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Nurturing a green space

SINGAPORE — Going green is a common pursuit in many of today’s workplaces. But at shared office space provider Ecosystem, efforts to save the earth are practically a way of life.

SINGAPORE — Going green is a common pursuit in many of today’s workplaces. But at shared office space provider Ecosystem, efforts to save the earth are practically a way of life.

Tenants, known as co-workers, who rent a desk at the facility near Bugis MRT Station are given a PDF booklet outlining requirements, such as keeping the air-conditioning at 25°C or reducing the flow rate when using taps to save water.

This green consciousness is part of the ethos of Ecosystem, which was founded by entrepreneurs Soh Ju Hu and Eugene Tay as a space catering to start-ups in the environmental sector.

“Following the rules comes quite naturally for our co-workers, once they understand the culture we’re trying to establish here,” said Mr Soh.

Outside of Ecosystem, which was launched in March, the pair run their own green businesses. Mr Soh, 29, manages a business providing farming kits to schools in Singapore, while Mr Tay, 35, heads a consultancy providing environmental solutions.

True to their eco-friendly beliefs, they used second-hand materials to renovate the office, spending only S$2,000 on its white, minimalist interior. Discarded wood pallets were used to make shelves and a display case where companies can display their green products.

Mr Soh, a self-taught handyman, created the office’s pantry from scratch, while other items, such as chairs and printers, were donated. The space was found through popular property rental website Airbnb.

“We had a lot of DIY stuff and there is a lot of sharing that goes on between the co-workers. If the printer runs out of ink or paper, someone will just replenish it without a lot of discussion,” said Mr Soh.

Apart from the two partners, who are based at Ecosystem, there are currently four co-workers sharing the space, which can accommodate up to 10 to 12 co-workers.

A permanent desk costs S$450 a month, while a “hot desk” option — which limits the user to office hours only and does not entitle him to a designated desk — costs S$20 a day, or a discounted monthly rate of S$300.

The company has a long waiting list, revealed Mr Soh, and expects to fill 80 per cent of its capacity in the next three months.

The two co-founders are only looking to cover operating costs with their office venture. Their bigger vision for Ecosystem, a 1,100 sq ft space on the second and third storeys of a three-storey shophouse, is to create an inviting gathering place for entrepreneurs in the environmental sector.

From regular networking events to workshops, the aim is to elevate the level of collaboration and discourse in the green segment here.

“We want to build a community through our monthly events, where we can bring people together and have a conversation happen around here. We want this to be a starting point for people who have newly joined the environmental sector to find the depth and breadth of people working in the sector — all in one physical space,” said Mr Soh.

Indeed, he has already benefited from the events he helps to host, having met potential clients through them.

Two workshops for youth run by designers and artists doing paper art will be held on the third level of Ecosystem next month.

The company has also linked up with a similar shared office space provider in Tokyo, where each party will recommend the other’s office for visiting workers.

Of course, visitors to Ecosystem will have to remember to switch off the lights when there is no one in the room.

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