Sustainable Interior Design

Design is a powerful tool that shapes our environments and profoundly influences our lives. For interior designers, the ability to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable is a significant responsibility. As we move towards a future that demands greater environmental and social consciousness, designers hold the key to pioneering changes that can have a lasting positive impact on our planet and its people. 

“What if every single act of design made the world a better place?” Living Building Challenge

In this detailed article, you'll discover the connection between sustainability and design while learning about the key strategies interior designers use to make a difference. We'll cover the following topics:

• Sustainable & Ethical Design: Why It Matters
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Selecting Sustainable Materials
• Choosing Responsible Suppliers
• Energy-Efficiency & Passive Design Principles
• Designing for Health & Wellbeing
• Adopting a Regenerative Mindset

Sustainable & Ethical Design: Why It Matters

The importance of sustainable design cannot be overstated. The built environment significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. 

Traditional design practices often prioritise aesthetics and functionality without considering their environmental impact. However, as awareness of climate change and ecological degradation grows, the demand for beautiful and responsible designs increases. Sustainable interior design addresses this need by incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction strategies. By doing so, designers can help mitigate the negative impacts of their projects and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.

“Everyone is responsible for embedding ethical and sustainable practices in their work. We all have a part to play. There are many things designers can do in this regard, and there’s a lot of work to be done in the industry. You can have some fantastic impacts throughout your value chain. There can be a ripple effect with your stakeholders; by having sustainable practices in place, you can encourage them to do the same.” Abbie Freestone, Director of Climate and ESG at Rewild Agency.

Ethical design is just as important as environmentally sustainable design because true sustainability encompasses not only the preservation of the environment but also the promotion of social equity and economic prosperity. 

Designing ethically means considering factors such as labour conditions, human rights, and access to essential resources for all. In this sense, ethical design ensures that creating sustainable products, spaces, and systems does not come at the expense of marginalised communities or perpetuate social injustice. For example, a building designed with environmentally sustainable features such as energy-efficient lighting and solar panels may still be considered unsustainable if it was constructed using materials sourced from companies with unethical labour practices or if it is inaccessible to people with disabilities. 

By prioritising ethical practices alongside environmental sustainability, designers can create more inclusive, equitable, and truly sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. These 17 goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice. 

For interior designers, several SDGs are particularly relevant:

• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — Promoting energy efficiency and using renewable energy in building design.

• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — Creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces.

• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• Goal 13: Climate Action — Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

By aligning their projects with these goals, interior designers can contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainability and improve quality of life. 

Let’s dive into some of the specific ways designers can make a positive social, environmental, and economic impact with their work: 

Selecting Sustainable Materials

Material choice plays a significant role in determining the sustainability of a project. Different materials have varying environmental impacts depending on their production, transportation, use, and disposal.

“Just three materials — concrete, steel, and aluminium — are responsible for 23 per cent of overall global emissions today.” UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), 2023.

Some key considerations include:

• Embodied Energy: The total energy consumed during the extraction, processing, and transportation of materials can contribute significantly to the overall environmental impact. Choosing materials with low embodied energy, such as locally sourced and minimally processed materials, can reduce this impact.

• Durability and Lifespan: Selecting durable materials with a long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacement, conserving resources and minimising waste.

• Recyclability and End-of-Life Considerations: Choosing materials that can be easily recycled or repurposed at the end of their life helps minimise waste and keep resources in circulation.

• Health and Safety: Materials should be non-toxic and not pose health risks to users or workers involved in their production or installation.

• Carbon Footprint: Materials with a high carbon footprint, such as those derived from fossil fuels, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Choosing Responsible Suppliers

Collaborating with responsible suppliers is essential to promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability in design projects. Responsible suppliers adhere to ethical practices, maintain transparency, and actively work to reduce their environmental impact.

Some ways to identify and work with responsible suppliers include:

• Certifications and Standards: Look for suppliers with recognised sustainability certifications or follow industry-specific standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Fairtrade, or the Rainforest Alliance.

• Transparency: Prioritise suppliers who are open about their supply chain practices, including labour conditions, material sourcing, and waste management.

• Local and Ethical Sourcing: Whenever possible, choose suppliers who source materials locally or from ethical, fair-trade producers to support local economies and promote fair working conditions.

• Long-Term Relationships: Developing long-term relationships with suppliers can encourage them to invest in sustainable practices and align their values with your own.

• Regular Audits and Assessment: Conduct periodic audits and assessments of suppliers to ensure they meet your sustainability standards and identify areas for improvement.

Energy-Efficiency & Passive Design Principles

Energy efficiency is fundamental in sustainable design because it reduces a building or space's overall energy consumption, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates climate change, and conserves natural resources. By optimising energy use, sustainable design ensures that current and future generations have access to the resources they need without compromising the environment.

