Waste free workspace

BATTLE OF THE BINS 2025

We’re proud of our efforts to manage waste sustainably - achieving an 80% recycling rate* across our buildings and zero waste to landfill by transforming 100% of:

🍔 food waste into nutrient-rich soil
🥫 recyclables into brand-new product
🔥 non-recyclables into energy

However, we know we can do even better!

Did you know?
In 2024, our Workspaces generated 3,000 tonnes of waste - that’s the same weight as 120 double-decker buses. We're on a mission to reduce this by stopping as much waste and recycling as possible from even entering the bins.

That's why this February, we’re saying goodbye to wasteful habits and hello to reducing waste at the source - and we need your help! Keep scrolling to discover how to get involved, learn simple waste-reducing tips, see what happens to your waste behind-the-scenes, and so much more…

^{*from April 2024 - date}

DIVE IN

Each month our events calendar is jam-packed with sustainably minded events and this February, that's no different. Take a look at what's on and secure your space...

Workspace Supper Club presents Sustainability in Food

Join Workspace to celebrate Veganuary with your Workspace foodie peers at Salisbury House.

Terrarium Workshop

Join Workspace and Leafage for a hands-on Terrarium Workshop and learn to build your own succulent terrarium.

Muck About

Join our waste-savvy sidekick Veolia, who are hosting litter picks in Southbank and Clerkenwell. We’re making it fun, impactful, and easy to help your local area shine - because every little bit truly does help.

WASTE SAVING HACKS

Small, everyday changes can make a big difference. Here's our top tips for reducing waste in your space.

1. Set Up Waste Stations
Make recycling easy with clearly labeled bins for recyclables, non-recyclables, and food waste. Need advice? Your Centre Team will be happy to help.

2. Know Your Waste
Take a closer look at what’s filling your bins. Spot common culprits, like disposable coffee cups, and switch to eco-friendly options - like gifting reusable mugs to your team.

3. Order Smart
Cut down on excess packaging and delivery emissions by buying office supplies in bulk. It’s a win for your budget and the planet.

4. Refill, Don’t Replace
Switch to refillable products - ink cartridges, hand sanitisers, or cleaning supplies - to keep single-use waste at bay.

5. Go Paper-Free
Ditch the printer! Embrace digital tools for communication, saving paper and streamlining processes.

MEET SOME sustainable NEIGHBOURS

Wild Fawn Jewellery, The Biscuit Factory

Decent Packaging

Using fast-growing, renewable plant materials like sugarcane and cornstarch, and sustainably sourced or recycled paper, they’ve created a range of packaging options that are environmentally friendly and also taps into the circular economy. Decent’s compostable packaging reduces the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill and the energy output required to break it down.

The Big Energy Race Festivals: The Mille

Vinca Wines

Vinca uses only organic grapes to make wine certified by the Organic Food Federation in the UK and EU, which is also vegan-friendly. They are also using cans that are 100% recyclable and made from 73% recycled aluminium.

GET THE LOWDOWN ON WASTE FROM VEOLIA

Ever wondered what happens to your waste after it leaves the building? Our waste partners, Veolia, are experts in cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, and regenerating resources using cutting-edge technology and close customer collaboration.

"We are working with Veolia to reduce our impact on the environment by reducing the volume of waste produce, and where it is produced, recycling as much as possible. We can't wait to see how Veolia help us deliver on our targets" Andy Watts, Head of Facilities Management

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT RECYCLING

Last September, Workspace customers and team members took an exclusive tour of Veolia’s recycling center, where all Workspace recycling is sorted. This immersive experience revealed the impressive technology and processes that transform waste into resources.

Sophia from Workspace shared her experience: “It was like Monsters Inc. conveyor belts! The big takeaway? Don’t put plastic bags in the recycling—they tangle up the machinery and stop everything!”

WHAT'S WORKSPACE DOING TO HELP?

Summary

Improving Sustainability in Workspace Cafés

Workspace manage 10 on-site cafés, allowing us to pursue our ambitious social and environmental goals. To combat food waste, we’ve teamed up with TooGoodtoGo and other food charities, diverting 2,150 meals from waste in 2023/24.

Our cafés also use ethical suppliers like Galeta for pastries, Origin Coffee (Bcorp) for coffee beans and Nemi Tea for bio-degradeable tea bags, Nemi also employ refugees, giving them local work experience and job readiness skills.

“Our cafés showcase Workspace’s commitment to sustainability. We strive to improve each year and have some exciting things in the works. This year we are aiming to significantly reduce disposable coffee cups and reduce food waste by making our own fresh food.” Giandonato Rosa, Hospitality Manager

The Frames, 1 Phipp Street, London, Gallery Cafe 2

Did you know?

Workspace is already proactive in reducing its carbon footprint. Did you know that Cocoa Studios at The Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey is heated by Workspace's general waste through energy recovery?

The heat comes into the building through the district heat network, which connects South East London Combined Heat and Power, located only a mile away from The Biscuit Factory. The energy recovery facility, which collects waste and converts it to energy, has a host of benefits, including a community fund, which supports local projects. You can check London's heat district network here.