The Permanent Mission of Norway chooses the Kyoto building as its next office space

Norway’s Permanent Mission in Geneva is set to become the second diplomatic mission to join Kyoto, bringing with it a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation and international collaboration. Counsellor Jonny Olsen explains how the new premises will support the Mission’s work and why his team is looking forward to settling into their future offices.

1. Why did you choose the Kyoto building and what was the importance of sustainability in your choice?

The decision to choose the Kyoto building for our new offices is the result of more than ten years of research. We had been looking to relocate to a more modern and sustainable workspace that better reflects our environmental commitments, including our engagement in the 2050Today Initiative.

Currently, our 34 employees are spread across one and a half floors in a building dating back to the 1960s. The new premises will bring everyone together on a single floor, within approximately 900 sqm of open-plan office space. This will significantly improve both collaboration and overall working conditions, while being more cost-effective. We are really looking forward to moving into the Kyoto building by the end of 2026.

2. How do you think your employees will fit into the Kyoto environments?

As with any relocation, there is always a degree of uncertainty. From the outset, it was important for us to keep employees informed about what to expect from the move.

Now that they have seen the layout plans, there is genuine excitement across the team. Our relocation is also part of a broader shift towards more environmentally responsible office spaces: a trend reflected not only in Geneva but also in Oslo, where most of the Norwegian Ministries are currently undertaking a similar move.

3. Does your organisation encourage all employees to use soft mobility to get to work, and if so, how?

Sustainability is a key priority for us, and this commitment extends to our commuting practices. Many of our employees already walk or cycle to work, and we actively encourage the use of these low-impact modes of transport whenever possible.

The location of the Kyoto building is a major factor in our decision to relocate there. Its close proximity to the UN, the WHO, WTO and other organisations offers a significant advantage. In addition, the upcoming tram liaison will further improve accessibility for our employees.

4. How have your property needs changed over the last 10 years?

Working methods have changed significantly over the last ten years. Remote work has become more common, and flexibility is now essential.

Our new offices, designed by our own interior architect with the support of Swiss Life AM, will include comfortable open-plan workspaces, conference rooms and smaller meeting areas. The layout will also allow us to adapt spaces to meet the needs of different projects.
In addition, the amenities of a modern working environment, such as air quality, natural light and comfortable shared spaces, are more important than ever.

We are eager to settle into Kyoto and to play an active role in its future success.