Passive design involves harnessing natural elements such as sunlight, wind, and temperature variations to provide heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, effectively reducing the need for mechanical and electrical systems that consume energy.

Several passive design strategies that promote energy efficiency include:

• Optimising Solar Orientation: Properly positioning a building to use natural sunlight for heating and daylighting can significantly reduce energy consumption. In Australia, north-facing buildings are ideal because they receive the most sunlight throughout the day. 

• Thermal Insulation: Using materials that effectively insulate against heat transfer helps maintain comfortable interior temperatures without relying heavily on heating or cooling systems.

• Passive Solar Design: Incorporating north-facing windows, thermal mass, and shading devices allows for the strategic use of solar energy to heat spaces in winter and prevent overheating in summer.

• Passive Cooling: Natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and night-time cooling techniques can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without relying on energy-intensive air conditioning systems.

• Daylighting: Strategically placing windows and skylights to maximise natural light penetration reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

In addition to passive design strategies, there are several other approaches to creating energy-efficient interior spaces:

• Efficient Lighting: To reduce energy consumption, use energy-efficient lighting technologies, such as LED bulbs, and incorporate lighting controls like occupancy sensors and dimmers.

• Smart Building Technology: Integrate smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and intelligent building management systems to monitor and optimise energy use in real time.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances and Equipment: Choose ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment certified to be energy-efficient.

• Window Treatments and Glazing: Install energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings and insulating frames, and use window treatments such as blinds, shades, or curtains to control heat gain and loss.

• Air Sealing and Weatherisation: Seal air leaks and properly insulate walls, floors, and ceilings to minimise heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

• Renewable Energy Systems: Incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels to offset energy consumption and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.

Designing for Health & Wellbeing

Designing for health and well-being is critical to sustainable design, which focuses on creating built environments that support human health, comfort, and overall quality of life. 

The built environment affects both our mental and physiological health. 90% of our lives are spent indoors, and it’s not very good for us. We’re not doing things humans were made to do…”. David Ritter, Director of Atelier Ten

By considering factors like air quality, lighting, acoustics, and biophilia, designers can create spaces that contribute to occupants' physical and mental well-being.

Some strategies for designing for health and well-being include:

• Indoor Air Quality: Implementing proper ventilation systems, using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, and incorporating air purification technologies can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

• Daylighting and Views: Providing access to natural light and outdoor views can enhance occupant health and productivity while reducing the need for artificial lighting.

• Acoustics: Managing noise levels through acoustic design strategies, such as sound-absorbing materials and well-planned layouts, can promote focus, relaxation, and better sleep.

• Biophilic Design: Integrating natural elements like plants, water features, and natural textures can create a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere and improve occupant well-being.

• Comfort and Ergonomics: Factors like temperature control, humidity, and ergonomic furniture can promote physical comfort, reduce stress, and prevent musculoskeletal issues for occupants.

• Active Design: Encouraging physical activity through design elements like stairs instead of elevators, bike storage facilities, and access to outdoor exercise spaces can promote healthier lifestyles.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Creating spaces that support social interaction, provide privacy when needed, and offer access to amenities like meditation or quiet rooms can contribute to better mental health and overall well-being.

Adopting a Regenerative Mindset

Sustainable design is a crucial step towards a better future, but it is only part of the equation. To truly make a positive impact, designers must adopt a regenerative mindset. This means going beyond minimising harm to actively restoring and improving the environment.

“We’re not going far enough fast enough. Twenty years ago, sustainability was about “doing less bad”… The challenge is now: How can we be regenerative? How do we make a positive difference with a development or whatever we create?” David Ritter, Director at Atelier Ten

Regenerative design principles include:

• Restorative Design: Create spaces that reduce environmental impact and restore and regenerate natural systems. This can involve incorporating green roofs, living walls, and habitat restoration into design projects.

• Holistic Thinking: Consider the entire lifecycle of a project, from sourcing materials to disposal—design for adaptability and future use to ensure longevity and reduce waste.

• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the design process to create spaces that meet their needs and reflect their values. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.

• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest sustainable and regenerative design advancements. Embrace innovation and be willing to experiment with new approaches and technologies.

Conclusion

Designing for a better future requires a commitment to sustainability and a willingness to embrace new ways of thinking. Interior designers have the power to create beautiful, functional, environmentally responsible, and regenerative spaces. By integrating sustainable design principles and adopting a regenerative mindset, designers can lead the way towards a future where our built environments contribute to the health and well-being of people and the planet.

Want to learn more about sustainable design?

At Ulleo, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Along with planting trees for our students, we embed sustainability lessons and topics within each course. Our online Interior Design Professionals short course includes a detailed lesson on sustainable design: "Design for the Future: Sustainability Leadership for Interior Designers.” It features inspiring sustainability and design experts. Download our course guide for more information.