As the global conversation around sustainability evolves, workplace design is emerging as a powerful — yet often overlooked — lever in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. At a recent event hosted by BVN Architecture and Audiem, speakers reframed the conversation from one of compliance and carbon counting to a far more human-centered, systems-based approach.
Their message was clear: workplace design is no longer just about aesthetics or efficiency — it's about designing spaces that support people, reduce waste, and shape cultural shifts that make ESG principles tangible and actionable.
One of the central themes of the discussion was a move away from the traditional “build-dispose” mentality. Instead, architects and developers were urged to embrace circular design principles, where buildings and materials are seen as long-term assets — not temporary solutions.
“How do we create better spaces using fewer resources?”
This question leads to “long life, loose fit” workspaces: flexible, adaptable environments designed to evolve with their users over time. Rather than forcing costly and carbon-intensive retrofits, these spaces age gracefully, allowing for change without waste.
Operational carbon — emissions from heating, lighting, and day-to-day energy use — is only part of the story. Increasingly, embodied carbon (the emissions associated with producing, transporting, and installing materials) is being recognised as a critical blind spot in ESG planning.
In particular, office fit-outs were called out as a major source of hidden waste. These short lifecycle renovations often end up in landfills, generating unnecessary emissions despite being part of supposedly “green” buildings.
While sustainability certifications like B Corp and WELL are useful signposts, the panel warned against using them as a substitute for meaningful change. True ESG leadership, they argued, is less about badges and more about embedded behaviors, governance accountability, and transparent impact reporting.
“Certifications aren’t harmful — but they’re not enough. The real challenge is sustaining ESG momentum beyond the audit.”
Sustainability must be lived across the organization — from finance and HR to legal and operations — with cross-functional collaboration and unified reporting frameworks.
A key structural issue raised was the financial incentives that favour new builds over retrofits. In many regions, tax benefits apply to new construction but not to upgrades, inadvertently discouraging circular practices.
Meanwhile, innovation and funding disproportionately flow into new developments, leaving retrofit strategies underdeveloped. This imbalance must shift if we are serious about carbon reduction.
Ultimately, the role of architecture is to enable people to thrive — not just occupy space. That means beginning every project with human-centric goals and viewing workplaces not as cost centres, but as business assets that drive well-being, culture, and performance.
This approach also considers how space is used across time:
What happens to the office after hours? Can it become a coffee shop, a community hub, a co-working venue?
Designing for multiple uses not only increases value but also supports resource efficiency and social engagement.
To make these ideas actionable, the speakers outlined several practical steps:
Define measurable targets around energy, materials, social outcomes, and reporting — and embed them into every workplace project from day one.
Wherever viable, reallocate investment from new builds to intelligent retrofits. This supports carbon reduction and preserves embodied value.
Procurement strategies should require vendors to disclose embodied carbon and favour those with circular solutions.
Bring together facilities, HR, finance, and legal to align goals, track metrics, and share accountability.
Employees are increasingly driving ESG expectations. Give them a voice — and the data — to hold leadership accountable.
As the industry shifts from ambition to action, the key takeaway is this: ESG is a journey, not a destination. Offset schemes and sustainability labels may play a role, but they must be part of a broader system of continuous improvement.
From timber ecosystems to fit-out metrics to behavioural ownership, the industry is on an arc — and the momentum is building.
“We have a responsibility to care in the built environment,” the panel concluded. “It’s about cleverness, not excess. Longevity, not trend. Purpose, not just performance.”
The future of sustainable workplaces isn’t just green — it’s smart, circular, and deeply human.
This isn’t about filling desks. It’s about building cultures, communities, and companies that thrive.