We all know the damage fast fashion is having on the environment—it's connected to 10% of global carbon emissions and produces a staggering 92 million tons of waste each year (according to The World Economic Forum). Few people realise that office fitouts can be just as harmful, with their often disposable nature contributing to significant environmental damage. This trend, often called Throwaway Fitouts, mirrors the destructive cycle of fast fashion, where low-cost, short-term solutions lead to excessive waste and resource depletion.
The fast fashion connection.
The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than aviation and shipping combined (according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation) and consumes vast amounts of natural resources. Synthetic fabrics, non-recyclable materials, and cheap production methods drive 85% of textiles to landfills or incineration (according to the UN Environment Program), contributing to a global waste crisis.
Similarly, throwaway fitouts in the office design industry are driven by budget constraints and fast turnarounds. Businesses often opt for inexpensive, mass-produced furniture and materials that are discarded after only a few years. This contributes to the 2.2 billion tons of construction waste projected globally by 2025 (as per The World Bank). This is compounded by Australia discarding approximately 800,000 tons of office furniture annually, according to the National Waste Report 2020. Just like fast fashion, these materials are often difficult to recycle and add to growing landfills.
The hidden costs of throwaway fitouts.
The environmental impact of rapidly discarded office fitouts is alarming, and includes:
Carbon emissions: The building and construction industry is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions (UNEP Global Status Report), and workplace fitouts are a significant contributor. Cheap, mass-produced furniture, partitions, and finishes release large quantities of carbon dioxide during production and have a short lifespan, increasing the cycle of waste.
Waste generation: Businesses frequently update office spaces to stay on trend or align with brand updates. However, millions of tons of furniture and materials are disposed of every year. The 800,000 tons of discarded office furniture annually in Australia adds to the 27 million tons of construction and demolition waste (National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019).
Resource depletion: Materials like single-use plastics, vinyl flooring, and particleboard used in fitouts are resource-intensive to produce. Like fast fashion’s cotton or synthetic fibers, these materials have significant environmental footprints. Choosing them for their lower costs results in the overuse of resources and worsens the waste crisis.
Learning from slow fashion and embracing quality over quantity.
One response to fast fashion has been the rise of slow fashion, which encourages buying fewer, higher-quality items, designed to last. A similar shift towards slow workplace design is needed. This philosophy promotes investing in durable, sustainable materials and designing with longevity in mind, thereby reducing environmental impact.
How to curb the rise of throwaway fitouts.
To move beyond a disposable fitout culture, businesses and designers can embrace these sustainable strategies:
Design for longevity: Like investing in high-quality, timeless fashion, office fitouts should focus on long-lasting, durable materials. High-quality materials may have higher upfront costs, but save money in the long run due to their extended lifespan. Many high-end products come with lifetime warranties, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Prioritise reusability: Choose modular systems and flexible design solutions. Modular furniture and partitions can be reconfigured to adapt to evolving business needs, similar to how capsule wardrobes adapt to changing fashion trends. This minimises the need for constant office overhauls.
Source sustainable materials: Incorporating eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, recycled metals, and bamboo parallels the shift to organic and recycled fabrics in slow fashion. These alternatives reduce the project’s carbon footprint and save resources.
Work with local manufacturers and artisans: Partnering with local manufacturers and artisans reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation and supports local economies. Locally sourced materials and custom-made pieces are often more sustainable and higher quality, enhancing the uniqueness of the design while reducing environmental impact.
Use higher-end products with extended warranties: Like slow fashion promotes investing in quality garments that stand the test of time, businesses should choose office products that offer extended or lifetime warranties. These products are designed to last longer and typically incorporate sustainable manufacturing practices.
Implement circular design practices: The circular economy encourages keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Refurbish, repair, or recycle materials instead of discarding them. Many manufacturers now offer take-back programs for old furniture, ensuring responsible recycling or repurposing (UNEP Circular Economy Report).
Certify your projects: Sustainability certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Star ensure that projects meet eco-friendly design principles. These certifications focus on energy efficiency, sustainable material sourcing, and healthier indoor environments. Achieving Green Star certification in Australia is particularly beneficial, as it aligns with national sustainability goals (Green Building Council of Australia).
Educate clients on sustainability: Many clients may be unaware of the environmental costs of throwaway fitouts. By providing data and life cycle cost analyses, designers can shift clients' focus from short-term cost savings to long-term environmental responsibility. Educating clients on the benefits of sustainable design, such as enhanced employee well-being, long-term cost savings, and improved brand perception, can encourage them to adopt more eco-conscious practices.
Forging a sustainable future for workplace design.
The movement away from throwaway fitouts is not just about reducing environmental harm—it's about creating thoughtful, long-lasting and sustainable workplaces. By investing in higher-quality materials, adopting circular design practices, and educating clients on the benefits of sustainability, the workplace design industry can reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future, creating workspaces that benefit both businesses and the environment.
