lower operating costs
• Certifications like LEED or TRUE enhance credibility and align with global sustainability standards
• Visible green initiatives build a culture of responsibility and shared values
• Ongoing education and training encourage innovation and accountability in daily operations

Brands and programs like SCS Global Services, MAX-R, Servi-Tek, and Kao Corporation are leading the way by setting standards and providing tools for facilities, events, and workplaces to minimize waste and maintain healthier environments. 

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare Paint, “Good as Gold”
Trio Images: Herman Miller, Oat Foundry Split Flap at Walker Center, Hoxton Home

Long-Term Sustainability: The Future-Proof Office

Sustainability in the workplace is a system of choices that work together. By investing in smarter technologies, cleaner materials, digital-free, restorative spaces, and better operational practices, businesses can create offices that foster real growth. The future of sustainable offices is about more than lowering emissions; it’s about designing environments that support health, wellness, creativity, and longevity. Leaders who act now won’t just keep pace with 2025 standards—they’ll set the tone for the decade ahead.

Moodboard Paint Swatch: Clare, “Prince”