The Sustainability Implications of Hybrid Working Practices on Offices in a Post-Covid 19 World

As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, patterns in working practices shifted. The legacy of this remains and has caused a fundamental shift in how office buildings are used. Hybrid and remote working for office-based staff gained significant traction and continues to do so. The impact of these changes in working patterns has far-reaching implications, in essence, resetting a number of long-held practices. Operationally, there are real questions around the need to rethink office building purpose and re-evaluate office energy and spatial use. This rethinking presents a challenge for office users and managers but also for how we understand and measure the sustainability of these changing office buildings.

The research focuses on the broader sustainability and management implications of this changing office working environment, mobilising the Methodology for Interdisciplinary Research (MIR) framework and drawing upon a BREEAM Excellent case study office building. The research uses a multi-disciplinary approach involving industry and academic professionals from various disciplines, from the built environment to psychology. Using building data, interviews and broader published research, the study considers the reliability of past strategies for measuring sustainability against this more dynamic working environment and whether they are still fit for purpose. The challenges faced in the transition to new hybrid working practices are unpacked.

The research posits the broader implications for office buildings. Findings illustrate how perceptions of actors shift regarding office buildings and how technology will impact the office and energy use. In particular, the transition to the requirement for much more tailored and dynamic building management systems, working practices 49 and the increased importance of corporate responsibility for scope three and digital carbon emissions.