Sustainability 2.0
Last night I had the pleasure of listening to Dr Kirsten Brown and Clayton Bristow at Wilkhahn in Sydney as they discussed their experiences and views on sustainability in the workplace. As the conversation tilts from ESD to ESG (and for those of you who may not know, they mean very different things), I have been formulating my wishlist for Santa.
Our industry will realise that upwards of $4000 psm for an office fitout that has a lifespan of <10 years is not right. The unrestrained use of shiny new (imported) materials is out of control and has replaced natural creativity as the benchmark for good design.
Building owners will realise that cold shell is good for everyone. If I need to explain that to you then contact me. We need to talk.
As carbon reporting enters our world, all suppliers get on the front foot and have their data ready. We are going to start asking you and if you don't know, the caravan might not wait.
In the post WFH era we all acknowledge that our workplaces don't always need to be between 21 and 23 degrees and perfectly illuminated. At home we put on a jumper as we perched on the edge of the kitchen table yet still got our stuff done.
Oh, and an apple watch please.
The new Green Building Council of Australia Green Star fitout tool launches later in 2024, and if that is too cruisy for you then join me in pursuing a Living Building Challenge project with Laura Hamilton-O'Hara . As I reflect on 35 years in workplace design and project management, I am more upbeat about the next year than ever before. Informed clients are demanding responsible outcomes and workplaces that actively promote the corporate ESG goals - which they can do. The opportunity is there to be taken.