Americas Office Fit Out Cost Guide 2023

SUSTAINABILITY

TECHNOLOGY

Sustainability has risen to the forefront of corporate thinking across all aspects of facility operations. Although carbon footprint varies by sector, the approach to reducing that footprint follows a similar trajectory, beginning with prioritizing energy efficiency. Occupiers are increasingly seeking out space that aligns with their corporate sustainability goals. LEED-certified buildings make up 46% of urban deliveries in the last 10 years, despite accounting for just 2.5% of U.S. inventory, further emphasizing the flight to high quality sustainable spaces. These spaces may be independently verified, meeting criteria such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, or ENERGY STAR Tenant Space. Attributes of these spaces may include energy and water efficient technologies, appliances and fixtures, waste reduction measures, maximizing natural light, and integrating biophilia to name a few. Intelligent reservation systems and sensors can also be used to trigger closing unrequired space at times of low utilization which minimizes unnecessary power usage by HVAC and lighting systems.

Technology plays an integral role in design paradigms focusing on employee experience, productivity, wellness and environmental sustainability. As we connect the human, digital, and building experience, the proportion of budget allocated to technology has increased. Onsite demands include space booking systems and other tools to facilitate collaboration and connection. A closer focus on DE&I means creating an equality of experience no matter how, where, or when employees choose to work. An increasing proportion of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) are entering the workplace and as “digital natives,” require state of the art connectivity. Charging devices may be static (fixed power points), mobile, or a combination of the two. Technology can contribute to sustainability goals through smart systems, sensors and energy efficient appliances. A shift to cloud computing now allows for smaller server rooms, which require not only less space, but also less cooling. Similarly, asset sensors can alert facilities managers when preventative maintenance is due to help prevent system failures. Technology is not only an enabler of change, but also a way of measuring the impacts of that change, and should be budgeted according to this importance.

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