114 A sustainable interior is one that marries efficient and effective use of space with a selection of construction materials that offer the lowest negative impact on the planet, people and economy. Designed and built with the environment in mind, it uses carefully chosen materials with thought given to manufacturing and installation processes. In order to be truly sustainable, design needs to balance social, environmental and economic goals. All three must be equally considered and integrated to achieve a truly sustainable interior solution. To limit the impact of an interior on the environment, materials and construction processes should be carefully chosen to limit environmental harm and waste throughout the entire life cycle, as well as aiming for durability, energy efficiency, safety and flexibility. The challenge for designers of modern interiors is to find a balance between the client’s needs and the expectations of their customers without putting the needs of future generations at risk. This means basing the comfort and liveability of interior spaces on the most sustainable products and technology available, using low-impact products and materials. There should be minimised ecological footprint from production, use and recycling at end of lifetime. Closing the loop Passenger ship interiors receive regular updates to maintain a fresh and contemporary feel for guests. Historically, this has meant that many fixtures and fittings are scrapped while they still have plenty of use left in them. To be sustainable, interiors need to be designed with deconstruction (post-life reuse and recycling) in mind. Each phase of the design’s life cycle should make the best use of social, economic and environmental resources to meet the design specifications, without compromising the future availability of such resources. This requires prioritising recycled, recyclable and natural products and considering the full life cycle of a product, while reducing or eliminating the use of toxic and harmful materials. ADDRESS ING INDUSTRY I SSUES Working towards more sustainable interiors – “Sustainability in interior design expands beyond materiality and aesthetics. It’s also about enabling efficient operating procedures, as well as sustaining physical and mental wellbeing, and creating environments that promote health and clarity” The chapters in this ‘Addressing industry issues’ section of the report consider a variety of potential approaches to, and solutions for, sustainability, which have been distilled from suggestions submitted by the industry participants who contributed to this report. Comments were provided on the basis of anonymity to encourage frank and open discussion.
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