What is Sustainable Interior Design? A Look at Materials, Energy, and Waste
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Sustainability. An essential part of the future of interior design as well as this company’s mission. Sometimes it is hard to understand the interior design discussion around climate change and climate action. So many experts, students, lawmakers, and professionals are making a conscious effort to design with the planet in mind.
Today people throw around the terms sustainability, eco-friendly, or green- especially when it comes to selling a product or idea. But what does sustainability really mean in reference to interior design?
Sustainable interior design uses design principles, theory, and innovation to create spaces that benefit the adjacent environment directly as well as globally.
Because interior designers are the professionals to specify materials, furniture, fixtures, and other products involved with the design of a space, their choices in turn can greatly impact the local environment and the global environment.
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Sustainability in interior design can look like the following:
Wasting less:
The choice of materials within a space is important aesthetically but more importantly sustainably. Naturally derived or recycled materials such as reclaimed woods, renewable fibers like wool or jute, and continuously recyclable materials like metals- can express a variety of aesthetics, social values, and mood, all while lowering a space’s impact on the environment.
Reusing or recycling materials reduces the amount of waste produced by each project, which also reduces the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the air in product or material production.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Using energy efficiently:
Energy consumption within the construction and occupancy of the built environment is one of the leading contributors to carbon emissions. Interior designers can work with architects and engineers to collaborate on non-carbon based energy for lighting, air heating and cooling, and appliances.
Consider using the natural placement of the building to your advantage or working with an architect and engineer to apply energy efficient systems like solar panels or off grid water systems. Use natural light and ventilation, as well as technology to effectively use energy.
Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash
Design for the long haul:
Every piece of a project has a lifespan. Materials and structures wear down over time. Interior designers can research a specification information to ensure durability and functionality for a particular space.
Consider how a space will age for one user, or how it will adapt for many users over time. One space or project has lasting affects for future generations. Thoughtful and timeless interiors will be functional and aesthetic for many decades into the future. Interior designers can plan for replacements or adaptions of a space without the need for a huge renovation.
Photo by Julie Kwak on Unsplash
Sustainability is talked about more and more as we begin to face the consequences of the climate crisis. If you are an interior designer, professional in the field, or just starting out- learn more about what sustainability means in relation to interior design. Design has the power to make a difference for just a single user- it can improve the condition of the planet as well.
Read more on sustainable interior design practice, theory, and more with these resources:
What is Green Interior Design? | 12 Examples of Sustainable Design (disd.edu)
A Guide to Sustainable Interior Design (sbid.org)
Sustainability in Interior Design (Portfolio Skills: Interior Design)
Sustainable Spaces: Eco Concious Interior Design (Sustainable Interior Design Series)
What does sustainability mean to you? Let us know here.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through a link and make a purchase, it will earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. We choose links that are related to content and make our focus on creating acknowledgement of more sustainable options. See our disclaimer for more details.
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