What does sustainability mean for interior design?

Waste reduction: When specifying a product it our responsibility to think about where that product has come from and where it goes at the end of its life. Reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled metal, cork and jute fibres are just some of the quality materials that can be incorporated into a stunning interior design. The process of reusing or upcycling generates far less waste and helps to use resources we already have, meaning fewer carbon emissions are released in its production. Energy efficiency: The consumption of energy is one of the major contributors to rising CO2 levels. In order to tackle this, interior designers can work to improve a building’s energy efficiency by providing renewable, non-carbon-based energy to the building or reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and lighting. For example we can design rooms with more natural light sources or use curtain fabrics with insulating properties. Carpets are excellent thermal insulators; according to estimations, a carpet retains as much as 10 % of a room’s heat. Longevity: Interior designers should consider the lifespan of any materials they specify and ensure that everything they choose to include within a space will last as long as possible, while still being cost-effective.