Sustainable Coworking Spaces
Sustainability and flexible workspaces such as coworking spaces are becoming increasingly important in modern working life. Shared workspaces not only offer flexible working conditions, but can also make a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint. What exactly makes coworking spaces so sustainable, what does the future of sustainable coworking look like and how can both operators and users contribute to further improving sustainability in coworking spaces?
What makes Coworking Spaces sustainable?
Coworking spaces are characterised by their sustainability, as many resources such as printers, coffee machines and projectors are shared by the users. This sharing aspect not only saves costs, but also significantly reduces energy and material consumption. Compared to individual offices, electricity consumption for heating, lighting and internet is significantly lower. In rural areas in particular, coworking spaces can help to reduce commuter traffic and thus reduce CO2 emissions. In urban areas, many coworking spaces have a central location and are easily accessible by public transport or bicycle, which also promotes environmentally friendly mobility.
Sustainable measures for operators and users of Coworking Spaces
Although the concept of coworking already contributes to sustainability, there are further measures that operators of coworking spaces can implement in order to act in an even more environmentally friendly way and also motivate users to implement sustainable measures:
1. Encourage waste separation: Operators should provide multiple bins and clearly label which bin is for what. This promotes recycling and reduces waste volumes. In addition, informative workshops or information materials can be offered to sensitise users to the importance of waste separation and the correct disposal of different types of waste.
2. Optimising the use of appliances: Tips on the optimal use of electrical appliances, such as only running the dishwasher fully loaded and using energy-efficient programmes, can help to further reduce energy consumption. Regular maintenance and the use of appliances with a high energy efficiency rating can also help to reduce energy consumption.
3. Use of smart home systems: Such systems optimise the use of heating, cooling and lighting and contribute significantly to energy savings. Sensors and automated controls ensure that energy is only used when it is actually needed. In addition, users can be informed about their current energy consumption via apps or displays.
4. Utilisation of renewable energy sources: Installing solar panels and other renewable energy sources can significantly reduce energy consumption and the environmental footprint. Operators can also sign contracts with electricity providers that supply 100% renewable energy and regularly inform users about the proportion of renewable energy in the coworking space's energy consumption.
5. LED lighting: LEDs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, making them a sustainable choice for lighting. In addition, LEDs can be combined with smart controls to automatically regulate the light depending on the time of day and the presence of users, thus saving additional electricity.
6. Use of water bubblers: A water bubbler reduces the consumption of plastic and glass bottles compared to purchased mineral/sparkling water bottles. This can help reduce waste and transport emissions. Operators can also provide reusable drinking bottles or offer them for sale or rent to further motivate users to avoid disposable bottles.
7. Use of recycled paper: This applies to copy paper, toilet paper and paper for drying hands and helps to minimise the environmental impact. In addition, digital alternatives can be promoted to reduce overall paper consumption. Operators could, for example, focus on paperless meeting rooms where all documents are displayed and processed digitally.
By implementing these measures, coworking space operators can not only improve their environmental footprint, but also set an example for sustainable working and motivate coworking space users to actively participate in environmentally friendly measures.
Sustainable Coworking Spaces on ShareYourSpace
On ShareYourSpace you will find a wide range of sustainable coworking spaces that focus on environmentally friendly measures and enable sustainable and responsible use of the workplace. The following list is just a small selection on our platform and new spaces that also fulfil these criteria are added regularly.
Coworking Space flamschen² in Coesfeld
The coworking space in Coesfeld focuses on sustainability in rural areas. Both electricity and heat are generated from solar energy on the roof and the space, which was founded in winter 2019, shows that coworking also works in rural Münsterland. In a central location, it offers flexible workspaces for creatives, founders and start-ups. In addition to coworking, the spacious courtyard also offers the option of co-creating, i.e. a studio and a 3D printer are available. CoLiving is now also offered: There is rentable living space on the premises of the coworking space. This is the ideal way to combine living and working. The sustainable concept creates an inspiring environment for innovation and collaboration.
Click here for the coworking space flamschen² in Coesfeld: https://www.shareyourspace.com/en/offers/2350
Coworking Space in Wörthsee
The coworking space in Wörthsee in the district of Starnberg offers freelancers, start-ups and established companies sustainable, fully equipped workspaces close to Munich. So why travel to Munich when the coworking space combines the comforts of home with the benefits of a productive working environment without unnecessary commuting. A comprehensive IT infrastructure, professional office equipment and inspiring common rooms create an ideal working atmosphere. All costs for electricity, water, heating, internet, cleaning, furnishings and IT infrastructure are included in the price and enable transparent and sustainable utilisation.
Click here for the coworking space in Wörthsee: https://www.shareyourspace.com/en/offers/2951
Coworking Space HainArbeit in Berlin
Right next to Volkspark Friedrichshain in Berlin, HainArbeit offers bright workspaces with a view of the greenery. The coworking space places particular emphasis on sustainability: it uses green electricity and offers organic fair trade coffee and tea. Flexible hot desks and fixed tables can be rented on a daily or monthly basis. Start-ups have the option of renting several desks together. The facilities include large desks, high-speed WiFi, a meeting and telephone room as well as a kitchen and a quiet, green garden in the rear courtyard. HainArbeit offers a familiar atmosphere in which freelancers from different fields can exchange ideas and work together.
Click here for the coworking space HainArbeit in Berlin: https://www.shareyourspace.com/en/offers/1933
The future of sustainable Coworking
The outlook for sustainable coworking is extremely promising as more and more coworking spaces are recognising the importance of sustainability and increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices. This includes the increased use of renewable energy, the use of smart technologies and the implementation of sustainable concepts. This development will not only characterise the physical working environment, but will also have a long-term impact on the way companies and individuals work. Sustainable thinking and action are increasingly being integrated as core values, whereby coworking spaces promote environmentally friendly working practices, reduce space consumption, utilise resources more efficiently and support sustainable practices. The growing number of coworking spaces that are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility will shape the future of sustainable coworking.
You might also be interested in:
- 7 Tips for Employee Commitment to Sustainability
- What is coworking and what is it for?
- Rise of the Sharing Economy: A revolution in Sharing
- The office as a sustainable space