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The Truth Behind Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 29 May 2019 09:12
The Truth Behind Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design www.sbid.org

Introduction to ESID

Interior design is essentially all about the relationship between people and the space in which they reside. It incorporates physical and psychological parameters, of which play on the strings of health and wealth in enhancing the quality of life. However, in recent years, interior design practice has seen a shift in strategies that now focus on providing sustainable environments for people to live, work and play. Society as a whole, are coming to realise the interconnectedness of buildings, people and community and the creation of an environmentally responsible built environment. As a result, Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design (ESID) seeks to establish interiors that demonstrate and reflect this communal responsibility.

Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design is in line with traditional design principles of functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics; but expands to the inclusion of environmental considerations. By way of explanation, these considerations can be materialised through planning efficient use of space, utilising materials with low environmental impacts, reducing pollution, energy consumption and waste. The combination of traditional interior design with environmentally sustainable interior design strikes a balance between aesthetics and environmental impact.

Waste has become an increasingly problematic feature of interior design- commercial interior projects in particular. They are typically changed every 6 years or so; placing a heavy burden on resources and generating unnecessary waste. The selection of unsustainable materials comes at a high cost. As a result of redesigning throughout the year, the embodied energy of these changes outweigh the operational energy costs of the actual building over a forty-year period.

ESID in theory and in practice

ESID has established itself firmly as a major issue in interior design theory and literature- according to which, finds that the frequency in which interior designers make sustainable choices in real life practice is limited. This has been dubbed the ‘sustainability gap’ that represents the disparity that exists between the theory of ESID and the reality of practice. The lack of connection designers make between their work and the resulting environmental impact, continues to grow despite ESID developments.

Choosing material is a key stage in the interior design process. The difference between choosing unsustainable and sustainable material could be one of huge significance to the environmental impacts of the design project. The use of sustainable material will contribute to a longer lasting, cost-effective project; that in the long run helps to maintain an ecological balance.

A recent survey showed that interior designers select materials without the consideration of sustainability. Rather, according to the client's needs, preferences, aesthetics and cost. The cost of materials has been found to be the leading criterion.

As for emerging student interior designers who will shape the future of ESID, a 2012 survey found that although students perceived durability to be important when choosing materials, they were primarily concerned with fashion and latest trends rather than sustainability. With this in mind, there is irrefutable reason to believe that the future of the industry, may not uphold the principles that underpin ESID.

Barriers to ESID

The adoption of ESID has been obstructed by a number of factors that exists within the industry. Inaccurate and lack of accessible information on the importance of sustainable design has restricted the understanding of designers and has widened the ‘sustainability gap’. Further, client resistance, lack of knowledge and time, perceived costs and limited sustainable selection have all contributed to the sustainability gap. Each of which results from lack of understanding, education or sheer will.

Retailers, whilst they play no direct role in the implementation of materials, have massive potential to encourage their customers to purchase Green Sustainable and Fair Trade (GSFT) materials. However, only a small number of retailers actually do so. This reluctance, is once again, deemed to be due to the misunderstanding and underappreciation of the benefits of GSFT. If this were to be rectified, it would be expected for the demand of GSFT materials to increase, and suppliers to consequently promote them more effectively.

Looking Ahead

The general appreciation and movement towards creating a sustainable built environment is by no means static. A significant proportion of green designers accommodate the principles of ESID in their projects.

However, there remains room for improvement- in particular, to mitigate the effects of interior design practice on the external environment. This can be achieved by generating better access to the knowledge and understanding of sustainability, combined with more up-to-date information about the critical role sustainable materials play in promoting sustainable practices.

Some suggest that governments should subsidise the use of sustainable materials, or further, impose a tax on the use of non-degradable material. Others argue that it would not be necessary for governments to intervene- if knowledge is distributed adequately. Clients should be advised on the harmful impacts of unsustainable design and encouraged to accommodate the principles of ESID.

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Mary Kovalchuk

Mary is a writer based in London. Her work has been featured in Pinstripe Magazine, HubPages and Sivava Spirit. She also runs a blog, An Eye Behind, that focuses on the secret life of London.

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