How can we elevate wellbeing and reduce carbon in corporate real estate?

In 2025, the global corporate real estate sector underwent a profound transformation, refocusing on human wellbeing. With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the urgency to decarbonise is matched by a growing occupant demand for environments that promote wellbeing. Smart design, where sustainability and wellness converge, is now a strategic imperative. 

Smart design vs low carbon design 

Low carbon design is definitely leading the charge in our industry. For example, our Zero Carbon Design 2030 initiative is set to ensure all our projects meet our science-based carbon reduction targets by the end of the decade.  This aligns with broader industry trends; 35 million buildings in Europe must be renovated by 2030 to meet climate goals, yet 75% remain energy inefficient. Properties with poor energy ratings have seen value drops of up to 8%, while ’green’ buildings command premiums of up to 20%.¹  

However, we need to remember to avoid carbon tunnel vision when it comes to addressing sustainability. Creative thinking around other aspects can also open new opportunities for embodied and operational carbon reduction.  

In this blog, we will discuss how three specialisms, acoustics, lighting, and air quality, are contributing to occupant health and wellbeing in the workplace strategy.  

Acoustics

Acoustics play a critical role in reducing stress. Not only that, but thoughtfully designed acoustic environments enhance focus and improve concentration. Incorporating natural, pleasant soundscapes can support workplace activities and lower cortisol levels and the heart rate. Being mindful to minimise carbon, acoustic material selections must consider alternatives like natural, recycled, locally produced or less carbon-intensive materials such as cotton, hemp, and wool.  

We recently did studies to look at the benefits of comfort and sustainability found when using speech masking systems in cellularised office layouts with high privacy requirements. The key benefit was being able to rationalise wall partitions alongside material usage/embodied carbon reductions, while still maintaining high levels of speech privacy and confidentiality. 

Lighting 

Lighting design is evolving with human-centric systems that support circadian rhythms and enhance productivity. Smart lighting design means striking a fine balance in which the quality of light influences their perception of space and directly affects satisfaction, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

A successful net zero lighting design must go beyond energy efficiency and life expectancy. Design principles should incorporate the adaptability of the lighting systems, ensuring they can be upcycled or recycled, and include embodied carbon benchmarks within luminaire schedules.  

Indoor air quality 

Indoor air quality is another key factor that often gets forgotten about. Poor IAQ can impair cognitive function and increase absenteeism, while smart ventilation, biophilic design, and healthy materials enhance both health and energy efficiency.  

Innovations like active green walls and low-VOC finishes are becoming standard in high-performance buildings. Plants have also been shown to increase humidity indoors via the natural process of transpiration, which releases water vapour into the air and effectively turns them into passive and low energy humidifiers. 

Future gazing

When talking to clients and industry peers, we have noticed some corporate real estate design trends coming through:

• Sentient architecture that adapts to occupant needs in real time
• Biophilic design integrating nature to reduce stress and boost focus
• AI-driven ’science-led design’ for optimising energy and wellbeing outcomes
• Neuro-inclusive environments supporting mental health and diverse work styles.

And these innovations are not just ethical, they’re economically sound. According to JLL, 72% of corporate leaders are willing to pay a premium for sustainable buildings, and 68% plan to increase sustainability investments over the next five years.  

Our recent office move in Edinburgh exemplifies this approach. New Clarendon in Edinburgh utilised reused materials, integrated low-carbon finishes, and prioritised occupant health. These strategies are redefining what high performance buildings look like. 

The adoption of an all-encompassing approach brings further benefits for the global corporate real estate sector²:  

• Enhanced employee wellbeing boosts retention, engagement, and productivity
• Energy-efficient retrofits unlock 10–40% savings in operational costs
• Sustainable design increases asset value and resilience
• Regulatory alignment futureproofs portfolios against ESG mandates.

As we reach what experts call the ’green tipping point’, the message is clear: smart design isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people, performance, and planet. For corporate real estate leaders, embracing this shift means unlocking long-term value and creating spaces that truly elevate how we live and work.