Setting up a smoking area outdoors doesn't have to mean just a simple basic shelter. The market has totally shifted, with 51% of facility managers are now specifically requesting environmentally friendly materials. Businesses want smoking areas that make both environmental and financial sense. How do you design one of those?
 |
| [image: unsplash] |
The biggest mistake with outdoor smoking areas isn't in their design, but in their priorities. Most companies simply focus on the lowest cost options, ignoring long-term savings and intangible benefits. This guide will flip that thinking on its head to help you set up a smoking area outdoors that benefits both your employees and your bottom line.
In this article, you'll find:
5 Reasons Why Sustainable Smoking Areas Make Business Sense
The Complete Guide To Eco-Friendly Materials
Smart Location Planning That Saves Money
Ventilation Systems That Actually Work
Maintenance Tips That Cut Long-Term Costs
Why Your Business Needs A Sustainable Smoking Area
Consider the single most common mistake most businesses make with their outdoor smoking areas.
The vast majority treat the area as an afterthought. They slap together a shelter in the cheapest way possible just to get it done. Smart business owners see it differently.
A thoughtfully designed sustainable smoking area can actually improve company culture. When employees feel their needs are understood and met, they are more productive. When visitors see the design choices you make, they take note and perceive you as a detail-oriented organization.
And this is the part where it gets really interesting…
Employees today have high expectations for their employers. Smoking breaks aren't free time to them, they're an extension of the work day. Smokers expect their employers to make responsible choices when it comes to select smokes and the spaces where they use them.
Let's look at the facts:
Your employees spend 15-20 minutes on every smoke break.
That is hours per day spent in the smoking area by your employees.
First impressions matter for both visitors and clients
Sustainable choices showcase your company values
Smart decisions for a smoking area outdoors show your employees and visitors that you care about their comfort and the environment. That is a powerful statement to make.
Pretty amazing, right?
The Complete Guide To Eco-Friendly Materials
Now here's something that will blow you away…
Traditional smoking shelters are some of the worst offenders in the environmental impact category. Steel production is extremely energy intensive. Concrete manufacturing has an outsize impact on the planet. And almost all of the plastic components will end up in a landfill within a few years.
But sustainable materials? They're a game changer.
Recycled Steel Frameworks
Recycled steel is just as strong as new steel with 75% less environmental impact. It's extremely weather resistant and low maintenance. It can be recycled again at end-of-life.
The bonus is that no one can tell the difference between recycled and virgin steel. You get the professional look you want while doing right by the environment.
Sustainable Wood Options
For accent elements, bamboo and reclaimed wood are fantastic options. Bamboo grows back quickly and is naturally resistant to the elements. Reclaimed wood has great character while keeping waste out of landfills.
Pro-tip: If you use traditional wood, opt for FSC-certified lumber to ensure it comes from responsible forestry sources.
Eco-Friendly Roofing
Solar panels are an excellent roofing material. They provide the protection from the elements while also generating clean energy. You can set them up to power LED lighting and ventilation.
Green roofs are also a great idea. They improve insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, and create habitat for wildlife. Plus they look cool.
Smart Location Planning That Saves Money
There is something most people don't know…
Location planning isn't just about following the 15-25 feet distance guidelines from building entrances. Clever location planning can literally cut your construction costs in half.
Try taking these things into account:
Prevailing wind direction – Place shelters downwind to minimize smoke drift
Natural drainage – Avoid low spots that collect water
Existing utilities – Tap into existing electrical and plumbing when possible
Landscaping – Use what's already there in terms of trees and plants
The Sustainability Sweet Spot
The ideal location is going to balance accessibility with environmental impact. You want the smoking area to be convenient for users without trashing the local ecosystem.
Look for locations with:
Minimal excavation requirements
Good natural drainage
Shade coverage
Easy utility connections
The fewer things you need to add or tear up, the more sustainable the build will be.
Ventilation Systems That Actually Work
You know what the secret is to a smoking area that doesn't smell like an ashtray?
It's not simply "having ventilation", it's having SMART ventilation that works WITH natural airflow.
Natural Ventilation Design
The best sustainable smoking areas have passive ventilation. Natural airflow is harnessed through strategic placement of openings and roof angles.
This saves energy while also providing better quality air. It's a win-win approach that also cuts down on operating expenses.
Solar-Powered Active Systems
Solar is the way to go when you need powered ventilation. Modern solar fans are efficient enough to handle heavy-duty usage while remaining completely off-grid.
Solar powered ventilation works during peak smoking hours (daylight) and most include battery backup for evening use.
Integrated Filtration
Some high-tech systems also have activated carbon filters to CLEAN the air. They remove odors and fine particulates before releasing back into the atmosphere.
This is more costly upfront but creates genuinely pleasant environments that non-smokers can tolerate.
Maintenance Tips That Cut Long-Term Costs
The thing most facility managers don't understand…
Sustainability doesn't simply mean using eco-friendly materials. It also means setting up systems that require less maintenance and last longer.
Material Selection For Longevity
Choose materials that age well:
Weathering steel – forms protective patina over time
Composite decking – resists stains, never needs painting
Aluminum frames – don't rust or need regular treatment
Tempered glass panels – maintain clarity, more crack resistant
Preventive Maintenance Schedules
Preventive care keeps you from major repairs:
Weekly: Empty ash receptacles and sweep debris
Monthly: Inspect drainage and clear any blockages
Quarterly: Check all structural connections and hardware
Annually: Have a professional perform a deep cleaning and system check
Smart Waste Management
Built-in ash and cigarette butt collection help prevent litter while making maintenance easier. Look for systems with:
Large capacity receptacles
Weather-resistant sealing
Access doors for easy servicing
Recycling options
The right waste management setup will keep your smoking area clean with less maintenance time.
Making The Business Case
Let's just break down the real costs and benefits here for a minute…
The initial outlay on sustainable smoking areas is 20-30% higher than basic shelters. However, sustainable models save money over the long term via:
Reduced maintenance costs – quality materials last longer
Energy savings – solar power and passive ventilation
Employee satisfaction – reduced turnover, higher productivity
Brand reputation – positive perception by customers, partners
Payback period on sustainable upgrades is typically 3-5 years. After that, you're saving money while doing the right thing.
Wrapping It All Together
Outdoor smoking areas that are both sustainable and make business sense are possible. They aren't just a matter of being environmentally responsible either.
With the right eco-friendly materials, strategic location planning, and smart ventilation, you can create a space that your employees will actually enjoy using. A space that demonstrates your company's culture and values.
The key takeaways are:
Use recycled and sustainable materials wherever possible
Plan your smoking area locations to minimize impact
Design your ventilation systems to take advantage of natural airflow
Select low-maintenance solutions that last longer
Think about waste management from the start
The market for smoking areas is going sustainable whether you're ready or not. You can get ahead of the curve by making the smart choices today.
Your employees will thank you, your budget will thank you and the planet will thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please Leave a Comment to show some Love ~ Thanks