According to a recent survey by Bain & Company1, improved sustainability is just one of the economic benefits of moving to a circular economy business model. While 70% of the respondents expect to see increased revenues by 2027, 65% expect to reduce their greenhouse gas emission levels while increasing company resilience.
With a circular economy business model, companies transition from the linear “take-make-dispose” approach to a more regenerative design model that prioritizes existing buildings and materials, incorporates modular and adaptable components, and ensures that the materials used can be repaired, reused, reconfigured, or recycled at the end of their lifecycle. As more companies move over to a circular economy business model, Facility Managers and their teams must adjust their priorities and services to remain competitive.
Core Principles of Circular Workplace Design
The circular economy business model involves more than creating a “green” building. Its primary focus is to consider future waste as a resource to be harnessed. When a building is demolished, the discarded materials end up in the local landfill. However, effective reuse and renewal policies can significantly reduce the need to harvest raw materials such as steel, copper, concrete, glass, and aluminum.
Depending on the client’s ESG goals (Environment, Social, and Governance), several different credentialing platforms can provide a framework for improving the reuse and renewal of properties in the built environment.
Green Building Initiative
While these accreditations vary based on the size and type of project, they share several commonalities that promote reuse and renewability.
Flexible Workplace Layouts
Modular furniture and workstations can be easily relocated as the company’s workforce changes. Adaptable spaces can be scaled up or down using demountable partition systems, eliminating traditional construction costs and timelines.
Design for Durability and Reuse
Choose furniture, flooring, and fixtures that feature a modular design and durable materials for increased longevity. Update procurement policies to prioritize reusable or easily recyclable materials.
Material Renewal and Recycling
Partner with vendors or suppliers who offer lease options, take-back programs, or refurbishment programs to help minimize potential future cost increases. Choose products made from easily recycled materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum.
Efficient Resource Management
Reusable and renewable materials reduce water and energy usage compared to harvesting raw materials to meet changing business demands. Incorporate more innovative products and materials when performing maintenance or remodeling services within the built environment.
Smarter products can include raised access flooring systems such as the Gridd® Adaptive Cabling Distribution® System. Modular steel panels installed on top of the existing floor create a small air space for relocating the essential data cabling to a much more accessible location. FM teams can remove the modular floor finish (typically carpet tiles) to make any changes or upgrades without the cost and inconvenience created by traditional cable tray systems.
By adding the Gridd Power, teams can add the same level of flexibility and adaptability to the power management system to a single office or an entire campus. With this option, the power distribution is also relocated from above the ceiling to the same underfoot airspace for quick and easy access. Gridd Power is available in three different configurations to meet the needs of tenants, large or small.
Field Wired: This option utilizes existing home run circuits connected to the primary or central panel. However, the MC cabling is now installed within the raised flooring system, rather than in the walls or the attic (plenum) space above the finished ceiling.
Modular Branch Circuit: The option uses power tracks installed at a maximum of 48’ on center and relies on the (up to) 24′ whip to easily reach the desired service location anywhere in the space.
50 Amp Modular Power Distribution – This option provides 50-amp, 3-phase power connectivity throughout the area at 20- to 25-foot intervals. It is ideal for large open offices and shared and multi-use spaces, offering the most design flexibility for architects, builders, and property owners.
Why Circular Design Matters for Facilities Management
Power and data management are essential for most tenants today, thanks to the widespread adoption of new business technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR). As a result, properties with a flexible and easily adaptable data and power management infrastructure have a higher perceived value than other commercial properties.
Thanks to their extended lifecycles, renewable or reusable products can reduce future maintenance or construction costs. Products that feature recyclable materials minimize the demand for new raw materials, which also reduces energy and water usage.
Circular practices save time and money and boost employee engagement and productivity. Similarly, adopting a circular business model can enhance customer engagement and retention while reducing company operational and maintenance costs.
Incorporating renewable or reusable products or materials is typically the responsibility of the designer or architect for new construction projects. Adopting the circular business model requires the FM team to work closely with the tenant to achieve these goals for properties in the built environment. As a result, the facility manager and their teams strategically advance the circular economy business model across the built environment.
Moving to a circular business model allows tenants to meet their ESG goals more easily while reducing maintenance costs for property owners and facility teams. The move to circularity can be achieved in stages, starting with sustainable procurement policies or reuse initiatives and scaling up as tenant needs change.
To learn more about renewable or reusable products for your next built environment project, please contact a Gridd Advisor.
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