Redefining Commercial Interior Spaces: The Zero-Carbon Movement

Rose Morrison

Jan 21, 2025

Green Plant in an Office

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As the built world shifts toward greener practices to reduce emissions, commercial interiors are at the forefront of sustainability. Companies across all industries want to redefine their office spaces to improve the environment and building occupants’ health. Here’s how the commercial sector has taken on the zero-carbon movement.

Building Green: The Rise of Sustainable Commercial Interiors

The green building market is trending upward, with a 9.7% compound annual growth rate by 2028 — to $851.01 billion. This is vastly due to several factors, including the following:

  • Government regulations and incentives for achieving net zero emissions
  • Energy efficiency cost savings
  • Increasing demand for environmental corporate responsibility
  • Higher occupancy and property values 

The latter, especially, have been excellent reasons for turning toward green commercial interior design. In fact, sustainable buildings have a 10%–21% higher market value than regular structures. Investors also prioritize sustainability, so buildings with proper green credentials are considered fool-proof investments.

Commercial Interior Design in the Net Zero Era

Commercial Interior Space With Living Wall

Many commercial properties have undergone retrofitting to inch closer to zero carbon. The following case studies are models of what the built environment can achieve overall. 

The Unisphere

The six-story development in Silver Spring, Maryland, is the largest net-zero building worldwide. With 3,000 solar panels, the Unisphere generates enough clean electricity for all 210,000 square feet of commercial space. During peak hours, the structure sends excess energy to the electrical grid and helps power the community during off-peak hours.

The property also boasts an impressive ventilation system to keep it cool through thermal mass for warming and an atrium pool for cooling. The design ensures interior comfort for all occupants.

Google Headquarters

Google has made strides in sustainability as the company moves toward net-zero emissions by 2030 — it is doing this in three stages as it invests in nature-based commercial interior solutions.

The company’s new California office is the first to use mass timber solely in its construction. Mass timber is engineered wood comprising layers of laminated wood pieces. Mass timber is regenerative and capable of storing massive amounts of carbon dioxide. The office space also allows for sweeping nature views, helping boost employees’ productivity and mental health.

Microsoft Data Centers

Microsoft has highly ambitious decarbonization goals. By 2050, the company would like to remove the equivalent of all the carbon it’s emitted since its founding and be carbon neutral by 2030.

In its efforts, Microsoft has begun building the first data centers with wood to reduce the use of steel and concrete. The company hopes the two new data centers will reach a 35% reduced carbon footprint compared to steel construction and a 65% lower impact than concrete.

Commercial Interior Solutions for Sustainable Business

Conference Room With Large Windows and a Green Wall

Commercial interior design has turned to sustainable solutions to improve the built environment’s eco-friendliness. More spaces are being built and retrofitted to include the following initiatives and resources. 

Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials are the foundation of the zero-carbon movement and the sustainability of commercial interior spaces. Green resources like cork, reclaimed wood, recycled content, and bamboo are commonly utilized.

Bamboo is especially becoming more popular in construction and building design. Compared to other types of wood, bamboo is more sustainable because it’s a fast grower. These trees can grow 23 inches in a day, with some species reaching over 100 feet before harvesting.

Green Certifications

Green building certifications, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and WELL Building Standard, set the standards for commercial interior energy efficiency and human health. The criteria are a valuable tool for designers, developers and owners to create the most environmentally friendly and healthy commercial interior. 

Some certifications focus on lowering a building’s emissions through retrofitting efforts, while others prioritize air quality, thermal comfort, adequate lighting and impact on mental well-being. Regardless, seeking green certifications demonstrates a willingness and commitment to sustainability. 

Energy Efficiency

The built environment accounts for 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of global emissions. Eight percent is directly derived from building emissions, while 18% comes from electricity and heat-related energy use.

For this reason, many commercial spaces are incorporating energy-efficient solutions to achieve zero carbon emissions. These include optimizing HVAC systems for optimal indoor thermal comfort and air quality, switching to light-emitting diode bulbs, and installing solar panels and rooftop gardens. Rooftop vegetation, in particular, helps cool buildings to alleviate the need for constant HVAC operations.

Water Conservation Methods

Water conservation is essential to commercial interior design. Many businesses are investing in low-flow faucets and toilets in public restrooms to save water. Low-flow products are a viable option, given the high foot traffic in these commercial bathrooms.

Other green buildings have integrated greywater recycling solutions into their designs. This type of water is non-potable but usable for different building purposes. 

Waste Reduction

Office With Biophilic Aesthetic and Natural Light

Commercial buildings create ample waste. Many occupants express interest in waste reduction strategies, such as recycling programs and upcycling. However, there is much confusion about recycling rules. According to one survey, 47% of Americans say paper is the easiest to recycle compared to plastic, metal and glass.

Upcycling is another way to give a secondary purpose to various items, such as reusing office furniture. These approaches to waste reduction are crucial commercial interior solutions for eco-friendliness. Businesses can guide the separation of recyclable materials to demonstrate their commitment to less trash.

The Path to Sustainable Commercial Interiors Continues

The commercial sector would be remiss to overlook the importance and value of turning toward sustainable solutions. In today’s world, designers, builders and building owners have a responsibility to better the planet and safeguard the people who occupy their spaces.

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