Search Results for: sustainability

Is a smart building worth it? My research says the answer is an unequivocal yes

Is a smart building worth it? My research says the answer is an unequivocal yes

by • Comment, Property, Technology

Too often, clients have paid contractors for the design and delivery of a smart building whilst ignoring the operational sideFor my book, The Smart Building Advantage, in which I tracked the evolution of the recent built environment, I trawled through more than a decade’s worth of data. I wasn’t short of material. I studied the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, 22 Bishopsgate in London and NEOM in Saudi Arabia, amongst many extraordinary examples of how buildings and technology can work together. From these, I concluded that smart buildings are like chameleons in the way they’ve adapted to meet the shifting demands of the corporate zeitgeist. (more…)

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

by • Environment, News, Property, Workplace design

An office built entirely on circular design principles, a 3,300 sq m living wall and the transformation of a Victorian infirmary into a modern workplace were among the projects recognised at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. Held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the event brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector to celebrate excellence in workplace design, development and operation. (more…)

Interface expands Woven Gradience carpet tile collection with new transition colourways inspired by nature   

Interface expands Woven Gradience carpet tile collection with new transition colourways inspired by nature   

by • Company news, Environment, Flooring

Interface, Inc the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced fresh colourways for its Woven Gradience™ carpet tile collectionInterface, Inc the global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, has introduced fresh colourways for its Woven Gradience™ carpet tile collection. The biophilic-inspired collection now includes an expanded range of foundational and transition colourways, taking cues from the seamless gradients and flowing transitions found in nature. Building off the success of the collection’s initial launch in 2021, Woven Gradience’s updated colour palette meets the needs of today’s commercial spaces. Designers can explore strong statements, neutral tones, and all the options in between as they look to natural transition styles for design flexibility and wayfinding.  (more…)

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

by • AI, Environment, News

A new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developedA new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developed. The research coincides with reports from within OpenAI that the firm’s energy consumption will match the current energy use of India within 8 years. The paper, Video Killed the Energy Budget: Characterizing the Latency and Power Regimes of Open Text-to-Video Models, published on the open research platform arXiv, presents a detailed analysis of the power usage of advanced open-source video generation systems. Conducted by researchers Julien Delavande, Régis Pierrard and Sasha Luccioni, the study benchmarks several models and quantifies the way in which video generation consumes energy. (more…)

Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

by • Company news, Furniture, Workplace design

This November, Workspace Design Show returns to RAI Amsterdam, Hall 5 with the theme Activate the Senses — transforming the exhibition floor into a vibrant journey through sound, light, texture, and space. Over two inspiring days, 5–6 November 2025, the Benelux workplace design community will gather to explore how multi-sensory design is reshaping the way we work. Alongside 150+ international exhibitors, visitors will encounter interactive features and installations created by the likes of Biophilic Design Academy, Casper Schwarz Architects, UNS, Mecanoo, and Tank Design. (more…)

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

by • Facilities management, News, Wellbeing, Workplace design

The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air qualityA new international initiative was launched in New York during Climate Week to address what experts describe as one of the most overlooked public health issues of our time. The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air quality, bringing together nearly 170 leaders from over 30 countries across health, academia, business and the built environment. The Commission was announced at a United Nations side event and is backed by the International WELL Building Institute. Its members include former United States Surgeon General Dr Richard Carmona, leading scientists and researchers, deans of major universities, as well as executives and sustainability leaders from real estate, technology, and manufacturing. Architecture, engineering and building science are also strongly represented, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of the challenge. (more…)

Revolut opens new London HQ as part of long term plan for the UK financial services sector

Revolut opens new London HQ as part of long term plan for the UK financial services sector

by • News, Property

Fintech firm Revolut has announced the opening of its new global headquarters in London, underlining a week that has seen more than £110 billion committed to the UK financial services sector.Fintech firm Revolut has announced the opening of its new global headquarters in Canary Wharf, in a week that has seen more than £110 billion committed to the UK financial services sector. The company confirmed it will invest £3 billion over the next five years and create around 1,000 new skilled jobs. (more…)

