Clean air in the office thanks to algae

Clean air in the office thanks to algae

A living wall of algae conjures up a natural green in lifeless office spaces and, thanks to the superpower of microalgae, ensures better air, free of pollutants.

The advantages of an algae wall at a glance:

  • unique design
  • calming effect
  • air-purifying, as it binds fine dust, nitrogen oxides and chemicals
  • easy to clean, thanks to the water tank at the back
  • space-saving
  • increases productivity

Particularly exciting: our colleague Bastian Stölten was able to visit the start-up Solaga in Berlin and take a look behind the scenes. His conclusion: “An innovative product and a great alternative for greening the real estate world. We can expect a lot more from Solaga in the future!”

Solaga has left a lasting impression on us, which is why we are now working together on the algae wall project and want to test it in a pilot project at one of our customers in a real working environment.

Find out more about Solaga here: www.solaga.de

 

Time for a well-deserved, sustainable coffee break ☕

Time for a well-deserved, sustainable coffee break ☕

The startup​ rezemo from the Stuttgart area is pursuing the vision of revolutionizing the coffee capsule market with the raw material wood.

The rezemo coffee capsules allow coffee lovers to combine a modern and convenient lifestyle with high-quality coffee enjoyment and consistent sustainability.

The small, brown capsules score points with the following arguments:

  • Compatibility with Nespresso machines
  • Components made from 100% renewable raw materials (wood and bioplastic PLA)
  • Unique, completely bio-based wood-PLA mixture
  • Wood from German forests
  • 100% return to nature – after use
  • Filling made from drum-roasted top-quality coffee

As coffee is the most popular drink in German workplaces at 80.6 percent and an average of 2.7 cups are consumed daily among working people in Germany (Source: https://lnkd.in/dQgYVVhg) coffee consumption can generate a lot of waste.

These wooden capsules are therefore a very good starting point to inspire the workforce to become more sustainable and thus secure the future of employees and their families.

Experimental vineyard” project

Experimental vineyard” project

Since its foundation in 2011, W+P has been determined to create value not only for its customers and employees, but also for future generations. This vision shapes our daily actions and directs our focus towards the environment and society.

For this reason, the “Experimental Vineyard” project was initiated in 2017 by company founders Jens Schneider and Roman Wagner. Located on the outskirts of Frankfurt, but already in the Lower Franconian Vorspessart, a small south-facing slope in the market town of Mömbris offers the best conditions for a special project. This region offers many city dwellers relaxation and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The locals love their traditions and are very attached to their homeland.

The “experiment” is aimed at local public institutions such as kindergartens, schools and clubs in order to learn how to deal sensitively with nature, to experience the cultural landscape in the Kahlgrund / Vorspessart and to support identification with the homeland. In particular, cultural and historical aspects of the local/community history and community are to be expressed through the project. Local politicians are following the project with great interest, as the initiatives mentioned and the expected products support a special identification with the local region.

100 vines were planted at the start of the project, the cultivation area was fenced off and a wire system was installed. After the first growing phase, the building application for a small vineyard hut was approved in 2020. In addition to storing the various tools, the hut will primarily be used to collect and store water so that the sensitive vines can be watered during the hot months.

In an initial “art and culture” collaboration, the vintage labels for the first edition (2020) have been designed. As part of a one-week mask workshop with around 15 children, special fantasy creatures were created, including the motif of the “Kahlgründer TROLL”, which adorns the first front label of our wine.

The hand-picked harvest in September 2020 was carried out in cooperation with local winegrower Johannes Höfler, who has been supporting the project in word and deed from the outset and refines the small yield from our vineyard in his wine cellar.

 

As soon as the pandemic restrictions allow it again, the great place to stay at the vineyard will be used for workshops (vacation games, cultural work, etc.), nature studies and social activities. This will support the sensitization of future generations to nature and culture, which has already met with great interest from the public.

Sustainable flooring with style

Sustainable flooring with style

Healthy planet and happy employees thanks to stylish flooring. Thanks to the Embodied Beauty collection from  Interface this is very easy to achieve. With this collection, Interface shows us that attractive design and a respectful approach to our environment do not have to be mutually exclusive.

As part of the Carbon Neutral Floors™ program, all products in the collection are CO2-neutral over their entire life cycle. In addition, three designs are even CO2-negative for the first time.

Embodied Beauty is inspired by Japanese ikigai and the aesthetics of minimalism. From narrow monochrome patterns to large graphic tufted textures, all styles in the collection can be tastefully combined with each other and create pleasant contrasts. The collection features a calm, muted color palette in warm and cool grays as well as natural colors for additional design options.

The benefits of Embodied Beauty at a glance:

  • Reducing the CO2 footprint of indoor spaces
  • First CO2-negative carpet tiles
  • Stylish design
  • Warmth and walking comfort
  • Improvement of room acoustics – better concentration of employees
  • Can be combined individually thanks to different patterns and materials – even with other collections
  • High durability, as they can withstand heavy use
  • High flexibility, as tiles can be replaced selectively if damaged

© Foto: Interface

First WELL certification in Bavaria – MSD Germany receives gold for “Die Macherei”

First WELL certification in Bavaria – MSD Germany receives gold for “Die Macherei”

Back in June, the MSD Germany headquarters in the Macherei in Munich was awarded the coveted WELL Gold certification. This award from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) promotes a targeted commitment to improving the well-being and health of building users. MSD Germany is thus one of the first companies in Germany and the first in Bavaria to receive this award.

“The sole aim of Well certification is to positively influence the comfort, health and well-being of users through the design of buildings and interiors. This is exactly what the Employee Experience is all about. We want to create an inclusive environment for our diverse employees in which they all feel very comfortable. We set ourselves this high standard because it makes us more creative and productive. At the same time, we increase our attractiveness for future talent”​, explains Wolfgang Stenger, Employee Experience Lead & Inclusion Officer, MSD Deutschland.

As an accredited specialist, Ramona Schuster accompanied the WELL certification on behalf of Hoinka: “In addition to the planning and structural aspects, operational and personnel-related issues also play a decisive role. The challenge is to prepare the requirements for the building as well as for facility management and human resources in accordance with the WELL guidelines and to document them continuously during operation.“

Dr. Roman Wagner, Managing Director of W+P workspace consulting, brought the participants together and managed the intensive process: “WELL certification is an ongoing process that must be repeated regularly. This is the only way to ensure continuous improvement of processes and standards. Regular on-site appointments, extensive measurements and intensive documentation ensure high quality for health and well-being in the office.”

The whole team at W+P workspace consulting congratulates on this award!
We wish all employees at MSD a great new working experience!

You can find more information about our certification partner HOINKA here: www.hoinka,com
Our customer: MSD – Medikamente und Impfstoffe – Gesundheit für alle