Sustainable coworking: How green practices are shaping workspaces in 2025

Coworking spaces have become more than just flexible work hubs; they are now pioneers of sustainability in the workplace. In 2025, integrating eco-friendly practices into coworking spaces is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity.

With growing climate awareness, businesses and professionals demand eco-conscious workspaces that minimize carbon footprints, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable practices. This has led to coworking spaces transforming into green work hubs that benefit not only workers and businesses but also the planet.

From net-zero energy buildings to circular economy initiatives, here’s how coworking spaces are leading the charge toward sustainability.

1. Net-zero energy buildings: Workspaces that generate their own power

(image source: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov)

The future of coworking is rooted in net-zero energy buildings, which generate as much energy as they consume. By adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power, coworking spaces are significantly cutting down their reliance on fossil fuels.

How it’s happening:

  • On-site renewable energy: Solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heating systems are powering workspaces sustainably.
  • Battery storage systems: Excess energy is stored in batteries to ensure uninterrupted green power during peak times.
  • Smart energy monitoring: IoT-powered sensors optimize energy consumption and reduce waste.

Coworking space spotlight: Saltwater (Byron Bay, Australia)

Saltwater Coworking operates entirely on solar power, stores surplus energy in advanced batteries, and offsets remaining emissions through local conservation projects.

2. Circular economy: Reducing, reusing, and repurposing

(image source: Unsplash/Stanley)

Embracing a circular economy model, coworking spaces are reducing waste by extending the lifecycle of materials through upcycling, refurbishing, and repurposing.

How it’s happening:

  • Upcycled & reclaimed furniture: Sourcing from reclaimed wood and thrift stores or upcycling existing pieces.
  • E-waste reduction programs: Refurbishing electronics like computers to minimize landfill waste.
  • Library of things: Offering shared office tools and equipment to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Coworking space spotlight: Green Spaces (Denver, USA)

Green Spaces focuses on a zero-waste office model with upcycled furniture and repair workshops to extend the life of electronics.

3. Low-impact construction: Building sustainability from the ground up

(image source: Unsplash/Prudence Earl)

Instead of relying on high-carbon materials, coworking spaces are turning to low-impact and locally sourced materials, minimizing their environmental footprint during construction.

How it’s happening:

  • Bamboo & timber structures: Renewable and sustainable alternatives to steel and concrete.
  • Hempcrete walls: A carbon-negative material made from hemp fibers, lime, and water.
  • Green roofs & rainwater harvesting: Reducing heat absorption and promoting sustainable water usage.

Coworking space spotlight: The Sustainability Hub (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

This hub is built with hempcrete walls, reclaimed wood, and a rainwater system, making it a model for sustainable construction.

4. Sustainable commuting: Promoting low-carbon transportation

(image source: Pexels/Joanna Onraet)

Coworking spaces are addressing the often-overlooked emissions from commuting by encouraging eco-friendly transportation.

How it’s happening:

  • Subsidized public transit & bike incentives: Discounts for members who use public transport or cycle to work.
  • EV charging stations: Promoting clean energy through on-site electric vehicle chargers.
  • Decentralized workspaces: Launching smaller, suburban coworking hubs to reduce long commutes.

Coworking space spotlight: Impact Hub (Berlin, Germany)

Impact Hub Berlin offers perks for green commuting, including discounts for cyclists and walkers, along with EV charging facilities.

5. Eco-friendly office supplies: Rethinking everyday consumption

(image source: Pexels/Micheile Henderson)

Sustainability extends to everyday office supplies. Many coworking spaces are eliminating single-use plastics and adopting eco-friendly products.

How it’s happening:

  • Zero-waste stationery: Providing bamboo pens, refillable markers, and recyclable notebooks.
  • Eco-friendly printing: Using recycled paper and soy-based inks to reduce printing impacts.
  • Sustainable snacks: Offering organic, fair-trade coffee and snacks with compostable packaging.

Coworking space spotlight: Uncommon (London, UK)

Uncommon has fully transitioned to zero-waste office supplies and serves organic, sustainably sourced coffee and snacks.

Why sustainable coworking matters in 2025

Sustainability in coworking isn’t just good for the planet—it offers real benefits for businesses and workers alike:

  • Lower operating costs: Renewable energy and waste reduction lead to cost savings, reducing membership fees.
  • Healthier environments: Non-toxic materials and improved air quality enhance worker well-being.
  • Stronger brand appeal: Businesses prefer eco-friendly spaces to align with their sustainability goals.
  • Community impact: Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility influences members’ habits beyond work.

Conclusion: The future of work is green

Coworking spaces in 2025 are proving that sustainability isn’t just possible—it’s profitable, healthier, and inspiring. By embracing renewable energy, circular economies, low-impact construction, eco-friendly commuting, and plastic-free offices, these spaces are setting the standard for future work environments.

As demand for green workspaces continues to grow, choosing a sustainable coworking space isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a smart business decision. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or corporate leader, the future of work is green.

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