De Siena on the black-and-white benefits of green design.

The first "green" perspective in building and office design emerged nearly 20 years ago. This perspective was less a response to the issues of environmentalism and sustainability, and more a response by New York State officials to their concern with how toxins from flammable materials used in buildings were affecting the health and safety of rescue workers. In these burning buildings, formaldehydes used in carpeting and other materials, like PCBs and plastics, would often emit dangerous gases into the air, causing significant health issues to firefighters and other emergency workers.

Eventually, protective laws and codes--the early catalysts for the "green" office design movement--were passed to address the situation and to ensure the health of rescue workers. As a young interior designer, these city codes governing toxicity inspired my concern for environmental issues and sustainability. I started inquiring of manufacturers about the products I used in my own work: what exactly was in the composite materials used to make cabinetry and millwork? Did any of the materials contain PCBs or formaldehyde? How did an off-gassing law that was recently passed relate to the products we were specifying for interior use?

Today, many companies and landlords are asking these very same tough questions. All of the building and interiors products specified for use in The Port Authority of New York buildings, for example, must undergo rigorous testing. And many companies are not only interested in seeking LEED accreditation for their interiors, but they are also interested in reducing their overall carbon footprint. In fact, a recent National Geographic survey found eight in 10 American workers say that the environment should be a top priority at the workplace. As such, I have noticed that new approaches to designing office space are emerging.

One such approach is the universality in office sizes and furniture types. While universality has become increasingly important, it does not have to mean a loss of individuality. If an interior designer is successful at creating universality without compromising individuality, a company can enjoy a unique office space with flexible interior fittings and furnishings resulting in an extended lifecycle of the products utilized.

Private offices are becoming less popular as companies move toward "green" office environments. Open workspaces and moveable wall systems that allow companies to reconfigure their spaces as their needs change are often recommended. Open work areas along the office perimeter as well as glass partitions that allow natural light to infiltrate the space not only add to a sense of well-being, but also decrease the overall capacity requirement for electrical lighting. Even so, manufacturers are experimenting with energy-efficient lighting models, such as LED, as they begin to phase out incandescent lighting systems.

MKDA recently consolidated three separate offices into one location for financial advisory and investment banking services firm Duff & Phelps, which wanted to add a sustainable approach to its design standards. Open layouts allowed an abundance of natural light to flow throughout the workspace, while moveable wall partitions and raised floor systems gave Duff & Phelps the flexibility to address its changing business model. These "green" changes resulted in reduced material costs, energy usage and waste.

In terms of design, more companies are choosing classic design schemes that remain appealing and comfortable for many years and incorporate the latest ergonomic concepts and technological support, rather than trendy spaces that need to be remodeled frequently. Color tends to be used more frequently than exotic finishes.

Companies that are interested in "green" office spaces are just as often concerned about its employees, as they are the black-and-white benefits of sustainable design, such as reducing one's carbon footprint. These companies want to create a more comfortable, and thereby more productive, work environment for their employees. As such, they are creating warm and inviting office environments and are incorporating residential-type finishes into public spaces where employees spend significant amounts of time.

These forward-thinking companies are also providing better services to their employees. Break rooms, where employees can escape the everyday stress of work situations, are becoming more popular, for example. MKDA recently created a "breakout" room for non-profit Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors that was meant to energize and refresh employees, but the room quickly morphed into the emotional hub of the company where employees can bond and collaborate. Food service and recreational areas are becoming common features in office spaces, too.

This new breed of "green" office environments is helping people become more conscientious about how to treat the environment, and translates into better overall practices. At best, a healthy workplace will raise employee awareness and forge a stronger allegiance between employee and employer. But the positive side effects do not stop there. In addition, progressive companies are creating safe living environments for future generations, which will ultimately benefit society as a whole.

DANIEL DE SIENA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF DESIGN, MKDA