COLLECTION Sustainable Workspace Framework

CSW-01 – Sustainable Buildings

What role does a property’s sustainability play at COLLECTION? A property’s sustainability rating is a key criterion in COLLECTION’s choice of location. In particular, recognised building certifications such as LEED, DGNB and BREEAM are taken into account. Several COLLECTION Business Centers are verifiably located in properties with such certifications. The certification and certification level are documented separately for each location, provided that the relevant evidence is available. However, building certification alone does not in itself create a sustainable working environment. COLLECTION therefore complements the quality of the buildings with its own requirements for the sustainable use and management of its COLLECTION Business Centers.

CSW-02 – Efficient Space

How can flexible offices contribute to a more efficient use of space? In traditional corporate offices, space is often set aside to accommodate maximum occupancy, even though not all workstations are in use at the same time due to working from home, business travel, holidays and hybrid working models. Flexible working environments enable space to be utilised in a way that is more closely aligned with actual needs. To this end, COLLECTION offers companies private offices, team offices, Coworking spaces, day offices, as well as meeting and Conference rooms. At the same time, a significant proportion of the infrastructure is shared. This includes, for example:

• Reception
• Business lounges
• Kitchens and service areas
• Meeting rooms
• Conference rooms
• Technical infrastructure

Not every company needs to maintain these areas separately. Shared infrastructure can help to make more efficient use of high-quality office infrastructure.

CSW-03 – Flexible Working

What role do hybrid working models play in space efficiency? Hybrid working is changing the space requirements of many companies. If not every employee needs a permanently reserved workstation on every working day, companies can organise their office infrastructure more flexibly. COLLECTION enables a combination of private offices, flexible workspaces, day offices and meeting and Conference rooms that can be used as and when required. This allows companies to tailor their working environment more closely to actual attendance, team size and usage patterns. In this context, sustainability also means providing space where and when it is actually needed.

CSW-04 – Durable Design

Why are quality and durability part of sustainability? Sustainability and premium quality are not mutually exclusive. High-quality materials, durable furniture and timeless interior design can help to extend product lifecycles and prevent the premature replacement of furnishings. COLLECTION therefore aims to create working environments that remain high-quality, functional and prestigious over the long term. Regular care and maintenance of the working environment are further supported by the COLLECTION Quality Standard. For COLLECTION, durability is an integral part of a responsible commitment to premium quality.

CSW-05 – Energy & Climate

How does COLLECTION manage energy consumption and CO₂ emissions? Defined principles on energy saving and the reduction of CO₂ emissions apply to COLLECTION’s sites. COLLECTION and the respective landlords have agreed to use resources and energy sparingly and efficiently when using and managing the properties, and to avoid emissions wherever possible. The agreed measures include, in particular: switching off lighting and appliances outside working hours wherever possible; not heating or cooling rooms beyond what is necessary; and, where technically possible and economically feasible, using energy-saving light bulbs. This means that energy efficiency is not only considered at the building level, but is also taken into account in the day-to-day operation of the centre.

CSW-06 – Renewable Energy

Does COLLECTION use renewable energy? Where COLLECTION is able to choose the energy supplier for a let property, the requirement is to endeavour to source at least 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources, insofar as this is technically feasible and economically reasonable. This means that the procurement of renewable energy forms part of the cross-site sustainability agreements. The specific energy supply also depends on the property in question, the existing supply systems and the options available for selecting a supplier.

CSW-07 – Environmental Data & CO₂ Transparency

Does COLLECTION collect data on energy consumption and CO₂? More sustainable management requires reliable information on actual resource consumption. COLLECTION has therefore agreed with its landlords to regularly exchange available sustainability information. This includes, in particular, data on: electricity consumption, water consumption, district heating consumption, and information required to calculate the carbon footprint of the respective leased space. The data is shared insofar as it can be collected using existing metering equipment or determined without the need for additional metering equipment, and is actually available from the relevant contractual partner. In this way, COLLECTION is establishing a foundation for assessing and further developing the environmental performance of its workspaces in an increasingly data-driven manner.

CSW-08 – Waste & Circularity

How does COLLECTION organise waste separation? Responsible centre management also encompasses the handling of waste and consumables. Waste collection systems are provided within the leased premises to enable appropriate separation and disposal. Where such waste is generated and separate collection is possible, this includes, amongst other things: paper, metal, glass, plastic, energy-saving light bulbs, batteries, printer and toner cartridges, wood, textiles, organic waste and other types of waste to be handled in accordance with the applicable waste separation schemes. COLLECTION’s guiding principle is: Avoid → Reduce → Sort → Dispose of properly.

CSW-09 – Responsible Cleaning & Operations

What environmental requirements apply to cleaning and centre operations? Everyday operational processes are also an integral part of sustainable working environments. The cleaning of COLLECTION rental spaces is therefore subject to the requirement to use environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods. In addition, there are defined measures for saving energy, reducing unnecessary heating and cooling, and using lighting and electrical appliances responsibly. This ensures that sustainability is an integral part of day-to-day operational decisions. At COLLECTION, ‘Responsible Operations’ means using resources responsibly, even in the day-to-day running of the centres.

CSW-10 – Continuous Improvement

How is COLLECTION continuing to develop its sustainability standards? Sustainability is not a static state. Building services, legal requirements, energy supply and opportunities for resource efficiency are constantly evolving. The sustainability agreements therefore expressly provide for collaboration between COLLECTION and the respective landlords to explore new ways of using and managing properties in a more sustainable, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly manner, within the limits of what is technically feasible and economically reasonable. The COLLECTION Sustainable Workspace Framework therefore views sustainability as a process of continuous improvement.