Eco-Friendly Elements and the New Normal of Office Design

In the world of office design, the term “green” sometimes carries a negative perception, often associated with sacrificing quality for environmental efficiency. John Stein, President of Kirei, is working to change that narrative by creating high-quality, uniquely designed products that are also eco-friendly. He believes that focusing on the quality and functionality of products, rather than just their environmental mission, will encourage more organizations to adopt green design materials in their workplaces.

With the current variety of beautiful, eco-friendly design elements available, offices can be both sustainable and productive without excessive costs.

Professional Background and Entry into Eco-Friendly Design

John Stein began with a marketing background, working with a variety of companies. He was introduced to Kirei’s first product, the Kirei Board, and saw an opportunity to provide sustainable solutions that were also well-marketed and visually appealing. By showcasing the product, he found that people were interested and eager to purchase it, which led to the growth of the business.

The Challenge of Green Marketing

Stein emphasizes that the word “green” should not be the sole focus when marketing products. Instead, the primary concern should be whether the product or service meets the consumer’s needs, with sustainability as an added benefit. Green attributes are just one part of the decision-making process for consumers.

Early Products and Changing Perceptions

Kirei’s early approach was to create products that were both green and solved specific workplace issues. Stein notes that many people had negative beliefs about green products, viewing them as ineffective, expensive, or unattractive. By offering beautiful and functional products, Kirei helped shift perceptions, showing that eco-friendly options do not require sacrifice. Over the past decade, the perception of green products has improved, and there is now a baseline expectation for sustainability in most transactions.

Focus on Acoustics in Office Spaces

Kirei places a strong emphasis on acoustics, addressing the challenges of open, collaborative workspaces that often suffer from poor sound management. Traditional acoustic solutions were often unattractive, so Kirei aimed to provide solutions that are both functional and visually appealing. In modern office design, every element must serve multiple purposes, such as walls that absorb sound or double as writing surfaces. The need for sound management extends beyond offices to education, government, and healthcare sectors.

Making the Business Case for Green Design

When pitching green design materials to decision-makers, Stein advises focusing on measurable business outcomes like productivity, absenteeism, and turnover, rather than just environmental benefits. Eco-friendly spaces can lead to improved metrics in these areas compared to traditional spaces.

Trends in Eco-Friendly Design Materials

Today, nearly every material has some form of green story, and consumers are increasingly interested in the composition of materials, avoiding those with toxic components. Organizations seek design materials that are not only beautiful but also functional, such as those that absorb carbon or provide acoustic control. Materials are expected to serve multiple functions.

The Future of Eco-Friendly Design

The adoption of eco-friendly products is becoming standard practice, moving beyond early adopters to widespread use. Stein predicts mass incorporation of sustainable materials in office design, with a focus on educating organizations about the true costs and benefits. Demonstrating reduced cost of ownership or increased profitability can shift the conversation in favor of green solutions.

Personal Rewards

For Stein, the most rewarding aspect of his work is helping people create better spaces. He enjoys changing perceptions about what is possible in office environments, particularly in improving the quality of teleconferencing and meeting spaces.

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How do you think the perception towards green office design is changing? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.