126 Interior outfitters Thanks to their knowledge of materials and what meets IMO requirements, maritime interior outfitters are well placed to work with all stakeholders to promote the implementation of sustainability-related certification as standard for all materials. Outfitters should consider impacts along their supply chain to ensure that the products they are supplying are as environmentally friendly as possible. Points of focus that can make a major difference to the environmental profile of an interior include implementing and monitoring production processes that limit the emission of GHGs, production of waste and consumption of energy, reducing reliance on adhesives, building for easy dismantling and creating a maintenance manual for each built interior are other good practices. As outfitters work in close cooperation with designers and architects, pushing for the idea of sustainable materials can have an impact on the materials used. To ensure that outfitters’ ideas about how to improve sustainability get heard, deconstruction plans within an interior report should be written in collaboration with everyone involved in a newbuild to ensure the space is effectively managed throughout its life cycle, from selection of materials to proper preparation and efficient installation, including repair, reuse and recycling. Interior outfitters have a responsibility to contribute to their clients’ sustainability agendas while meeting their own. There are many ways they can do this, from establishing close and transparent cooperation with the client and yard throughout the outfitting process to monitoring the actions of suppliers to verifying claims that materials are certified. They can also prevent good, sustainable products from being replaced with others that do not meet the required standards. And if they can help owners produce a recycling and donation strategy when they are taking out materials at refits, this can pay dividends long into the future. Requirements for minimum levels of sustainability can be embedded in the purchase terms and conditions for material sourcing and subcontracted work and manufacturing. Outfitters can also demonstrate a commitment by ensuring they are positioned to answer on sustainability requirements in tenders. Likewise, they can be ready to propose sustainable alternative materials where appropriate. Implementing traceability along the supply chain and introducing environmental and social public reporting are other practices that will pay dividends in establishing greener practices. ADDRESS ING INDUSTRY I SSUES – “While clients need to tell their outfitters what they want, the outfitters have the responsibility to constantly stay updated and educated about better choices”
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