The Circular Workplace & Product Sustainability

How can we proactively plan for circularity as core to the design process to achieve more sustainable outcomes? Office moves create a substantial amount of waste that could be significantly reduced or avoided. This unnecessary waste could be diminished if we reset methodologies, processes, and project goals. Implementing a circular design approach in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries should contribute to economically sustainable growth and savings across multiple sectors. Workplace circularity requires full engagement from all parties in the building lifecycle. For example, product manufacturers have a key role to play. Products can be designed for circularity, but if there is no incentive to be part of the circular process, business imperatives will be limited. This is a prime opportunity for growth in a new service offering by considering materials for lease, takeback programs, or affiliations. For years, Gensler has been compiling insights on workplace circularity for our designers to use as they guide their clients in closing the loop on building materials at the end of their first useful life. Implementing a smarter specification framework, material selection, and designing for the space end life in mind requires an earnest commitment from the entire industry. For this presentation, Gensler will present examples of how the firm is implementing processes to further develop the circular economy and identify how the collective Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry can bolster and encourage reuse processes. Two case stories will be presented: The Resilient Living Lab and Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) standards.


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