Green Workplaces: NORNORM
Our latest Green Workplaces feature takes us over to the Berlin office of NORNORM, a Plantclub partner and leading example of businesses based in circular economy models. NORNORM and Plantclub have partnered on a number of dynamic projects for clients that share our values on sustainable design.
NORNORM is a Nordic subscription-based office furniture rental service that sources elegant, timeless furniture for their circular model, in order to minimize waste. Furniture is maintained and repaired and kept within a closed circular model to prolong the lifespan of each piece. Think Plantclub and plants but with NORNORM and furniture. At NORNORM they believe that the future of the workplace lies in how sustainable practices can benefit individuals, businesses, and the environment.
The Nornorm Berlin office is host to many open spaces for communication.
We checked in on their green workplace makeover and spoke to the team at NORNORM about the company’s values, intention behind adding plants, and what the future of office design may look like.
The mission
NORNORM strives to promote the wellbeing of people and the environment alike through reusing resources intelligently and thinking of the bigger picture.
The bright NORNORM office offers a healthy dose of sunlight for their plants.
“At NORNORM we believe in a holistic and circular approach to office furniture. Our subscription model allows modern work environments to be inspiring, flexible, affordable and sustainable. We don't want to just drive a circularity change in the furniture industry but eventually be the catalyst for this change to happen across society,” said the NORNORM team.
Renting vs buying
Recently, it’s become apparent that offices not adopting circular economy practices are contributing to our global waste problem. With office closures on a steady increase due to the pandemic, office furniture heads to waste facilities and landfills. Now more than ever it has become apparent that the buying model is unsustainable and things like furniture or plants are better off being rented and refurbished.
NORNORM office details ☀️😍.
Read more about all the benefits of renting over buying.
The space
The NORNORM office prioritizes the social and collaborative process behind their mission with multiple places of gathering and meeting. The large front windows keep the space bright, light, and open. Plants were able to be placed throughout the design layout from front to back as ample amounts of sunlight stretch through the space.
“Because variety in the office space is so important to us, being able to alternate between workstations is an everyday motivator and little luxury at work. In that regard our lounge area is a beloved zone where we can gather to laugh and chat. Places like those are part of a great and balanced work environment which we don’t want to miss.”
The lounge area of NORNORM allows for people to connect and ideas to flow.
Design and plants
NORNORM likens the addition of plants to opening a door to an even more refreshing and integrated work experience. When it comes to branding, office design can be an important factor in putting your company’s “best foot forward” so to speak; a cohesive green design will reflect a cohesive green mission.
“Elegant furniture is one big contributor to an inspiring office environment where creative minds need room to share ideas and space to let thoughts breathe and grow. Plants add to this momentum. They bring silent, yet fresh life into our Berlin NORNORM office and are a beautiful reminder of the importance of balanced, sustainable environments.
The plants go along really well with our Scandinavian interior and because simplicity and elegance is something that we strive for, finding the right balance between plants and furniture is an additional piece of joy between monday and friday.”
Looking towards the future
Companies adapting to the new standards of the modern workplace are already adopting practices such as hybrid work but what else can companies keep in mind, especially when it comes to sustainability measures?
“In general, a trend we're seeing is that people don't want to take care of things, which fits into our model as well. Any model that takes work off of people's hands is great.”
At Plantclub, we’re always keeping sustainability and circular economy practices at the forefront of our goals and we’re proud to partner with companies like NORNORM that hold the same ideals and practices.
Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.
