At COEL, we believe that great office design should reflect a company’s values, support employee wellbeing, and contribute positively to the environment. As sustainability becomes a core priority for businesses across the UK, our role as a design and build partner is to help clients create workspaces that are both practical and aesthetically impactful, as well as responsible.
Every project begins with a conversation. We work closely with clients to understand their sustainability goals; whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, achieving building standard certifications, or simply creating a healthier, more energy-efficient space. These goals shape the design strategy from day one.
2. Selecting
Eco-Friendly Materials
Our design team will work with our clients to offer fixtures and materials that align with environmental and wellbeing goals. We may recommend recycled or reclaimed resources, such as timber and metal, to reduce waste and support circular design. Or rapidly renewable materials like bamboo and cork may be suggested for their sustainability and aesthetic appeal. To promote healthier indoor environments, we advise on the use of low-VOC finishes that improve air quality.
Wherever possible, we source materials locally, supporting our local supply chain and UK suppliers and minimising transport-related emissions. Additionally, we provide guidance on furniture and fittings that meet recognised environmental standards and offer long-term durability.
For global software company Altium, COEL delivered a design and fit out centred on sustainability. The project team prioritised the use of environmentally responsible materials and implemented a furniture reuse strategy, repurposing items from the client’s previous offices. As a result, 50% of the furniture used in the final scheme was reused, while the remaining pieces and finishes were carefully selected for their sustainable credentials. This approach not only reduced waste but also aligned with Altium’s commitment to responsible, future-focused workplace design.
3. Designing
for Energy Efficiency
COEL integrates energy-efficient features wherever possible to support sustainability and reduce long-term operational costs. LED lighting systems with smart controls are installed to optimise energy use, while HVAC solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each space for maximum efficiency.
Layouts and glazing are carefully designed to maximise natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Where feasible, green energy options such as solar integration are also considered. Together, these measures help clients lower their carbon footprint and move closer to their net-zero goals.
4. Bringing
Nature Indoors
Biophilic design is a defining feature of COEL’s approach to sustainable workplace design. By incorporating living walls and carefully curated indoor planting schemes, our interior designers bring nature into the built environment to enhance both aesthetics and wellbeing.
Natural textures and finishes are used throughout to create a calming, organic feel, while layouts are designed to provide access to outdoor spaces or views of greenery wherever possible. These elements not only elevate the visual appeal of a workspace but also contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased productivity among employees.
Our office design for Mishcon de Reya integrates live plants, natural light, and organic materials to enhance air quality and promote wellbeing and productivity. Finishes and furnishings are crafted from natural materials, lending a calming, organic feel that connects occupants with nature. A dedicated wellness room supports mental health, and the overall design aligns with the WELL Standard through biophilic elements that foster a healthier workplace.
5. Building
Flexible, Future-Proof Spaces
COEL designs office environments that adapt and evolve with the changing needs of its clients. Modular furniture systems allow for easy reconfiguration, supporting dynamic workflows and future growth. Multi-functional zones are carefully planned to balance collaboration with focused work, while hot-desking and hybrid setups reflect the realities of modern working patterns. This flexible approach not only enhances day-to-day usability but also reduces the need for costly future renovations, supporting sustainable and scalable workplace development.
6. Minimising
Waste During and After Build
COEL implements waste reduction strategies throughout every stage of the project lifecycle, from planning to post-occupancy. On-site recycling and responsible disposal practices are standard, helping to minimise construction waste. A digital-first approach to planning significantly reduces paper usage, while furniture reuse and refurbishment programmes extend the life of existing assets.
The waste problem
Commercial fit outs in the UK generate millions of tonnes of waste each year with a significant portion still ending up in landfill. Office refurbishments contribute heavily through discarded furniture, fixtures, and construction debris and, despite rising recovery rates, around 13% of construction waste (including reusable items) continues to be landfilled.
Managing Waste
At COEL, we partner with Sustain (part of the Senator Group) to reduce the impact of our projects through careful waste management. In 2024, through ethical furniture recycling, we’ve diverted 57,14 kg of furniture from landfill, resulting in a saving of 86,257 kg/CO2, as well as saving 4,300 kg/ CO2 through the removal and recycling of packaging.
furniture recycling
We also offer a furniture recycling service, bringing together our furniture and relocation teams to reuse and recycle unwanted office furniture. By removing furniture from commercial spaces and repurposing it to charities and local organisations in need, we are able to support our community whilst also playing a small part in reducing the amount of reusable furniture sent to landfill.
7. Conserving
Water
Wherever possible, water-saving features are thoughtfully integrated into COEL’s builds to promote long-term resource conservation. Low-flow fixtures and appliances are specified to reduce water usage without compromising performance. Smart water management systems help monitor and optimise consumption, while sustainable landscaping is supported through efficient irrigation solutions. These measures not only contribute to environmental responsibility but also help clients reduce operational costs over time.
8. Sourcing
Responsibly
We partner with suppliers who share its commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the design work we do contributes to the client’s environmental goals. This includes sourcing eco-certified products that meet recognised standards for environmental performance. It’s important to us to work with suppliers who maintain transparent and ethical supply chains, and supporting take-back and recycling programmes that extend the lifecycle of materials.
Project Focus: Sustainable Design
Our refurbishment of TSA Riley’s Cambridge office transformed a dated 1990s space into a low-carbon, high-performance workplace. Sustainable upgrades like LED lighting, improved insulation, and a moss wall support the client’s environmental goals. Collaborating with TSA Riley’s Carbon Advisory team, our design balanced cost-efficiency with embodied carbon reduction. Features like sit-stand desks and an open-plan layout promote wellbeing and flexibility throughout the day.
9. Supporting
Certification and Compliance
COEL supports clients in navigating sustainability certification processes, offering expert guidance across a range of recognised frameworks. Whether pursuing BREEAM, the WELL Building Standard, or a SKA Rating, COEL provides comprehensive support; from aligning design strategies with certification criteria to compiling the necessary documentation. This hands-on approach ensures clients can confidently meet their environmental and wellbeing goals while achieving industry-recognised benchmarks.
10. Engaging
Employees in the Journey
COEL encourages clients to actively involve their teams in sustainability efforts, recognising that a truly sustainable workplace is most effective when embraced by everyone who uses it. This includes establishing green champions and launching workplace initiatives that promote environmentally conscious behaviours. Education and awareness campaigns help build a shared understanding of sustainability goals, while feedback loops allow for continuous improvement and engagement.
Sustainability should be embedded in how we design, build, and deliver every office space. By combining thoughtful design with responsible practices, we help businesses in Cambridge and beyond create work environments that are future-ready, people-focused, and help to inspire change.
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