Issue 8: How to put sustainable practices into Action
Sustainable interior design refers to designing residential and commercial spaces with environmental considerations in mind. It involves selecting materials, furnishings, and construction techniques to reduce overall environmental impact. Interest in sustainable design has grown in recent years and it is something that I am passionate about. I really believe that it is my duity as a designer to help my clients make more sustainable choices and show that you can create a beautiful home, whilst respecting the enviorment. According to FERN 360 the EU alone throws away roughly 10 million tonnes of furniture in landfills every year.
Sustainable interior design aims to create healthy, energy and resource efficient spaces by using ecologically friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting conservation. It considers the entire lifecycle of products—from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, transportation, installation, use, and eventual disposal. Beyond benefiting the environment, sustainable interiors provide health advantages for those who live in the space.
Some key principles of sustainable interior design.
Reducing energy and water consumption through efficient appliances, lighting, and fixtures
Using sustainable materials such as recycled materials, natural and organic products, and those with eco-certifications such as LEED ( which is the most wildly used green rating system), WELL, BREEAM and the living building challenge
Improving indoor air quality through proper ventilation, air purification methods, and avoidance of VOC and formaldehyde emissions
Use Recycled, Reclaimed, or Recyclable Materials
Reducing Energy and Water Use
You can significantly reduce the energy and water usage of a space through thoughtful design choices.
Selecting energy efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lighting. Dimmer switches, occupancy sensors, and maxamising natural daylight further minimize artificial light needs.
Appliances such as washing mechenes or fridges look for the energy label, with A+++ being the most efficent and G being the least and plumbing fixtures are some of the most impactful ways to lower utility bills and environmental impact.
Using Sustainable Materials in your design
Sustainable interior design relies on the use of environmentally responsible materials for finishes, furnishings, and decor. Some key considerations when selecting materials include:
Recycled or reclaimed materials: I am a big fan of using materials that have been recycled from waste or reclaimed from existing buildings, this reduces the need for new resource extraction. It also adds cahracter to the design, including items that have a story or have proviousally been used in a different way really adds to the uniqueness of the design and is something that I personally love to do. Examples of this include recycled glass tiles, reclaimed wood flooring, and recycled metal fixtures. I also always try to keep what I can for example if a kitchen is hardwood and in good condition, I would suggest to my clients to repaint or restain to upgrade the kitchen. Changing small things such as handles can also elevate the look of a kitchen.
Rapidly renewable materials: Materials that can regenerate quickly, like bamboo, cork, natural linoleum, and wheatboard ( a non toxic alternative to MDF) reduce strain on forests. Bamboo can regenerate in 3-5 years compared to 50 years for hardwoods.
Natural and organic materials: Choosing Organic cotton, wool, natural latex, Linen and organic fabrics and finishes ensures no harmful chemicals are used in production. Natural materials are biodegradable too.
Local and responsibly harvested materials: Using locally sourced materials like stone and lumber reduces the embedded energy needed for transportation. Ensure they are responsibly harvested as well.
Non-toxic, low VOC materials: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in finishes like paints and stains can impact indoor air quality. Choosing No-VOC or low-VOC options is better. (check out my blog post on eco friendly paints)
Energy efficient materials: Insulation, radiant barriers, and energy efficient windows help reduce energy usage for heating/cooling.
Renewable materials: Options like bamboo, cork and straw are renewable resources that can be replanted or regrown quickly.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a critical component of sustainable interior design. The average European spends approximately 85% - 90% of their time indoors, so ensuring healthy indoor air is vital. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues ranging from headaches and fatigue to respiratory problems and long-term conditions like asthma.
There are several ways to improve indoor air quality in sustainable spaces:
Increased ventilation - Bringing in air from outside dilutes indoor pollutants and removes them from the space. Strategically placed windows, doors, and HVAC systems can maximize fresh air circulation.
High efficiency air filters - Air filters remove allergens like dust and pollen as well as airborne particles. MERV 13 or higher filters are recommended for optimal indoor air quality.
Low VOC materials - Using low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, adhesives, finishes and other materials reduces off-gassing of chemicals. VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation along with other adverse health effects.
Moisture control - Controlling indoor humidity to 40-60% helps minimize mold growth and dust mites. Ventilation, dehumidifiers, hygrometers and other methods can regulate moisture.
Plants - Certain houseplants such as spider plant, snake plant and fern filter indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. Strategically incorporating plants into room designs aids air purification.
Ensuring healthy indoor air quality requires an integrated approach across all design decisions. Thoughtful material selection, ventilation provisions and conscientious detailing work together to create sustainable spaces that promote occupant health and wellbeing.
Use Recycled, Reclaimed, or Recyclable Materials
Specifying recycled and recyclable materials keeps waste out of landfills and reduces the need for virgin resources. Interior designers can select materials that contain recycled content like steel with post-industrial or post-consumer recycled content.
Using reclaimed or salvaged materials from older buildings also prevents usable materials from entering the waste stream. Common salvaged materials include wood flooring, timber beams, bricks, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and decorative items.
Finally, selecting materials that can be recycled or repurposed again at the end of their useful life completes the loop. Metals, glass, plastic lumber made from recycled PET bottles, and natural linoleum are examples of recyclable materials.
Sustainable interior design offers significant benefits for the environment as well as for the health and wellbeing of occupants. As we have seen, there are many ways to incorporate sustainability into your home. The future of design is green.