Sustainability in Shared Workspaces: How Green is Your Coworking Office?

Introduction: A Greener Way to Work in the UAE

As the UAE charges ahead with its Net Zero 2050 ambitions, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. From solar-powered skyscrapers in Dubai to car-free developments like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, the country is setting global benchmarks in environmental responsibility.

But what about coworking spaces? How is sustainability in shared workspaces in the UAE panning out?

With a rising number of freelancers, startups, and SMEs calling these shared hubs their home base, it’s time to ask a crucial question:

Just how green is your coworking office in the UAE?

In this blog, we’ll explore the current landscape of sustainability in UAE shared workspaces — highlighting innovative practices, real examples, and how your office can become part of the solution.

Why Sustainability Matters in Coworking

Coworking spaces are uniquely positioned to lead the sustainability charge:

• Shared resources = reduced environmental footprint
• Shorter leases = faster adoption of eco-friendly upgrades
• Tech-savvy tenants = more demand for green innovation

According to a 2024 CBRE report, green-certified offices in the UAE are now 13% more in demand than traditional ones, with coworking brands like Astrolabs and The Bureau already investing in sustainable upgrades.

Top Sustainable Practices in UAE Coworking Spaces

Let’s explore how UAE coworking offices are embracing sustainability across energy, materials, operations, and community.

1. Energy Efficiency: Solar, Smart Systems, and LED Everything

The UAE’s sun isn’t just for tourists — it's becoming a prime power source for coworking spaces.

• The Sustainable City in Dubai features solar-powered coworking zones and EV charging stations.
• Many spaces are switching to LED lighting, motion sensors, and automated HVAC systems to reduce waste.

Did you know?

According to DEWA, businesses in Dubai can save up to 40% on energy bills by switching to energy-efficient systems.

2. Eco-Friendly Furniture and Interiors

Plastic chairs are out — reclaimed wood desks and upcycled décor are in.

• Spaces like Nasab Dubai are leading the way by using natural, toxin-free materials and locally sourced artisan furniture.
• Green walls, bamboo floors, and air-purifying plants are being used not just for aesthetics, but for healthier indoor air quality.

“We choose design pieces that are as kind to the planet as they are to the eye,” – Interior Manager, Nasab.

3. Waste Reduction and Recycling Systems

Unfortunately, many UAE buildings still lack adequate recycling systems — but forward-thinking coworking operators are filling the gap.

Top practices include:

• Segregated bins (paper, plastic, e-waste)
• Composting stations in communal kitchens
• Digital-first policies to minimize paper use

Case in Point:

Letswork, a Dubai-based coworking platform, actively encourages members to go paperless and offers incentives for reducing single-use plastics.

4. Water Conservation

In a desert climate like the UAE, water is one of the most precious resources.

Sustainable coworking offices are now installing:

• Low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets
• Smart leak detection systems
• Awareness signs in restrooms and kitchens

Some buildings even reuse greywater for landscaping — a huge win for eco-conscious campuses.

5. Transportation and Accessibility

Car dependence is a major hurdle in the UAE’s sustainability journey. But coworking spaces are responding by:

• Offering bike racks and shower facilities
• Partnering with EV ride-sharing services
• Setting up hubs near metro stations and bus routes

Spaces like AstroLabs Dubai and The Co-Dubai are easily accessible via public transport, reducing the carbon footprint of daily commutes.

Sustainable UAE Coworking Spaces to Watch

Here are some of the most sustainability-forward shared offices in the UAE:

Nasab Dubai (KOA)

• Located in Al Barari, this luxury coworking space combines eco-luxury with creativity.
• Features include natural lighting, a zero-waste policy, and biophilic design elements that promote wellness and reduce energy use.

The Sustainable City Coworking Hub

• Part of Dubai’s flagship eco-development.
• Powered largely by solar energy, with car-free zones and recycled water systems.
• Offices blend seamlessly with green walkways, urban farming zones, and clean mobility.

The Bureau Business Bay

• Female-focused coworking with a mission for impact.
• Offers plastic-free zones, plant-based cafés, and regular sustainability events.
• Even their merchandise (like tote bags and notebooks) are made from recycled materials.

Masdar City Coworking (Abu Dhabi)

• Masdar is a city designed with sustainability at its core.
• Features net-zero energy buildings, smart cooling systems, and access to green transit.
• Coworking tenants enjoy state-of-the-art eco-infrastructure without compromising comfort.

How to Know if Your Coworking Space is Truly Green

Not every space that claims “eco-friendliness” is walking the talk. Watch out for greenwashing — where design or branding gives the illusion of sustainability without real action.

Look for:

• LEED Certification or Estidama Pearl Rating
• Published sustainability reports or carbon offset initiatives
• Active recycling stations and water-saving systems
• Real member engagement with eco-events and practices

Quick Checklist: Rate Your Coworking Office

Use this 10-point checklist to assess your workspace’s sustainability in shared spaces, or in other words, its green rating:

Criteria

Yes

No

LED lighting throughout

✅ / ❌

Solar energy integration

✅ / ❌

Natural light use and indoor plants

✅ / ❌

Waste sorting and recycling bins

✅ / ❌

Water-saving fixtures

✅ / ❌

Low-VOC paint and sustainable materials

✅ / ❌

Bike racks / EV charging / metro access

✅ / ❌

Digital-first policy (paperless billing, e-forms)

✅ / ❌

Green certifications (LEED, Estidama)

✅ / ❌

Community green programs or events

✅ / ❌

Why Sustainability in Shared Spaces is Good for Business

Besides helping the planet, sustainable coworking spaces offer real business benefits:

• Lower utility bills
• Increased member loyalty
• Positive brand image
• Access to ESG-conscious partners and investors
• Healthier, more productive work environments

According to a Gensler 2023 Workplace Report, employees in green-certified spaces report 26% higher satisfaction and 30% fewer sick days than in traditional offices.

Final Thoughts: Going Green is No Longer Optional

As the UAE sets ambitious sustainability goals ahead of COP28 and beyond, coworking spaces are under pressure to align — not just for compliance, but to stay competitive in a crowded market.

Whether you're a freelancer, a startup founder, or a coworking space operator, the time to go green is now.

So ask yourself: Is your coworking space part of the future — or stuck in the past?

Time to grow and excel. Make sustainability a part of your mission now or risk getting left behind in your competitors’ dust.