Why Sustainable Interior Design Is Important

Sustainable interior design is the practice of creating a safe and healthy environment while using resources responsibly. This approach to designing interiors takes into account an array of factors, including environmental impact, social consciousness, and economic considerations. Sustainable interior design can also involve the use of low-impact materials such as recycled products, natural materials, and energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems (Alfuraty, 2020).

By embracing sustainable practices in our homes or other spaces we inhabit, we are taking steps to promote a healthier planet for current and future generations. Read on to find out more about the importance of sustainable interior design!

Benefits of Sustainable Interior Design

Sustainable interior design promotes a more mindful and responsible approach to design. It can also have a positive impact on the environment, health, and well-being of individuals and communities. Specifically,

1. Environmental and health benefits: Sustainable interior design helps reduce the impact on the environment by conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly materials. It also improves indoor air quality by using low-VOC materials, reducing allergens, and increasing natural light.
2. Energy efficiency and cost savings: It reduces energy consumption by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, maximizing natural lighting, and using insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs. This can lead to lower utility bills and maintenance costs.
3. Increased property value: It increases the value of a property by making it more desirable to buyers who are interested in sustainable living.
4. Social responsibility: It demonstrates social responsibility by promoting ethical practices and supporting local communities through using locally-sourced materials and fair trade practices. It also reduces the transportation of materials over long distances. This results in less carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere. 
5. Innovation: It promotes innovative thinking, which can lead to new design solutions and products.

Challenges of Sustainable Interior Design

1. Limited availability of sustainable materials: These materials can be more expensive due to their scarcity and higher production costs.
2. Longer construction timeline: The use of eco-friendly products may require a longer timeline for completion in comparison to traditional projects.

To overcome these challenges, designers need to find creative and innovative ways to source sustainable materials, collaborate with suppliers, and reach out to local artisans who specialize in crafting these items.

Sustainable Interior Design in a Commercial Setting

Simply put, sustainable interior design in a commercial setting can be achieved by incorporating green walls, energy-efficient lighting, materials with low ecological impacts, and other sustainable features.

The benefits of implementing these measures are twofold: a healthier work environment and improved customer satisfaction (Obeidat et al., 2022).

Here are a few interesting sustainable interior design projects around the world:

1. The Edge, Amsterdam: The Edge uses technology to optimize energy efficiency and reduce waste. It features smart lighting systems that adjust to natural light levels, low-VOC materials, and a living wall that purifies the air.
2. The Living Building Challenge, Pittsburgh: The Living Building Challenge includes an office building, an education center, and a park. The design features reclaimed materials, natural daylighting, and a rainwater harvesting system that provides water for flushing toilets and irrigation.
3. The Green School, Bali: The Green School is built entirely from bamboo. It features open-air classrooms that maximize natural ventilation, low-VOC materials, and energy-efficient lighting.

Practical Applications of Sustainable Interior Design

If you want to incorporate sustainable interior design into your home or business, here are a few practical steps you can take:

1. Use eco-friendly materials: Sustainable interior design starts with choosing the right materials. Choose materials that have a lower impact on the environment, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled plastic, and natural stone. Look for products (e.g., planters made from recycled materials) that have been certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Carbonzero.
2. Energy-efficient lighting: Use LED light bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs. Install motion sensors or timers to control lighting in unoccupied rooms. Maximize natural light by using light-colored walls and light-filtering window treatments.
3. Water conservation: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, and fix any leaks promptly. Collect rainwater for watering plants. Use a greywater system to reuse water from sinks and showers for irrigation.
4. Indoor air quality: Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, flooring, and furniture to improve air quality. Add plants to naturally filter the air and reduce pollutants.
5. Smart appliances: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Look for products with the Energy Star label, indicating that they meet energy efficiency standards.
6. Sustainable furniture: Look for furniture made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, or recycled plastic. Purchase furniture from companies that use environmentally responsible practices and avoid pieces that are made from materials that contribute to deforestation.
7. Upcycling and repurposing: Consider upcycling and repurposing items instead of buying new ones. Repurpose old furniture or decor items by giving them a fresh coat of paint or reupholstering them in eco-friendly fabrics.
8. Composting: Set up a composting system in your home or backyard to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
9. Window treatments: Install energy-efficient window treatments, such as cellular shades, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
10. Reusable items: Use reusable items such as cloth napkins, reusable bags, and water bottles to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Conclusion

Taking simple steps such as upcycling and repurposing items, composting, installing energy-efficient window treatments, and using reusable items, can help you create a more sustainable home—and save money in the process. 

References

Alfuraty, A. (2020). Sustainable environment in interior design: Design by choosing sustainable materials. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 881. 012035. 10.1088/1757-899X/881/1/012035. 

Obedeit, A., Obedeit, S., Rumman, S.A., Al-Jubouri, F. (2020). The role of sustainable interior design and its impact on customer’s behavior in commercial environments. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1026/1/012054