Sustainability may feel like the buzz word of recent times, but did you know that we will all be obliged to meet regulatory standards by 2050 that may change the way you consume products and materials and even run your business?
The European Climate Law writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment.
The law aims to ensure that all EU policies contribute to this goal and that all sectors of the economy and society play their part.
Objectives
Set the long-term direction of travel for meeting the 2050 climate neutrality objective through all policies, in a socially fair and cost-efficient manner
Set a more ambitious EU 2030 target, to set Europe on a responsible path to becoming climate-neutral by 2050
Create a system for monitoring progress and take further action if needed
Provide predictability for investors and other economic actors
Ensure that the transition to climate neutrality is irreversible
(source: climate.ec.europa.eu)
Although it will take time to enforce and to notice visible changes in the environment. It is vital that all businesses start making changes now so they are not caught out in years to come. Remember in order to achieve the targets for 2050 there will be interim goals that will also become legislation much sooner!
Interior design and sustainability
Environmentally sustainable interior design is concerned with the use of aesthetic principles and strategies that are globally beneficial, according to a study published in the International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment.
Because interior designers are the ones in charge of selecting materials and products, and advising on how people interact with their surroundings, they play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of homes and businesses.
Some key areas to consider are:
Design for waste reduction
We need to step out of the mindset of recycling and be more focused on reducing consumption. Think about using materials, and furnishings that can be removed and moved for example if you move home or relocate the business. Do you really need the newest trend you have seen on TikTok or will it end up in Landfill as soon as it is no longer fashionable?
If you are buying new, consider refurbished or repurposed materials before buying something newly manufactured. The market for reused furniture is steadily growing so there are some great opportunities to get creative!
If you do need to buy new raw materials then consider quality as the most important deciding factor.Reclaimed wood, bamboo, recyclable metal, cork and jute fibres can be included in most schemes and are both ec-friendly and beautiful.
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. On the flip side refurbishing furniture can also be expensive but does utilise specialist crafts that in rcenet times had died out. For example weaving and upholstery. So don’t look at refurbished furniture as “old, cheap and temporary, but instead view it as we do antiques! Every piece has a story that can be remembered.
Design for energy efficiency
Energy consumption is both the biggest expense as well as one of the largest contributors to rising CO2 levels. In order to tackle this, interior designers and architects can work to improve a building’s energy efficiency by providing renewable, non-carbon-based energy to the building through solar panels for example or reducing the amount of energy needed for heating, lighting and appliances.
Maximising natural light sources and allowing more light in reduces the need for the lights to be on all day. Using insulating window treatments and awnings can help to effectively control the temperature of the room by regulating the temperature. HVAC systems can recirculate hot air to colder areas to reduce the need for heating.
Design with End of Life in mind
When specifying materials, Interior designers should consider the end of life of each product used as well as ensuring quality materials are used so they do not have to be replaced for the long term. How can the products be removed/ refurbished if needed? If something is not feasible to reuse, how can the components be separated to be recycled or repurposed? Many suppliers are looking at “tagging” materials so that they can track each product from beginning to end of life, however we must make collective movements and not reply on suppliers alone to make these changes and decisions.
It is naive to think that waste can be eliminated entirely, but conscious decisions can certainly help to reduce as far as possible which will benefit both the economy, the community and the environment.
You may also like this previous blog post:
Introduction to sustainable hospitality practices