At a time of growing focus on ESG commitments, the office real estate sector has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years. A strong example of a company actively advancing its efforts in this area is Mindspace, a global operator of flexible office spaces. While continuing to grow and succeed internationally, the company runs its operations in line with Mindspace Impact, a clearly defined framework supporting sustainable development.
“At Mindspace, we believe that sustainability is essential to our long-term success, which is why we operate in a way that benefits the environment, our employees and our community. Several years ago, we standardised a range of processes under Mindspace Impact and ensured that all our locations are equipped with efficient solutions that reduce energy and resource consumption. We approach our activities in this area on two levels. On the one hand, we focus on delivering ESG commitments as part of our internal corporate values, and on the other, we recognise the important role our spaces play in supporting our members’ environmental efforts. As Mindspace’s experience shows, reducing excess, both in terms of space and resources, directly translates into a lower environmental footprint and greater operational efficiency for companies. In this context, the office is no longer a static workplace, but an ecosystem that can be scaled, optimised and adapted to the real needs of an organisation, all in line with environmental responsibility,” said Michał Kwinta, General Manager of Mindspace Poland & Global Strategic Projects.
A Systemic Approach
At Mindspace, ESG activities are structured at the level of the entire global company. The Mindspace Impact framework is implemented by teams across all 50+ locations worldwide. A key element of the strategy is the measurement of carbon footprint and the implementation of solutions aimed at reducing it. A report prepared by Mindspace in cooperation with KVS Consulting showed an average reduction in carbon emissions of 21% across the portfolio. Measures contributing to this result include the introduction of “pulse clock” systems in air conditioning units, enabling automatic shutdown outside working hours, the standardisation of motion sensors in meeting rooms that turn off lighting when spaces are not in use, the installation of aerators reducing water consumption by up to 30%, and the replacement of halogen lighting with energy-efficient LED solutions.
An important component of Mindspace’s ESG strategy is also its approach to sustainable design of new spaces. Fit-outs incorporate, for example, second-life materials, often sourced from local flea markets and supplied through local channels, reducing transport-related emissions. During refurbishment works, used furniture is either repurposed or sold, with proceeds donated to charitable causes.
The Social Dimension
Mindspace also places strong emphasis on social impact. Each year, teams across different countries engage in volunteer initiatives ranging from renovating spaces for socially excluded groups, supporting animal shelters, to environmental activities such as river clean-ups and educational campaigns.
Mindspace Is Its People
Team development is another key pillar of Mindspace’s ESG strategy. The company runs regular performance review processes across all levels, from junior roles to senior management. Employees are encouraged to define their development goals and can take part in dedicated training programmes, courses and conferences funded by the company. Mindspace also delivers a range of internal programmes, including sales, CX and leadership training, as well as initiatives fostering collaboration between teams across global locations. The company actively supports diversity and multiculturalism. 75% of Mindspace employees worldwide rate the organisation’s diversity as “very good” or “excellent”. 33% identify as belonging to ethnic minority groups, and 14% as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Flex as a Model for Reducing Excess
As an office space operator, Mindspace also plays an important role in supporting its members’ sustainability goals. From the operator’s perspective, the use of flexible office solutions itself contributes to reducing excess. Instead of maintaining individual, often underutilised desks, companies can rely on shared, scalable infrastructure tailored to their current needs. This results in more efficient use of space and reduced resource consumption. Moreover, in the case of companies operating in a hybrid model, using Mindspace solutions can reduce the environmental impact associated with commuting by up to approximately 30%, according to the company’s analyses.
