Being named a finalist in the Sustainability Leader category at the very first Workaround Coworking Awards Berlin is a significant recognition for Design Offices. With around 50 locations across Germany, the company has integrated sustainability into both its workspace design and day-to-day operations.
Being named a finalist is a strong recognition of the efforts our teams invest every day to make our flexible workspaces more sustainable. It shows that sustainability is not only an internal commitment but also visible in the market.
We spoke with Julia Verch, Senior Sales Manager, about how Design Offices approaches sustainability in the flex office industry and how they are working to reduce their environmental impact while supporting modern ways of working.
In a highly competitive market like Berlin, Design Offices believes that consistency and scale are key factors behind its nomination. Sustainability initiatives are not limited to a single flagship location but are implemented across the company’s entire portfolio. About half of their locations are situated in existing buildings rather than new developments, which gives older properties a second life instead of requiring new construction. The company also prioritizes local suppliers and partners whenever possible, reducing long transportation routes and associated emissions.
Sustainability in our flex office environment means creating efficient, adaptable office spaces that reduce wasted space and resources while still offering high-quality workplaces.
Design Offices describes itself primarily as a flex office provider rather than a traditional coworking operator. Many of its members are medium-sized companies or corporate teams that work in private office suites while benefiting from shared areas for meetings and collaboration. This flexible setup allows companies to scale their workspace according to actual needs, avoiding unused office space and making better use of shared resources.
Operational improvements are also an important part of the company’s sustainability strategy. Over the past year, Design Offices has focused on improving energy efficiency across its locations by upgrading lighting systems to LED with motion sensors, introducing smarter heating and cooling systems that adapt to occupancy levels, and increasing the use of durable and reusable furniture when reconfiguring spaces.
Sustainability works best when the community participates in everyday decisions.
Members are encouraged to take part in this journey through practical measures such as clear recycling systems, reduced single-use materials in shared areas, and regular communication about sustainability initiatives. Some locations even provide bicycle fleets that members can use for errands or nearby meetings, offering an alternative to car travel.
Looking ahead, Design Offices aims to continue reducing its environmental footprint while supporting flexible work models that already help companies lower their space usage and commuting emissions. Plans include further improving energy efficiency across all locations, expanding the use of sustainable materials in refurbishments, and increasingly collaborating with suppliers that follow responsible production standards.
At the same time, demand for greener office solutions in Berlin is clearly growing. According to Design Offices, sustainability has become a genuine decision factor for companies choosing workspace solutions. Many organizations now request ESG-related information during the office selection process, as reporting requirements increase and employees expect workplaces that reflect responsible and sustainable values.
By integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into their workspace strategy, Design Offices aims to show that flexible offices can be both efficient and sustainable as the future of work continues to evolve.