140 Working together for change The impetus for change has to start somewhere and those tasked with sourcing supplies for interior projects are well placed for this role, as they can get the conversation started with suppliers and keep it going, informing them that there will be a market for their goods when they develop sustainable solutions. This tends to have a knock-on effect as the early adopters of sustainability among suppliers start to profit from their efforts, and other suppliers climb on to the trend. And while all stakeholders have a part to play in this process, it is likely to be led by the clients as they are most likely to have strong requirements for the look and finish that works with their brand, as well as the cost aspects of projects. The direction of travel regarding sustainability of maritime interiors is set in the pre-contractual phase. When owners choose their approach to the materials to be used in their projects with a focus on establishing sustainability as a key deciding factor, this is likely to lead outfitting companies to choose the manufacturers they work with on this basis. By seeking the involvement and commitment of all the parties involved, a better result will be possible as the culture of sustainability becomes embedded. Through a combination of education, incentives, certification and audits, the level of ambition can be increased across the industry, reaching everyone from owners, operators and designers to contractors and manufacturers, while increasing investment in the development of new and approved sustainability elements. Highlighting sustainable organisations and their work at trade fairs and in the trade media also helps to raise the profile of those taking green interiors seriously. Sustainability cannot only be pursued as a for-profit option and action needs to be ongoing despite the price premium that often exists for greener, cleaner product and materials. However, by placing it as part of the agenda for all interior projects in all levels of the industry, it will be more likely to gain traction. In the same way that the introduction of IMO standards has fuelled innovation among the supplier community to meet new needs, incorporating higher sustainability standards may have a similar impact on green innovation for maritime interiors. In the process, the current issues around cost and availability of sustainable materials and products should improve. This process can be helped by raising customer awareness and providing a voice for customer interests to make sustainability a market requirement. The impetus for this needs to come from cruise and ferry operators and owners, who are largely responsible for interiors specification through their design companies. The outfitting contractor’s role should be to work together with the client, suggesting more sustainable products and innovative choices. ADDRESS ING INDUSTRY I SSUES – “Establishing a strong network of stakeholders (suppliers, designers, architects, operators, ship buildings and industry experts) and encouraging the sharing of discovery and learning is fundamental in the development of sustainability”
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