The purchase price and rentals of office space increase by 10 to 15% every year, making it a challenge for small-and mis-sized companies looking for biggerr spaces to relocate to. However , if such companies incorporate efficiency offices design elements, they not only will they be able to maximisme the efficiency of their existing spaces and reduce overhead costs, they will also increase their property’s value by an estimated eight to 12%.
Here is how to go about it:
* Incorporate shading devices such as awning and screens in the building’s facade this can help reduce the sun’s glare and consequently the cost of air-conditioning.
* Install inset windows on the sides of the building that face southward, or install large windows on the southern answer northern sides of the rooms. This will allow maximum sunlight to enter the building and minimise the heat access as well.
* Select non-glossy , neutral paints, textures and finishes that are easy to maintain and are not light absorbent ; they will keep the rooms brighter and if there are windows in these rooms, they will also minimise the use of artificial lightning.
* Opt for and open plan office space as this will ensure that space is maximised. Furthermore, research studies have shown that open plan offices boost employee productivity. If you can not have an open plan office, use individual air-conditioners instead of central air conditioning as this is more energy efficient, specially if some parts of the office are used for longer periods of time compared to others.
* As far as furniture is concerned, remember to keep ergonomics in mind. Although ergonomic furniture is relatively more expensive , it will save your company from, incurring medical costs in the long run as employees will be less likely to suffers from back Aches and related ailments. Furthermore, choose furniture that can be used for more than one purpose, such as desks that can be extended to serve as eating counters or couches with built-in storage.
By Suneela Ahmed. The writer is assistant professor at the Department of Planning, NED University of Technology and Engineering.