Spend enough time on office fit-out sites in Dubai and you start to notice a pattern. Perfectly usable materials are being discarded. Entire systems removed. Furniture, fixtures, and even whole work zones dismantled and binned. It is not just waste. It is a missed opportunity.
When Schneider Electric invited Summertown Interiors to refurbish their Dubai Silicon Oasis offices, we had the chance to take a different path. This was not simply about a new look. It was a working example that a sustainable office fit-out in Dubai can be delivered on time, within budget, and to ambitious environmental standards.
Sustainable Office Fit-Out in Dubai for a Future-Focused Global Brand
Schneider Electric had a clear brief. They wanted a modern, high-performing workplace that supported their teams, but also reflected their ESG commitments.
Working with JLL MENA as project managers and Gensler as lead designers, we were appointed as the fit-out contractor for two full floors.
The scope included:
- Bespoke joinery and tailored furniture
- A fully equipped data centre and training hub
- Townhall spaces, meeting rooms, AV and IT infrastructure
- The Schneider Electric Innovation Hub
- New HVAC systems installed and commissioned to integrate with the building’s upgraded systems
Every element had to balance performance, comfort, and sustainability.
Circular Fit-Out in Dubai: Reducing Waste and Retaining Value
The most significant achievement on this project was waste diversion.
From the very start, we planned for reuse. We audited existing materials, coordinated with suppliers, and tracked every kilogram through our detailed Waste and Logistics Plan.
The results were exceptional:
- 10,759 kg of construction waste generated
- 10,049 kg recycled or reused
- Only 1,810 kg sent to landfill
- 93% of waste diverted from landfill
We recovered HVAC systems, ductwork, glass partitions, aluminium frames, AV equipment, and even decorative finishes for reuse. Some stayed on-site. Others found a second life in new projects.
Learn more about how we track and reduce project waste in our Waste and Circularity strategy.
What We Learned About Material Reuse in Office Fit-Outs
Not every material can be saved, but with smart planning a large percentage can.
On Schneider Electric’s project we reused:
- HVAC units and ducting
- Electrical cabling and data infrastructure
- Aluminium partitions and glass panels
- Joinery and furniture components
- AV and lighting elements
Some stayed in the building. Others were rehomed to new projects. The key was identifying value before demolition began.
Biophilic and Human-Centred Office Design
The final workspace is not only sustainable. It is a place people enjoy working in. The pantry features a flowing green wave ceiling light, soft timber tones, and casual seating. Breakout zones feel open yet defined, supported by planting and natural textures to encourage focus and wellbeing.
A green canopy feature in the collaboration area acts as both a focal point and a reminder of the project’s sustainable ethos.
Built to Meet LEED and WELL Office Standards in the UAE
Schneider Electric is targeting both LEED Platinum and WELL certification for this workplace, two of the most respected global benchmarks for sustainability and wellbeing in the built environment. Every stage of the design and construction process was carefully planned to meet these standards, from selecting low-VOC materials and optimising lighting to enhancing indoor air quality and acoustic comfort.
Summertown Interiors is accompanying and supporting Schneider Electric throughout this journey, ensuring every detail aligns with certification requirements. We see LEED and WELL not simply as targets but as a mindset that guides every decision we make.
As part of our goal to deliver 100% sustainable projects, we provide all clients with fit-out projects over 2,000 sqm with free LEED Certified-level certification. This commitment helps organisations in the UAE achieve internationally recognised sustainability credentials without adding to their project cost, accelerating the adoption of green building practices.
Takeaways for Businesses Planning a Sustainable Office Fit-Out
From Schneider Electric’s project, the key lessons are clear:
- Plan for material reuse from the very beginning
- Ensure the design, project management, and construction teams are aligned on sustainability goals
- Track waste and material flows with precision
- Sustainability and style can co-exist without compromise
We are already applying these principles to projects across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from technology hubs to government headquarters.
Summertown and Schneider Electric: Setting a New Standard of Office Fit-Out in the UAE
The Schneider Electric project proves that a sustainable office fit-out can deliver on every front: Performance, brand alignment, and environmental responsibility.
With 93% of materials reused or recycled, this fit-out stands as a benchmark for circular practice in the UAE. Every decision, from salvaging HVAC systems to reusing glass partitions, kept resources in use and out of landfill.
The result is more than just an attractive office. It is a flexible, future-ready environment that supports its people and the UAE’s sustainability ambitions.
As demand grows for green workplace design, projects like this will define the industry’s future.
Discover now how Summertown Interiors can create a sustainable office fit-out for your business
www.summertown.ae/contact
Related Article:
