Manchester’s newest co-working campus will aim to be completely free of single use plastic and will aim for full gender balance within its membership by 2021, its founder has pledged.
David Walter, founder of Ardwick-based Use.Space, promises the space will have the highest eco-credentials of any of the city’s co-working hubs, with a commitment to meet the zero waste targets within 18 months of opening.
The café within the space will be close to a zero waste and single use plastic free zone by 2021.
He said: “To put it bluntly, our planet is warmer now than it has been in almost a million years and in about 10 years time, we could be in a position where climate change is completely irreversible.
“That’s why we’re committed to being sustainable, eco-friendly and to becoming a single use plastic-free zone. With the 海角视频 using double the amount of resource than we can produce, all co-working spaces and offices here can do their bit to help the environment. We hope where we lead, others will follow.”
He continued: “To meet the targets, all packaging and cutlery at our on-site café will be one hundred per cent plant-based and fully compostable, provided by Vegware. We will also hold regular sustainability activities for members, which will include a commitment to picking up litter in the local area.”
Key elements of the space have been designed along biophilic principles - the idea that proximity to the natural world promotes mental and physical benefits.
These include a vast botanical atrium housing over 600 plants, where members can meet, collaborate and relax alongside a number of vertical gardens and ‘living walls’ covered in plants from floor to ceiling.
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Diversity, gender equality and wellbeing are also a priority in the 14,000 sq ft campus, which features state of the art production facilities for video, film and voice.
David said: “With female-led businesses across the North West pushing the region’s economy to new highs, Use.Space is committed to gender parity within its membership. Many co-working spaces can be dominated by a very masculine ethos but we are making conscious decisions about our curated community to promote inclusivity and diversity, with a fair balance where everyone feels welcome.”
A string of firms from across the creative and commercial worlds have already signed up to be tenants - including Paus.tv- a media start-up for YouTubers and behavioural science firm Nudge.