What is a carbon neutral fit out? All office fit outs create carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. Using non-renewable energy, ferrying people or materials to and from the site and using non-sustainable materials... all of these things have a negative impact on the environment.

Going carbon neutral means measuring and minimising how much CO₂ your project is creating. Then, you can 'offset' your total emissions (your 'carbon footprint') by investing in things like reforestation, renewable energy projects, or other 'green' schemes.

How do you do it?
If you're going to go carbon neutral, it pays to work with an office design and fit out partner that has firsthand knowledge and experience of these projects. As well as managing and monitoring everything for you, they'll be able to minimise your carbon emissions from day one of the project.

Step 1. Choose an experienced office design and fit out partner, with carbon neutral expertise.
Step 2. Appoint a 'champion' from your own company, to work with your project manager.
Step 3. Your project manager will monitor and measure everything that involves using energy:

• Electric / gas / generator meter readings
• Road miles of any vehicles used in the fit out
• Mode of transport everyone on site uses to travel to and from work
• Mileage for all your deliveries (from the last drop-off point to your site)
• Anything else that uses non-renewable energy

Step 4. Your project manager will use all the data to work out your 'carbon footprint'.
Step 5. Your champion should talk to your staff, so you can decide which kinds of projects you'll invest in, to 'offset' your emissions.
Step 6. Offset your emissions by paying the appropriate amount, investing in your chosen project.

Why bother?
Most people are concerned about climate change - your staff, your suppliers and your clients. They all want to do their part, and they want to work with responsible businesses - ensuring a 'green supply chain'. Having carbon neutral credentials shows that you qualify.

Want to know more?

For a carbon neutral fit out, call us on 0800 028 0945. Or visit The CarbonNeutral Company or Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management websites for more on going carbon neutral.

Sustainable overhaul for Morgan Lovell London office

When finished, Morgan Lovell's newly refurbished London office will be a beacon to sustainability. The design is one of the first to be developed to match up to BREEAM's new rating system for refurbishment in existing buildings. This involves not only sourcing sustainable materials and using sustainable methods, but also rethinking company policies and practices.

For example, simple things like installing bicycle storage and showers will encourage more staff to cycle rather than drive. Lighting systems that respond to daylight will save a lot of energy each day, as will placing all the desks close to windows.

Wherever possible, all materials, furniture, fixtures and fittings have been sourced from companies within 500 miles, with sound environmental management policies in place. The fabrics made by Camira, for example, are manufactured in Yorkshire, using 100% green electricity and using recycled plastic bottles (to ISO 14001 standards). The new Ahrend workstations, Orangebox sofas and Herman Miller chairs are not only made from recycled materials, but can be recycled again, when worn out.

The new office proves just how stylish sustainability can be. Flooded with natural light, fitted out with creative flair, no one would ever guess, at first glance, the depth of Morgan Lovell's eco credentials.

Want to see for yourself?

You're welcome to have a nose around. We're at 16 Noel Street, in Soho. Just call 020 7734 4466 to arrange a visit.

Morgan Lovell Birmingham moves to new
sustainable space

If you visit Morgan Lovell's office in Birmingham, you'll see their vision... the office of the future. Built to a sustainable design, using environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials, the new office makes the most of the building's original warehouse architecture with a fresh take on the modern office.

The space is completely open plan, but with various 'zones'. Despite the absence of walls, each zone still manages to feel distinct. At the heart of the space is a large 'break out' area, which feels more chic coffee bar than office canteen. Comfortable furniture and retro wallpaper make the boardroom feel more like a living room.

It's hard to believe, when you see it in person, that it's built to such strict environmental standards. All the natural light that floods in cleverly cuts down on energy use too. The impressive oak floors are either recycled, or come from sustainable forests. And looking at the slick worktops, you'd never guess they were drinks bottles in a former life.

Every detail you can imagine has been carefully considered to have as little impact on the environment as possible, not just during the build but for life. Recycling bins are as integral to the office as cupboards. Moving closer to public transport links will help cut down on driving too.

The new office is impressive for all the right reasons. Morgan Lovell has managed to remain sensitive to the environment, without compromising on form or function.

Stylish and sustainable? It's possible.

Pay us a visit at Fort Dunlop. Or call us on 0121 748 8600 to talk about your own transformation.

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