Tienes la tarea de diseñar un interior comercial. ¿Cómo puedes hacerlo más sostenible?

In my experience, sustainability is not just about reducing our environmental footprint, but also about enhancing the well-being and productivity of the people who use the space. By creating environments that are not only efficient and eco-friendly but also comfortable and conducive to work, we can truly make a difference. Moreover, I believe that sustainability is an ongoing journey. It’s about continually learning, adapting, and finding new ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote well-being. As designers, we have the power to shape not only our built environment but also the future of our planet.

At Arhaus, they vowed to never use wood harvested from rainforests. Earth is the home we all share and we know with absolute certainty that it will take all of us, working together, to protect her. We use fallen trees after storms, buy trees that no longer bare fruit, if we do cut a tree down then we plant a tree. Our artisans give beautiful, new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded, from marine plastic removed from the world’s oceans to leather hides cast aside by other industries, hand-hammered recycled metal, and more. With American Forests we’re planting 250,000 trees across the United States and growing toward our pledge to plant one million! I love working for a company, here to make the world a more beautiful space!

One approach gaining traction in the world of commercial interior design is regenerative blending. This methodology emphasizes the reuse of materials wherever possible, coupled with the incorporation of cutting-edge, regenerative solutions to meet the specific programming needs of a space. The core principle of regenerative blending lies in the promotion of reusing interior architectural finishes and furniture as the primary step in designing a space. By championing the concept of reusability, designers can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with tenant improvements and new furnishings. The interior design is ripe for paradigm shift towards more sustainable practices by revaluating existing space and its characteristics.

Designing a commercial interior with sustainability in mind involves considering various aspects of the design, materials, and operations to minimize environmental impact and promote long-term viability. Here are some strategies to make a commercial interior more sustainable:Energy Efficiency,Material Selection, Water Conservation, Indoor Air Quality, Sustainable Furnishings, Green Building Certifications, Sustainable Transportation.

The practice of sustainable design is constantly growing. It is formed around the importance of using sustainable materials in the design. This is achieved through careful consideration of the environmental impact of products and materials chosen. If this process is done in the concept phase, it helps to ensure the same is provided during the procurement phase.

Choose furniture and furnishings made from recycled materials, sustainably sourced wood, or other environmentally friendly alternatives. Look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood products and GREENGUARD for low-emitting materials to ensure they meet sustainability standards.

Holistic integrated design - best utilizing the natural potential of the site / project ; is most essential in optimizing energy efficiency. Planning buildings and designing facades considering the sun path , opening sizes and U value of glass and façade materials in coordination with HVAC design - enables utilization of natural light instead of powered lighting ; natural ventilation when possible and also rightly sized AC - all of which contributes to reduced dependency on energy. This is the beauty of integrated design !

In my experience, energy-efficient designs are not only good for the planet but also reduce operational costs significantly. Integrating LED lighting, smart thermostats, and maximising natural light have been game-changers. Imagine slashing energy bills while basking in sunlight—win-win!

Firme defensora del uso de la luz natural siempre que sea posible, tanto por cuestiones de presupuesto como de espacio. Iluminación LED, electrodomésticos, maquinaria de bajo consumo y proveedores de materiales reciclados y desechables. Para el mobiliario y la decoración se puede optar por la opción de "segunda mano" y DIY.

First out upgrade all the electrical outlets face plates wiring and vent cover. Then I would put all l.E!D energy efficient lighting up.

Firstly wise usage of water as per purification level is important since purification is proportional to energy used to do so; highest being - potable water, which should be strictly used only for drinking , cooking , bathing etc. Other alternatives such as treated grey water and harvested rainwater are to be used for appropriate purposes. Projects should have plumbing network which promotes such wise usage so they are compliant ready where authorities certify such usage. Usage of Low-flow promotes reduction and I have always felt sensor based faucets saves more ; since it doesn't flow when your hands are not at it. Above all, monitoring and showing usage levels makes you more cautious - like looking at car dashboard not to exceed limits

Provide amenities such as bicycle racks, electric vehicle charging stations, and incentives for carpooling or using public transportation to encourage employees and visitors to choose sustainable transportation options. Promoting alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles reduces carbon emissions associated with commuting.

One thing I’ve found effective is installing low-flow fixtures and embracing rainwater harvesting. For a commercial space, such changes can significantly lower water usage. Plus, opting for native plant species in decor reduces water demand for maintenance.

When businesses focus on reducing waste in their commercial spaces, it's not only good for the environment but also smart for their wallets. By using sustainable materials, setting up recycling programs, and being mindful of resources, businesses can reduce their impact on the planet while promoting a culture of eco-friendly practices and innovation.

