What’s the worst-case scenario for a commercial property owner?
Our recently completed office building refurbishment project in Bjørvika Barcode, Oslo. BREEAM In-Use Excellent. Photo: Mara Hein

What’s the worst-case scenario for a commercial property owner?

A space that no one wants to rent—turning it into a stranded asset and a financial liability. In today’s market, tenants demand more than just four walls and a desk. They expect smart, sustainable, and human-friendly environments that enhance well-being and productivity. For office owners, lighting is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s a game-changer for attracting tenants and future-proofing investments.

🌱Sustainability: No Longer a Trend, But a Necessity

Sustainability in office design isn’t a buzzword anymore—it’s a hard requirement. The EU’s tightening regulations, including the Taxonomy Regulation, are pushing real estate owners to rethink their approach. Energy-efficient lighting is the bare minimum. The real challenge? Mastering sustainability while balancing visual appeal, comfort, and long-term operational efficiency. This is where expert lighting designers shine.

♻️Circular Lighting: The Key to Future-Proofing

Replacing outdated lights with LEDs is a start, but true sustainability goes beyond that. Forward-thinking lighting design considers circularity—choosing luminaires designed for disassembly, repair, and reuse. Why rip out an entire system when you can refurbish and upgrade it? A strategic lighting approach extends the life of fixtures, reduces waste, and lowers costs while meeting sustainability targets.

💻The Hybrid Work Revolution & the New Lighting Standard

The pandemic reshaped the way we work, accelerating the shift toward hybrid offices. For companies to attract employees back to physical workspaces, those spaces must be better than home offices. Good coffee, good air, good spaces, and good light play a pivotal role—affecting focus, energy levels, and overall job satisfaction.

This is even more critical in Nordic countries, where winter months mean limited daylight and a higher risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

💡Why Expert Lighting Design is Essential

A skilled lighting design team does more than just make a space look good. They ensure that offices are energy-efficient, regulatory-compliant, and tailored to enhance human performance.

👀Final Thoughts: A Smarter Future for Offices

For real estate investors and developers, lighting isn’t just a design choice—it’s a business decision. The future belongs to offices that are as intelligent and sustainable as they are visually appealing. Investing in expert lighting design today means attracting the best tenants, reducing long-term costs, and staying ahead of evolving regulations.


Thea Collett Andreas Almstedt Lars Barthold Hansen Catharina Stenfors



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Lilleakerveien Office Canteen, Zenisk, Photo: Mara Hein, 2025


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Hieronymus Heyerdahls gate 1 Offices, Zenisk, Photo: Mara Hein, 2025


#LightingDesign #SustainableOffices #CircularEconomy #WorkplaceWellbeing #RealEstateInnovation


Kristin Bredal

Director at ZENISK as

3mo

Thank you Mustad Eiendom, Curious Yellow Oslo Betonmast Eiva-Safex AS and Leithe&Christiansen for the opportunity and great collaboration on Lilleakerveien project featured in the article 🙌

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