Our clients are becoming more and more conscious of the potential environmental impact their interior design may have. We have recently completed a project where the home is entirely reliant on natural ventilation, which is something that we are getting more questions about from clients with the growing costs of electricity and increasing negative impacts on the environment.
Collectively, we are beginning to hold each other more accountable for our environmental impact and as designers and builders of residential homes we are seeing an increased concern from our clients. They are not only coming to us with questions but also with information and case studies as there is so much information available at their fingertips being technologically connected to the world in regards to this topic. People in general are asking questions about sustainability not only in their own home but from professionals in every area, including interior design.
Ways in reducing environmental impact at home
There are many ways people can limit their environmental impact when it comes to interior design, starting with embracing the natural elements and working with them instead of against them and relying so much on man-made / easy fixes. For example, taking advantage of natural lighting and ventilation. This fits in with the beginning stages of interior design when we work on spatial layouts, window and skylight placement and the type of window openings. Using sustainably sourced and/or recycled materials such as recycled timber or bricks.
Looking into water and energy consumption of appliances and fixtures, there are many options available now in regards to plumbing fixtures (toilets etc) to washing machines that are performing really well in the sustainable space. Any reduction in power consumption from the grid is a bonus, which in WA is still largely generated using fossil fuels.
Designing with sustainability
The design phase is crucial in planning the best interior flow where light and ventilation are concerned. Site visits prior to and during construction are important to ascertain if there are any limitations that restrict design. Neighbouring fences and trees should be considered before finalising interiors when it comes to size and position of windows and how they affect light, ventilation, colour options and outlook.
Products and materials that have ratings attached to them can assist a client with selection, to achieve a more minimal impact on the environment. Products like laminates and MDF come with E ratings, E0 having the least impact on the environment, which can help narrow down selections to a more environmentally friendly choice.
Timber products come with FSC ratings. Reconstituted timber veneers with FSC ratings are made from sustainable forests and are a great substitute for endangered species of trees.
Plumbing fixtures have WELS ratings, generally a minimum of 4 star Wels is a good guide. Appliances also have Star ratings attached to them, which can help narrow down selections.
Interior products and materials are having an increased demand to be more sustainable, sometimes it is not only the materials that you use but how you use them to minimise wastage, a holistic approach in selecting materials will provide the best design outcome.
