117 Natural materials and by-products (waste recycled content or plant-based materials) can often still be processed at the end of their useful life with minimal use of chemicals and water. The array of natural options includes timber, terrazzo, mycelium, lightweight composite stone, rammed earth and hemp, although in the maritime context compromises are often needed regarding natural materials because of fire restrictions. The power of technology Modern design processes benefit from green technologies and best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products and other sustainable practices. Interiors can be designed in ways that reduce their operational carbon footprint by leveraging green energy-efficient technologies. This can improve sustainability when the ship is in operation by addressing energy efficiency of HVAC, lighting and other areas through strategies such as planning for more natural light rather than electric lighting where possible, as this means less power required and lower emissions going into the environment. Automation (sensor technology) for lighting and air conditioning are other aspects that can make a space more environmentally friendly. Technologies and products that optimise air quality, heating, ventilation and acoustic enhancement are increasingly popular for both newbuilds and refits, as are strategies to reduce water consumption with fixtures such as ultra‐low flush toilets, low‐flow shower heads and grey-water reuse. Integration of modern technology can greatly enhance efficiency and implementation of clean technologies in production processes. When choosing suppliers, materials and technologies, research is vital to identify the most appropriate innovations, manufacturing methods, technological advances and new products. To get the best out of the available options, designers benefit from cooperation with operator teams, architects, suppliers and shipyards from an early stage to determine the best choices for the design. To deliver sustainable results, technical design must make renewal of damaged components possible, while also allowing for changes to colours or patterns during refurbishments. In addition, design projects are increasingly able to benefit from technologies that protect and conserve water, enhance indoor environmental quality, and optimise operational and maintenance practices. Sustainable design and delivery processes Interior designers have a huge impact on the sustainability of an environment, as they decide what materials and products will be used in a space and how the end user will interact with them. Ideally, sustainable design principles should be integrated in the design of an interior from the very beginning and followed throughout.
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