Low VOC workspaces and their benefits

 

Sustainability in the office is no longer just about energy efficiency or recycling bins. A truly sustainable workspace considers how materials, furniture, and design choices affect both the environment and the people who use the space.

One key factor often overlooked is low VOC design. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals released from materials such as paints, adhesives, finishes, and some furniture components. High VOC levels can impact indoor air quality and contribute to headaches, fatigue, and long-term health issues. Designing with low VOC materials helps create healthier spaces that support wellbeing, productivity, and longevity.

Why Low VOC Matters in Modern Offices

People spend a large portion of their day indoors, often sitting at desks for hours at a time. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to headaches, fatigue, irritation, and reduced concentration. Over time, prolonged exposure to high VOC levels may lead to more serious health complications.

Low VOC design prioritises materials and manufacturing processes that minimise these emissions. This results in cleaner air, improved mental and physical wellbeing, and a workspace that supports productivity rather than undermining it. In a business environment, this means a higher level of staff satisfaction, less chance of employees feeling unwell, and improved long-term performance overall.

So How is VOC Measured? 

VOC levels are measured through a combination of laboratory testing and indoor air quality assessments. Materials such as paints, fabrics, foams, and finishes are tested to determine how much VOC they emit over time. Results are typically expressed in milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m³) of air.

There are also internationally recognised standards and certification systems that help define what qualifies as low VOC. These assessments consider both the type of compounds released and the rate at which they are emitted. In office environments, air quality testing can be carried out after installation to confirm that VOC levels remain within safe limits.

Understanding how VOCs are measured allows designers and businesses to make informed decisions, ensuring materials contribute to healthier indoor environments rather than compromising them.

Sustainable Design Starts with Material Choices.

A modern sustainable workspace begins with the materials used to build and furnish it. Low VOC paints, coatings, adhesives, foams, and upholstery all play a role in reducing harmful emissions. Furniture manufactured using responsible processes and certified materials contributes significantly to healthier indoor environments.

Durability is just as important as material composition. Sustainable furniture is designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement and lowering overall environmental impact. When furniture is built with quality materials and finishes, it supports both sustainability and long-term value, all while enhancing workplace outcomes.

Manufacturing Practices that Reduce Environmental Impact

Low Voc does not stop at the specification stage. How furniture is made matters just as much as what it’s made from. Sustainable manufacturing focuses on controlled processes that limit chemical use, manage waste responsibly, and reduce emissions during production.

Local manufacturing also supports lower emissions as it reduces the transport distance and allows for greater transparency around materials and construction methods. When production happens closer to the end user, it’s easier to maintain quality control and ensure environmental standards at met every step of the way. This is why BFG are proud to have our own manufacturing and production facilities based out in Onehunga.

Indoor Air Quality and Employee Wellbeing

A sustainable workspace supports the health and comfort of the people using it every day. Low VOC environments contribute to better indoor air quality, which in turn supports concentration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

This is particularly important in modern offices that use open layouts, collaborative zones, and shared spaces. With fewer enclosed rooms, air quality affects more people at once, making low VOC materials an essential part of responsible workplace design.

Long-term Thinking and Adaptable Spaces

Sustainability is also about longevity and flexibility. Modern workspaces should be designed to adapt as teams and work styles change, rather than requiring frequent refits. Modular furniture systems, reconfigurable layouts, and timeless finishes help extend the life of a workspace while reducing waste.

Low VOC materials that maintain their performance over time ensure that air quality remains high long after installation. This long-term approach supports both environmental responsibility and business resilience.

What Defines a Sustainable Modern Workspace

A modern sustainable workspace is one that balances environmental impact with human experience. It uses low VOC materials, prioritises responsible manufacturing, supports healthy indoor air quality, and is designed to last.

At its core, sustainability in the workplace is about making thoughtful choices that benefit people today while reducing impact on the future. Low VOC design and manufacturing are key foundations in creating offices that are healthier, more productive, and genuinely sustainable.

Low VOC FAQ

What does low VOC mean?
Low VOC refers to materials and products that release minimal levels of volatile organic compounds into the air, helping maintain healthier indoor environments.

Why are VOCs a concern in offices?
High VOC levels can contribute to headaches, fatigue, irritation, and reduced concentration. Over time, poor indoor air quality can affect wellbeing and productivity.

How do I know if furniture or materials are low VOC?
Look for product specifications, certifications, and testing results that indicate low emission levels. Reputable manufacturers are transparent about their materials and processes.

Are low VOC products more expensive?
Not necessarily. While some low VOC materials may have a higher upfront cost, they often deliver better durability, reduced replacement needs, and improved employee wellbeing over time.

Can an existing office be improved to reduce VOC levels?
Yes. Introducing low VOC furniture, improving ventilation, replacing high-emission finishes, and allowing materials to off-gas before occupancy can all help improve indoor air quality.

Is low VOC design only about health?
Health is a major factor, but low VOC design also supports sustainability, environmental responsibility, and long-term workplace performance.