ESG in the workspace:
Best practices for Belgian offices
What is ESG?
ESG criteria explore how business operations intersect with global priorities.
The "E" analyzes environmental impact, emissions and resource waste.
The "S" examines social conscience via labor conditions, diversity, and human rights.
The "G" investigates internal governance, ethics, and legal and regulatory risk management.
Together, these metrics highlight corporate purpose beyond profits and evaluate positive impact on people and planet. ESG provides a 360-degree view of organizational alignment with today’s societal values.
Read more about what’s driving the movement and what it means for workspaces in our article.
Our recent certifications and recognitions
These recent achievements reflect our commitment to the environmental, social, and governance principles that guide our work.
Space Refinery achieved Silver recognition in the EcoVadis assessment, placing us in the top 15% of all assessed companies globally. Some of the continuous practices recognized are: sourcing local materials, reusing existing elements like furniture and infrastructure, supporting fair labor practices, and building relationships with suppliers who share our values. See our EcoVadis recognition page.
Our Design Lead Gorka Perea completed the BREEAM Advisory Professional course, equipping us with knowledge of BREEAM standards and sustainable design practices. The course also confirmed that many practices we already champion - like designing for optimal daylight use and ensuring proper accessibility - align with BREEAM principles.
Our Build team members completed their VOL-VCA certification with Prevom, gaining expertise to protect everyone working on our sites through professional safety management. The training covered critical areas for our Design & Build work, including furniture hoisting, LOTO procedures, emergency protocols, and safe work in high-risk situations.
ESG at Space Refinery
Our design and build firm follows ESG standards by:
- Developing workspaces for our clients in the ESG-informed buildings, such as an office for Devoteam in a triple-certified The Wings in Diegem by Ghelamco
- Addressing the European ESG requirements of sustainability, social impact, well-being, collaboration and transparency at all stages of our design and build processes
- Working with developers who possess the certifications for buildings such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL and DGNB which provide third-party verification of ESG standards, and suppliers certified by eco-labels such as EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan Ecolabel or FSC:
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Our latest ESG resources
Frequently Asked Questions
We've developed a unique methodology to take your project smoothly and efficiently from the research phase to design development to the finish line of construction and the official opening party. Check out our approach page to see the steps of this process.
Biophilic design seeks to address our inherent need to interact with nature, in the modern built environment. In developed countries today, we spend roughly 90% of our time in buildings, and biophilic design tries to bring nature in these buildings to reconnect us to our roots.
At Space Refinery, we consider biophilia in our design process because we recognize that nature remains instrumental to people's physical and mental health, fitness, and well-being.
Absolutely!
Thanks to our experience and trusted Belgian network, we can also guide you through this step. First, we'll try to answer critical questions, such as: "How many square meters do you require?" or "What amenities should your space have; for example, is there a water connection that allows to build a kitchen?"
Our partners can help you understand the paperwork and taxes of office buildings (ESG compliance, waste removal, parking, etc.) or map your team's commutes and means of transport to find the best location for your new headquarters.
We also work with several corporate real estate brokers, so we can also put you in touch with the person who'll find your perfect space!
