Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a requirement. Where energy consumption and material selection used to be secondary considerations, they now determine the entire design process of modern workplaces. Clients demand measurable results: concrete CO₂ reduction, demonstrable energy savings, and proven circularity. For organizations that want to transform their workplace, this means a fundamental shift in thinking and acting.
From trend to contractual requirement
The time when sustainability was mainly a marketing term is definitively behind us. In 2025, clients increasingly include circular performance and energy consumption as strict requirements in award criteria and contracts. Paris Proof, with a maximum energy consumption of 70 kWh per square meter per year, is increasingly used as the standard. BREEAM-NL certification is also regularly included as a contractual requirement by public and large private clients.
This development forces organizations to make choices already in the design phase that lead to lower energy consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions, rather than relying solely on behavioral change during the use of a building.
The Dutch Paris Proof program sets clear intermediate targets for existing buildings. In 2025, the level WEii Efficient applies, and in 2030 WEii Very Efficient. For new construction, there has also been a requirement since 2021 that buildings no longer use operational energy.
Measurable impact through smart technology
The average Dutch office consumes 175 kWh per square meter per year. To achieve Paris Proof, this must be reduced by 60%. That may seem like a huge challenge, but examples show that it is achievable. Heembouw reduced the energy consumption of its own office from 47 to 17 kWh per square meter in just three years.
The key lies in a combination of relatively simple measures:
LED lighting with motion sensors saves 25% electricity
Smart thermostats, linked to occupancy data, reduce gas consumption by 20%
Monitoring the indoor climate with proper control provides an additional 15% energy savings
The combined effect of these measures can reduce energy consumption by 35 to 50%, without employees having to change their behavior. The payback period for these investments is usually under two years.
Design & Build as a guarantee for success
An integrated Design & Build approach reduces risks and limits disruptions. By organizing strategy, design, and execution under one roof and embedding sustainability goals in contracts, consistency is created throughout the entire lifecycle. Disruptions and budget overruns remain limited, while energy targets are actually achieved.
The process starts with a workplace session in which all stakeholders discuss their wishes and needs. Design based on occupancy analyses, energy measurements, and employee feedback forms the basis for suitable work zones and technical solutions. Certification according to BREEAM-NL, ISO 9001/14001, and VCA** ensures quality and sustainability.
Stakeholder involvement as a success factor
Technical and financial solutions alone are not enough to make workplace changes successful. Organizations that succeed in this area pay consistent attention to engagement, proper change guidance, and support during implementation.
Research shows that 29% of employees do not feel involved in changes within their organization. This lack of involvement often leads to skepticism or resistance. The main cause of resistance is a lack of clarity about why the change is necessary and what it concretely means for employees.
The role of the manager is crucial in this process. Managers translate strategy into daily practice, explain why changes are taking place, listen to concerns, and create a safe environment in which new ways of working can be tested. Research shows that 70% of the differences in team engagement are related to the quality of leadership.
When employees are actively involved in workplace changes, the results are clearly more positive. They make greater use of the new environment, are more satisfied, and contribute ideas for further improvements.
The way forward: integrated agility
To deal effectively with continuous change, a coherent approach is required. Isolated solutions to individual problems are not sufficient. Organizations must align their processes, systems, and objectives.
This starts with embedding agility at the core of the organization. Workplace strategy is not purely a facilities matter, but directly affects talent, performance, well-being, and reputation. That is why this topic requires attention at board level. Decisions about space influence costs, employee satisfaction, and sustainability, and therefore the overall success of the organization.
Continuous learning is essential. Organizations that regularly evaluate the results of changes, draw lessons from their experiences, and share that knowledge become increasingly effective at implementing improvements.
For medium-sized and large organizations, property owners, and executives seeking a future-proof workplace strategy, the solution lies in an integrated approach. This requires ongoing involvement from senior leadership, investments in strong analysis and change support, and a willingness to experiment and learn.
Organizations that take this step and view their workplace as a strategic asset build sustainable agility and remain attractive to employees. Continuing in the old, rigid way is becoming less viable in a world where expectations around work, talent, and sustainability continue to change. The time to seriously renew workplace strategy is now.
Sander Bank
Chief Executive Officer | Partner
Sander is partner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at BESPARK, or as he prefers to call it: Team Captain. Standing at 2.12 meters tall and with ambitions just as big, Sander knew from a young age that he would one day run his own company. That dream started at CBRE and really took shape when Iwan de Leeuw asked him at the end of 2015 to help build iL Office together. One day later, Sander quit his job. The rest is history.
In addition to his role as CEO, Sander is a BREEAM expert in the field of new construction and renovation. Whenever necessary, he ensures that our designs comply with BREEAM guidelines.
Hard work pays off, and Sander works hard like no other. It’s like top-level sport and not for everyone. “Entrepreneurship has to suit you and give you energy; otherwise you won’t be able to keep it up,” says Sander. But the results speak for themselves.
