Green, or sustainable offices is a broad term that evolves constantly alongside changing awareness, technology, regulations, and user expectations. In this article, we summarize what green offices are, the solutions and areas they encompass, and share how we implement green practices at Business Link.
What is a green office? Simply put, it is a workspace that is friendly and healthy for its users while minimizing its negative impact on the environment. Green office spaces often include specific solutions designed to reduce environmental harm and eliminate workplace barriers as early as the design phase. Today, a green office has become an important element of the organizational culture of responsible and innovative companies. This growing trend demonstrates that caring for the environment and creating an attractive workplace for employees do not have to be just appealing slogans. Instead, they involve concrete actions that help build a positive brand image, improve employee wellbeing, and, ultimately, enhance service quality and business growth.
How can you recognize a sustainable workspace? One proven method of verification is through industry certifications. Certified office buildings are those that have undergone rigorous evaluation to confirm their compliance with sustainable development standards and their tangible impact on the environment. The most notable certifications include:
The term “green office” is often used in another, more literal context. Many people associate it with workspaces filled with plants. Although this is a narrower definition, it fits well within the broader idea of a sustainable office. Plants in the office have a very positive effect on employee health, well-being, and even efficiency.
Office greenery is more than just decoration, although its aesthetic aspect is certainly important. One of the most vital functions of plants is purifying the air of harmful substances, producing oxygen, and improving acoustics. Plants effectively disperse and absorb sound waves, helping to reduce office noise.
The presence of greenery in the workplace benefits both physical and mental health. Proximity to nature alleviates stress, has a calming effect, and improves concentration, creativity, and productivity. Therefore, greenery should be present not only in office spaces but also in rest areas and communal zones. This approach is central to the design of flexible spaces at Business Link.
When discussing sustainable offices, it’s important to consider not only interior and technological solutions but also building-level innovations. A great example of a green Business Link office is the Centrum Południe complex in Wrocław, built by Skanska. It is the first such investment in the capital of Lower Silesia to incorporate “green concrete.” Alongside the first phase of construction, approximately 1,380 sqm of anti-smog pavement was created around the site. This pavement neutralizes air pollution. Thanks to sunlight, harmful particles in smog are reduced on its surface and are broken down into neutral nitrogen compounds that are then washed into the soil with rainwater.
The building is also equipped with systems that reduce water usage by up to 50% and energy consumption by over 30%.
Through our partnership with Skanska and a sustainable approach to office space design, we provide our clients with the highest standards, including tested, clean air, access to daylight, thermal comfort, and acoustics confirmed by measurements. Centrum Południe is also the first office building in Wrocław to receive the prestigious WELL certification.
Another excellent example of a green office is the High5ive office building in Kraków. Here, solutions supporting both mental and physical health have been implemented, such as ensuring appropriate temperature and acoustics, access to natural light, fresh air, and high-quality drinking water.
The solutions implemented in the building reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate its negative environmental impact, as confirmed by the prestigious LEED Core & Shell certification at the highest level – Platinum. Examples of these solutions include systems for recovering gray water and rainwater, which are used for flushing toilets and watering plants. Combined with special fixtures, this system reduces water usage by up to 86%.
Investing in a sustainable workplace benefits not only the environment but also makes financial sense! Using green offices brings a range of tangible benefits for both employers and employees. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle and work culture, directly enhancing a company’s prestige and serving as a magnet for new talent. Moreover, it positively impacts existing employees, who are more eager to work in green, sustainable spaces.
For companies, this is a key factor in building a competitive edge, fostering a reputation as a responsible brand, and gaining an additional incentive to embrace technological advancements and seek ever more practical and efficient workplace solutions.
If you’d like to experience the benefits of working in green offices for your company, contact us! We’d be happy to share more about specific locations, offerings, and solutions that make investing in a sustainable office worthwhile!
