As the world is progressing towards globalisation, sustainability and environmental issues have become a significant concern. This is especially true in the interior design industry. We often hear the term ‘sustainable interior design’.
So what is it?
What is Sustainable Interior Design?
Sustainable interior design takes into account, environmental concerns and issues when designing a space. It uses eco-friendly design techniques and materials that are proven to have a healthy impact on the surroundings and the users. Thus helping to reduce energy consumption, pollution and waste.
Things to Consider When Designing Sustainably
Take a look at how you can incorporate sustainable interior design techniques into commercial spaces.
Energy
- Keep energy consumption factors in mind when creating interior spaces, especially in commercial buildings and more importantly the hospitality industry. The energy usage per square foot is pretty high in hotels than any other buildings and heating and lighting play a crucial role. Windows should provide enough ventilation and natural light.
- Consider using carpets, they are known to be excellent thermal insulations capturing 10% of the room’s heat.
- Using energy star equipment, low flow faucets or sensor-controlled ones can reduce the water consumption.
- Fluorescent, LED lights are considered the right option. At the same time, sensors and other energy controlling equipment can be used for controlling light and heat in spaces where it is not frequently used.
Materials
- As a designer, opt for locally sourced products when creating a space. Buying local has a positive impact on the environment as it lessens the cost of transportation and reduces pollution.
- Scope out manufactures that keep the eco-friendly concept in mind. You can find manufactures and furniture designers who make luxury furniture products out of reclaimed wood and recycled materials which all goes to minimising the cost and reducing waste.
- Construction engineers, architects, designers and consumers alike have started incorporating natural, environment-friendly materials into their designs. Materials such as concrete, wood, bamboo, cork, organic cotton, natural stone, recycled plastic. Make it a priority to pick materials which have a low environmental impact.
- Regular paints with harmful chemicals can be replaced with low “volatile organic compound” (VOC) paints that reduce the negative impact on the environment. Light coloured walls reflect more light, therefore choosing the right wall colours tend to reduce the usage of artificial lighting in interior spaces.
- Last but not least, beautifying the surroundings with plants and trees. Not only do they have a positive impact on our health, but they also affect climate control and noise reduction in an interior space.
Research shows that with the beginning of the new decade, sustainability has become the most popular global trend in 2020. Especially in the commercial design industry. We expect to see rapid growth in the next five years compared to the past decade. With this in mind, interior designers should look to the more sustainable approach for the protection of our environment.