2. Sustainable Interior Design: The values
An introduction to sustainability
It’s important to understand Sustainability can be a vast subject, with different perspectives and fields to be applied into. It is not a “trend”, and it is not a style. Its rather a long existing concept (1). It is a philosophy and a way of living that respects humans as much as the earth, with its 3 main pillars being: Social, Environmental and Economic (3).
This was also a concept widely defended and promoted by the renowned designer Vitor Papanek, the pioneer of social and sustainable design. Author of “Design for the Real world”, first published in 1971, Papanek mentions the futile products as result of manufacturing and defends a more responsible design in a world with scarce resources and energy.
In a succinct way I believe there are two important points to retain when talking about sustainability.
First, the one described in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, “Our Common Future”, by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) and sponsored by the UN (2) where it says sustainability to be a “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. “
Second, the UN Sustainable Development GOALS (aka SDGs) (3), set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and classed as "a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030".
YES, by 2030! (4)
A sustainable and responsible interior
Sustainability is seen widely in the fashion industry, architecture and product design. It is seen also frequently applied to our lifestyles. But what about interior design ?
One could say that a functional design that fits the needs of a project is a sustainable design in and of itself. However, times ask for other concerns to be addressed I believe. A time to educate and guide the client on better choices. Choice in regards to products and finishes. Choices in regards to suppliers. Choices in regards to project decisions.
Applying sustainability to interior design is to design with a whole-system approach in mind and to include new thinkings. Not only in a design dimension but also following The three pillars of sustainability: economic, environment and social.
To the Design and Creative process, we should assess/add three other concepts to our thinking:
Economic - viability, where externalities and environmental impact is also considered. Think about Economy for the common good (ECG), more than profit-orientation and competition. Think about circular economy, sustainable growth over time.
Social - equity, same opportunities and outcomes. Transparency. Promote fairness, justice, and equality with everyone involved.
Environmental - Protection, design to preserve and regenerate the planet instead of taking from it.
Is no longer enough for a design to be aesthetic and functional. It is imperative to also be economic, social and environmentally responsible and in line with a new thinking. Question yourself …
What about the manufacturers and other stakeholders behind the process?
What about the origin of the materials, the finishes and products? And what happens when it reaches their end of life.
What about the toxic components that materials release? Or the benefits of embodied energy?
What about the waste that piles up in workshop factories which is an unused resource? The surplus, the unwanted leftovers, the waste after a refurbishment?
What about social responsibility and work ethics?
What about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ?
Business and interior design needs to sustain their form without negative impact throughout its lifecycle by approaching these (and other thinkings) in all its phases: Brainstorming, Concept, Sourcing, Selection, Production, Procurement, Deliveries, Implementation, Maintenance.
“A good design bridges the gap between behaviors, business, and our planet.” (Lucy Hughes)
How to move forward? - The values
A sustainable interior is not a trend, it is not a style. It is a mindset and a way of living that enhances the best of the interior design, empowers people and protects the planet.
Whilst some of these values have been always around us, we might have not necessarily implemented them in our projects. We are comfortable with what we already know and where to source our products. It can be overwhelming starting from a new beginning. We would rather purchase something we already know, than go out sourcing for a specific item with any certification or compliance for better production and purpose.
When designing a sustainable interior, there should be a set of values that we need to be conscious about and implement these step by step, project by project. Think of these values as layers you will be adding to your projects. It is our responsibility as a designer to educate and advise the client on the benefits and consequences of every choice. Sharing and promoting is already on its own a sustainable step. It is an Attitude.
Mindset
Be conscious of the decisions you make throughout the project. The same way you are conscious with the layout, and the colour pallet also be conscious of the content you going to bring in, the needs and the transformation you are suggesting, the maintenance, and viability.
Minimize waste
Design for longevity, multi-functionality and flexibility. Use Cradle to Cradle (C2C) items that can go back into the loop instead of going to the landfill, and prime quality and durability. Plan for any waste to be discarded properly or reused in another way. Think about circular economy “where materials never become waste”. (7)
Responsible consumption
Question yourself if you really need to purchase an item. What can you reuse or buy secondhand, are there alternatives? What is the environmental impact? Can you use renewable energy? Or offset your carbon footprint (5)? Think about energy efficiency when specifying lighting. Think about local.
Responsible and certified sources
For both products and services make sure you know more about their methods and processes. Ask your sources about any certification and know more about how they are approaching sustainability. Know their ethos and their faces! A product is more than a pretty picture found online. (Read blog article #3 ETICA Symbols - Certified)
Healthy and non-toxic
Healthy environments, healthy people. Know what you are purchasing is low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) . Think about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Use natural materials, glue free, joints for easy assembly and disposal. Design spaces using strategies such as Biophilic, design to promote wellbeing and health, consider accreditations like FitWel.
Support and empower Local
Support your local community and increase value in your projects. Search for local stores, auction houses and workshops near you. Create your list of “Local suppliers” and promote collaborations.
Collaboration is the key
Seek a healthy competition, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Collaborate with every stakeholder involved in the project to prevent waste and reuse surplus, to minimize packaging and delivery. Be in touch with your fellow designers, promote discussion to evolve your thinking. Competition is crucial but can be a way of developing your business without wishing others to fail.
Work towards the SDGs
Make your own Sustainable Developemnt Goals list you would like to see yourself and your company to achieve. ETICA goal is to work on the below ones:
#3 Good health and wellbeing, #8 Decent work and economic growth, #11 Sustainable cities and communities, #12 Responsible consumption and production, #13 Climate action, #17 Partnerships for the goals.
“Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design (ESID) focuses on the materials’ intended application, aesthetic qualities, environmental and health impacts, availability, ease of installment and maintenance, and initial and life cycle costs. (6)”
Other principles to keep in mind:
Choose good quality items that will last,
Design multi-funcional spaces,
Assess the Life Cycle of your projects or products,
Consider offsetting you carbon footprint (5),
Design for low impact on the environment.
To continue …
NOTES
(1) Jeremy L. Caradonna 2014, Sustaimability – A History, Oxford University Press.
According to Jeremy the initial concerns for the environment can go as back 1969 with the conference “Man and His Environment: A view towards survival”. And later with the 1972 conference in Stockholm UN Conference on the Human Environment it starts being addressed the “human-caused air pollution and global climate change.”
(2) Michelle E. Jarvie, Brundtland Report publication by World Commission on Environment and Development, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brundtland-Report
(3) United Nations, The Sustainable Development Agenda, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda-retired/
(4) To come, article “2030 Deadline”, and “SDGs” to explain a bit more.
(6) You should not consider carbon offset on its own as a sustainable strategy because you may come across as being greenwashing. I believe this to be the beginning of a journey along with other values to be developed. It is all about the attitude. And the start.
(6) Carolyn S. Haynes, 2015, Environmentally sustainable Interior Design, International Journal of sustainable Bulit Environment, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212609015000138
(7) Ellen MacArthur Foundation, https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview#:~:text=The%20circular%20economy%20is%20a,remanufacture%2C%20recycling%2C%20and%20composting.
Last updated: REV02230913; REV01220710