Source reduction is most vital in waste reduction; i.e. to avoid creation of waste than looking for ways to manage the waste created. Modular design at offsite facilities especially for volume works ; promotes efficient usage of construction materials - even utilizing smaller offcuts appropriately, thereby arriving to almost zero waste creation. Considering materials with recycled content , recyclable products and reuse of components also reduces environmental impact. Manufactures should also "build to last" like they used to - if they want to be environmental friendly; business continuity should be from quality products rather than having to replace them more frequently.

One thing I have been practising is to share and educate our customers about the size of cutting materials and mixing with different loose cuts to reduce wasting the balance materials which are often discarded. We have implemented it successfully in Yuhua Secondary and St Gabriel Secondary #Schools #Library projects recently in #Singapore

Designing spaces that grow and change with your business is crucial. I recall a project where modular furniture allowed clients to reconfigure their setup without additional purchases, cutting down waste and fostering a culture of sustainability.

Waste reduction can also translate to “How long is the lifecycle of this product?” By choosing products that are better constructed with more durable materials (don’t forget to consider climate!), you can extend the life of your furniture. By choosing furniture that is flexible and adaptable, you can also extend the life cycle. For example, if you have an accounting department with 10 people, and one person leaves the company, that role needs to be filled, what are the odds that the next person hired can sit at that desk? Are they shorter or taller? A wheelchair user? By using a height adjustable desk, that one desk can serve a wide range of body types, thus extending its lifespan.

In the bigger picture ; sustainability is about being closer to nature & nature by itself has always been generous to provide wellbeing to all life forms. If you are out in the nature, you have access to sunlight, natural ventilation and great views - which promotes your well-being. Hence if you design spaces keeping that in mind - it will definitely promote well being - with access to natural light, ventilation and great views - just through operable windows (just one of the design elements) Other extremity is if you design a closed box - you have put in artificial light, artificial ventilation and fake views through LCD screens - all of which needs energy - which in turn generates more carbon footprint. Hence design closer to nature !

Bringing elements of nature indoors, like plants or natural light, profoundly affects mood and creativity. From my work, creating a space that feels good is as vital as it looks. After all, happy people are productive people.

To be more sustainable, is to understand the total 'embedded energy' created during the manufacturing of all products used and all services provided. Unless the new environment contributes positively towards carbon reduction it is unsustainable from the onset. resolving end of life management is also overlooked . how will the products / materials used be disposed of or recycled at the end of its life. There is a HUGE amount of misguided information out there. To summarise, I think the number one way to be more sustainable is to have better and more accessable education in this field. if a business has the resource it should offer educational courses for employees.

I have been bringing indoor live plants into the office environment for over 30 years. Indoor live plants help us in so many ways. First of all when you start with the building, how many plants had to be sacrificed from the land in which the building stands. People automatically are attracted to live plants that’s why people vacation a lot of times where there is a lot of plants outside as well as inside. They just make us happier and being happy, makes you healthier and being happy and healthy you are filled with warmth and enjoyment. And it definitely takes good knowledge of how to place plants in buildings so that they can acclimate and grow with prosperity.

I believe providing wellness programs and amenities that put the health of the employees first. Think about stuff like gyms, meditation rooms, and outdoor areas for chilling out and recharging. This helps a lot with productivity.

Designing a sustainable commercial interior involves integrating environmentally friendly practices and materials while prioritizing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and occupant well-being. Here are few strategies to achieve it 1. Use Energy efficienct lighting like LED 2. Choose material with low environmental impact 3. Bring in lot of natural ventilation and cooling 4. Use techniques for water recycling 5. Validate sustainable interiors and furniture 6.persue green building certification 7. Design energy efficient HVAC

I would specify used office furniture as many companies downsized during and after the Covid Era. There is an abundance of slightly used inventory to choose from all over the world.

Sustainability doesn't stop with designing .It extends beyond construction .So its very important to educate the end user about the system.

What is not in this list and if I may add is to reduce the amount of carbon footprints generated from ordering all the furniture and components from overseas especially far away countries. By producing some of the customised furniture locally, we have effectively reduce shipments and therefore the fuels and carbon generated into the ozone layer.

By designing with adaptability and agility in mind, spaces can more readily adapt to unforeseen future changes. The ultimate form of sustainability is a space that can grow and adapt over time with minimal renovation. Consider spatial solutions that incorporate "soft architecture" that can be moved or modified by the occupants.