Sustainable Design Collective hosts ’speed dating’ style talks

Sustainable Design Collective hosts ’speed dating’ style talks

by • Environment, News, Workplace design

Members of the Sustainable Design Collective including sustainability specialists from leading workplace design practices, such as Perkins & Will, TP Bennett, BDP, JRA, Overbury and Siren Design, are offering the opportunity to join ’speed dating’ style round table discussionsMembers of the Sustainable Design Collective including sustainability specialists from leading workplace design practices, such as Perkins & Will, TP Bennett (main image), BDP, JRA, Overbury and Siren Design, are offering the opportunity to join ’speed dating’ style round table discussions. To be held on Wednesday 1st October, 4-6pm at the Crypt on the Green in Clerkenwell, manufacturers, suppliers, designers, project and facilities manager are invited to join one of the round table discussions hosted by SDC members. After 20 minutes, the whistle will blow and that’s the opportunity to change tables. Topics include: Achieving greater circularity; Understanding Supply Chains & Adding social value; Sustainability & Technology; Project Assessments. (more…)

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

by • Company news, Workplace design

The Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces - no matter how people like to workThe Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces – no matter how people like to work. With single-sided and double-sided seating options, Bloom invites conversation, collaboration and comfort from every angle. Made with 19 different modules, Bloom can adapt alongside the needs of any organisation – evolving with environments to keep pace with ever-changing commercial trends and demands. Featuring active seating zones integrated into the rear of single units, Bloom encourages spontaneous moments of pause. It is ideal for informal interactions in modern workspaces, hospitality and public settings. (more…)

Workers voice concerns over AI in the workplace, think it makes them less intelligent

Workers voice concerns over AI in the workplace, think it makes them less intelligent

by • AI, News

There is growing unease among employees about the impact of AI on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job security and reduced human interaction.A new survey claims to highlight growing unease among employees about the impact of artificial intelligence on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job insecurity and reduced human interaction, as well as brain rot. The research, carried out by Howdy in August 2025 among 1,007 full-time workers aged 19 to 77, found that while the majority are already using AI tools in some form, significant numbers are questioning the consequences. Around one in four believe they risk losing critical abilities through over-reliance on artificial intelligence, while a fifth said the technology already makes them less capable. A smaller group, around 10 percent, said they now rely entirely on AI to perform their jobs. (more…)

HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content

HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content

by • Company news, Workplace design

Now, the full range of HIMACS standard sinks and basins has been officially SCS-certified for containing a minimum of 8 percent pre-consumer recycled content.HIMACS has long been the solid surface material of choice for architects and designers looking for a refined balance of aesthetics, performance, and versatility. Now, the full range of HIMACS standard sinks and basins has been officially SCS-certified for containing a minimum of 8 percent pre-consumer recycled content. This certification adds to the material’s technical and visual appeal by offering an option with enhanced sustainability, without compromising on quality or functionality. (more…)

Just one more CoreNet? Give it to me.

Just one more CoreNet? Give it to me.

by • Comment, Property

Esme Banks Marr reports from CoreNet in AmsterdamLast week, CoreNet Global’s EMEA Summit returned to Amsterdam, and with it, the familiar rhythm of connection, conversation, and the occasional déjà vu. I’ve attended a handful of these, and every year I tell myself I pretty much know what I’m in for… and yet, I keep coming back. Why? Well, let me unpack. First, let’s talk about the setting. Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like it’s permanently on the front foot. It’s forward-thinking, relentlessly innovative, and always busy shaping the future. From cycling-first urban design to a thriving HQ and campus workplace scene, it’s a natural stage for a conversation about “Innovate to Thrive”, this year’s conference theme. I’ve always had the sense that the city itself lives that mantra. (more…)

«< 4 5 6 7 8 >»