143 If life-cycle management is integrated into the first design of a prototype, the goal of sustainability is much easier to achieve. Focusing on the possibility of a future refit rather than a replacement could greatly increase the life of a vessel. This approach can be applied to the fixtures and fittings within a vessel as well as to its infrastructure. Designing out waste is the ultimate goal of sustainability. For interiors, this means designing the product and associated guest experience such that sustainability wins are simple. In some cases, this means offering less to customers, thereby saving on ‘stuff.’ It may be possible to create a compelling story for the brand in this context, selling the experience as aspirational. Using waste resources – or sharing waste resources with others in the supply chain or adjacent supply chains – is another solution. For example, the aircraft supply chain has good links with the automobile supply chain and they share resources. If the cruise and ferry construction and outfitting communities could establish this sort of infrastructure, it could be beneficial in many ways, including providing deeper insights into the practices of other players in the supply chain. Ideally, all waste products from the construction and installation of interiors should be repurposed and reused to minimise the use of non-renewable resources and waste. The simpler and more modular the design and the longer the lifespan of the materials used, the better from a waste management perspective. Waste should be of low environmental impact and recyclable or reusable, with any packaging also made of recycled material or easy to reuse. The focus needs to be on closed loop systems, low-to-no pollution and reduced energy usage, along with use of organic materials and eco-friendly production. Sustainability by design Longevity and eventual decommissioning should be part of a vessel’s initial design. A vessel designed for durability has less need of extensive, and expensive, refurbishments. Taking into consideration the full life cycle of a product, including its ease of maintenance, would help designers to specify products that could be repaired more easily and more often before they have to be replaced. For example, there are many different types of flooring available, some with greater longevity, some easier to clean, others easier to repair or partially replace. – “Just think of how many thousands of square metres of carpet there are onboard, needing to be replaced quite often – with the right manufacture it can be sent back to get a new life rather than ending up in landfill” Finding a better home for waste
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