With the rate of emissions increasing every year, many people’s concerns are to ‘save the planet’. Home owners and interior designers are stepping up as well by looking for better materials and ways to design homes.

There are five principles of sustainable interior design. They include energy efficiency, healthy environment, low environmental impact, waste reduction, as well as longevity and flexibility.

According to research, forty percent of the CO2 emissions come from the built environment. Infrastructure materials and construction, that is embodied carbon makes up thirteen percent of the total emissions.

What is sustainability in Interior design?

Sustainability in the design world exists as a result of the increasing environmental concern. It focuses on environmentally-conscious ways towards interior design by making nature and natural resources part of design.

What are the five principles of sustainable interior design?

The five principles of sustainable interior development focus on the people and the planet. The goal is to achieve a beautiful and luxurious living space without harming the environment. To achieve sustainability in interior design, you must observe these principles.

Energy efficiency

The first principle of sustainable interior design is energy efficiency. Energy consumption is a huge factor when it comes to climate change. According to research, about thirty percent of the total global energy consumption is from buildings and buildings construction sector.

Together with architects, interior designers can reduce the energy consumption of a building. The first step is to reduce the amount of energy for lighting, heating, and running electrical appliances.

You want to install quality windows that allow in enough light during the day. The windows should also provide good insulation at night to retain enough heat in the rooms. Curtains and carpets also help in retaining the heat in a room.

Healthy Environment

We spend a large percentage of our day indoors. Therefore, a healthy living environment, free of any toxic substances and pollutants is key. You need fresh air, good air conditioning, lighting, and acoustics.

Good air quality will increase your productivity levels. Ensure there is enough air circulation in the room to improve the quality of air in your environment. Add plants and carpets in your space as they act as air filters. However, clean your carpet to get rid of any accumulations.

Getting rid of materials with high Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) such as some paints will also improve air quality. You want to go for ecological paints that are water-based and free of any solvents and VOC.

Low environmental impact

Another principle of interior design is to ensure very low impact on the environment. You want to go for materials that have minimal effect on the environment whether in their production, use, or disposal.

Materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, wood and stone are examples of design materials with low environmental impact. Bamboo for instance, is a fast-growing and renewable material that can make durable and good-looking furniture.

Longevity and Flexibility

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to seventy-three percent of carpets and rugs are sent to the American Landfills. An additional eighty-point one percent of furniture follows.

To reduce such amounts of waste, interior designers nowadays focus on the lifespan of the design materials like furniture and flooring. You want design materials like rugs and carpets that can resist wear and tear for a long time.

When it comes to flexibility, you want to create a space that you can re-use the longest. Go for materials that can adapt as your needs change. When designing a toddler’s room for instance, buy a bed that you can extend or add room for growth.

Waste Reduction

At this point, you already understand that building and design take up a huge part of the total waste in the planet. Interior designers have come up with ways to ensure recycling and repurposing of design materials.

Going for synthetic materials made from recyclable or recycled waste is one way to achieve waste reduction. Another way is to re-model old-fashioned furniture like sofas to become new and stylish.

How to implement the principles of sustainable interior design?

Achieving sustainability in interior design is possible by careful evaluation of the materials that you use in designing. When choosing furniture for instance, go for quality over quantity as well as classic over trendy.

The goal is to utilize every single detail with minimal impact on the environment. For instance, you want to improve the amount of natural lighting by painting light colors on your walls.

Why are the principles of Sustainable interior Design important?

Sustainability in interior development improves the state of the environment and those in it. It reduces the amount of toxins and pollution taking place. In addition, sustainability saves you a lot of money by investing in durable and recyclable materials.

Conclusion

Applying these five principles in your home will improve your environment and well-being. Note that all the principles of sustainable interior design go hand in hand. You must observe all the principles in order to achieve the goal of a waste and toxic-free environment.

For any questions relating to sustainability in Interior design, contact us at info@agoratechnical.com.