If you’re like many of people, the COVID-19 pandemic may have turned your location-dependent job into a remote one.
As a result, freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers are on the rise like never before. But what impact has this had on the environment?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the environmental impact of coworking spaces and their benefits in the post-COVID era.
What is Coworking and its Benefits
Picture a place where you can work independently while being part of a community – that’s what coworking spaces are all about.
This is where digital nomads like freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers can work independently but in a communal setting.
Coworking spaces provide all the usual office amenities like super fast wifi internet, conference rooms, and more.
But what’s great about them is that they offer a chance to network and socialize with other professionals in a communal area.
You see, people love coworking spaces because they provide a dynamic and creative environment that can increase productivity and spark innovation.
The Benefits of Coworking Spaces Post-COVID
As more people shift to a flexible, remote working lifestyle with digital nomads and more people choose the freelance route; coworking spaces have become increasingly popular.
In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2024, there will be approximately 41,975 coworking spaces worldwide, according to Statista Research.
That’s a huge chunk of the global workforce engaging in a digital nomadic lifestyle.
So, what impact has the pandemic had on coworking spaces?
For one, coworking spaces now offer more flexible terms, such as short-term memberships and daily passes. This makes it easier for those unsure of how long they’ll need a workspace to pay only for what they need instead of being tied into long-term commitments.
The second is Sustainability. Coworking spaces provide a way for people to work remotely and reduce their environmental impact by cutting down on travel or commuting, as well as reducing the need for multiple home offices.
Let’s face it – most people don’t have the space or resources to create their own eco-friendly office at home.
Five Steps That Coworking Spaces Can Take To Positively Impact The Environment
To further reduce their environmental impact, coworking spaces can take five steps, including implementing energy-efficient lighting systems, providing reusable cutlery and refillable stationery supplies, creating a green space, encouraging sustainable transportation, and partnering with green vendors.
Let’s have a closer look:
1. Reduce energy consumption
Implement energy-efficient lighting systems and switch to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. That way, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
2. Cut down on waste
Encourage coworkers to use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, as well as provide reusable cutlery in the kitchen area. You could also offer refillable stationery supplies such as pens, highlighters and notebooks instead of single-use items.
3. Create a green space
Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but having a green area such as a garden or terrace can also be beneficial for the environment by helping to reduce air pollution and create oxygen-rich environments.
4. Encourage sustainable transportation
You can encourage coworkers to reduce their carbon footprint by providing bike racks and other incentives for those who choose to ride instead of drive.
It means fewer cars on the road, which reduces air pollution.
5. Partner with green vendors
Imagine the difference you can make by partnering with green vendors who use sustainable materials and processes to create their products.
By doing so, you can help to reduce your ecological footprint while also supporting environmentally responsible businesses.
The Role of Coworkers In Promoting Sustainable Practices Through Leveraging Technology
Although coworking spaces have the power and responsibility to take action and make sustainable choices, individual coworkers can also contribute in their own ways.
To start off, they can bring their own reusable items to work on a daily basis – such as coffee mugs and water bottles.
They could also offset the carbon emissions produced by commuting or travelling for work – for example, by planting trees or buying carbon offsets.
Now, when it comes to technology, there are a few ways that coworkers can use it to promote sustainability in their workspace.
For example, help to reduce waste by using digital platforms like Trello and Asana to manage projects, instead of paper ones.
Or perhaps they can make use of digital collaboration tools and video conferencing apps to reduce their need for physical meetings and long-distance.
Additionally, by using green cloud computing services such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform, coworkers can reduce their ecological footprint by cutting down on the number of servers used for data storage.
Wrapping Up: Moving Toward A Greener Future for Coworking Spaces
The environmental impact of coworking spaces in the post-COVID era is a worthwhile discussion to have.
After all, coworking spaces play an important role in providing a conducive environment for remote workers to work and collaborate.
By taking the initiative to adopt sustainable practices, we can not only reduce our environmental impact but also create a healthier and more productive workspace for everyone.
For this reason, it is essential that we continue working together towards achieving a greener future for coworking spaces, and ensure that our practices do not have a negative impact on the environment.
Only then can we make sure that everyone has access to an eco-friendly working space – and reap the benefits of such an environment.
After all, if we want meaningful change for our planet, it must begin with us.
We hope that this blog has given you valuable insights into how coworking spaces can become more sustainable and help create a greener future.
If you are looking for a workspace that is eco-friendly and conducive to co-working, book a tour with us today and let’s work together to create a greener future!
You can also send a message if you’ve got a special request or would like to find out more about Nomadworks’ amenities before booking a tour.