Why Coworking Spaces Are Greener
In recent years, coworking spaces like Area Coworking have gained popularity as flexible and innovative work environments. While we offer clear benefits for productivity, networking, and work-life balance, there's another advantage that is often overlooked: sustainability. As businesses and individuals alike grow more conscious of their environmental impact, coworking spaces present an appealing solution to reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener habits. Here’s a look at why joining Area Coworking would not just be a smarter way to work, but also a more eco-friendly choice.
1. Efficient Use of Space
Traditional offices often operate with a single tenant, leaving large portions of their premises unused, particularly during off-hours. In contrast, at Area we maximize space usage by accommodating multiple individuals and companies in the same environment. This means only one space is necessary to support the same number of workers, reducing the need for new construction, which in turn conserves resources and reduces the environmental impact of urban sprawl.
2. Shared Resources
Coworking spaces are built around the concept of sharing—whether that’s desks, conference rooms, or equipment. By pooling resources like printers, projectors, and office supplies, coworking spaces prevent the need for each individual or business to purchase and maintain their own set of equipment. This reduces both material waste and energy consumption. Less equipment means less manufacturing demand and fewer electronic items ending up in landfills at the end of their lifecycle.
3. Reduced Energy Consumption
Coworking spaces are designed for flexibility and efficiency. At Area Coworking, we adopt energy-saving practices by using smart lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and systems to regulate heating and cooling. We also only buy recycled paper products and all our energy comes from certified renewable sources. Moreover, coworking spaces often encourage communal work areas instead of individual offices, which reduces the energy needed to power separate rooms and devices.
Additionally, because coworking spaces are shared, the energy required to maintain them is distributed across numerous workers. This contrasts with the energy-hungry nature of traditional offices or home offices where fewer people occupy a larger space, but still consume considerable energy in heating, cooling, and lighting.
4. Incentivizing Remote and Local Work
Coworking spaces enable workers to avoid lengthy commutes, which is one of the most direct ways to reduce their carbon footprint. In cities with severe traffic congestion, reducing just a few cars off the road can have a significant environmental benefit, especially when considering the cumulative emissions savings over time.
Many coworking spaces are located in urban centers or within residential areas, allowing workers to choose spaces closer to their homes. Here at Area, we are in the wonderful Delicias district in Arganzuela, near to many metro and bus stops and residential blocks. By offering a local alternative to commuting to distant corporate offices, coworking helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars, buses, and other transport systems.
5. Encouraging Sustainable Behavior
Coworking spaces often foster a community-oriented mindset. At Area Coworking we actively promote eco-conscious practices such as recycling, minimizing plastic waste, and using reusable products.
Furthermore, because many coworking spaces house startups and innovators, there is a greater likelihood that they are occupied by people who prioritize sustainable business practices or are developing technologies aimed at solving environmental challenges.
6. Less Construction Waste
Opening a new corporate office often involves constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones to meet specific requirements. This process generates significant amounts of construction waste, including materials like wood, drywall, and concrete. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are designed to accommodate many businesses and freelancers within an existing structure, thereby reducing the need for frequent renovations or new construction.
Conclusion: Green by Design, Green by Practice
Coworking spaces represent more than just a shift in how we work—they also signal a shift in how we approach sustainability in the workplace. By maximizing resource sharing, reducing energy consumption, cutting down on commuting, and fostering green initiatives, coworking spaces offer a model of efficiency and environmental responsibility. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, coworking provides a forward-thinking, eco-friendly solution for businesses and workers alike.
Ultimately, coworking is green because it optimizes space and resources, encourages sustainable behaviors, and reduces the need for redundant consumption—all while empowering professionals to thrive in a flexible and collaborative environment. As more people and organizations prioritize eco-conscious decisions, coworking spaces will likely continue to grow in popularity as hubs for sustainable work.