SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CONSULTANTS
we advise real estate developers and hotel groups on sustainable interior design services
from concept development and planning, construction, fit-out and operational phases, we help you align the design aspects of sustainable building and interiors with leading green standards such as LEED and BREEAM to minimize impact on natural resources
Green Building Sustainable Interior Design Services
What is a sustainable building design?
Sustainable real estate is concerned with energy efficiency; waste reduction and recycling; water efficiency; healthy construction and fit-out materials; carbon emissions targets; green purchasing policies; indoor environmental quality; location and transportation; sustainable site selection as well as sustainable interior design ideas leveraging the powers of biophilia through biophilic design, natural materials, natural light, biodiversity and landscaping.
Green building certifications include the U.S. Green Building Council LEED and BREEAM.
What is a sustainable hotel?
room2 hometels are carbon neutral hotels in london - a case study in how to do it right
From interiors to operational and maintenance practices
Sustainable hotel design and construction can leverage know-how from commercial and residential real estate to combine environmentally friendly architecture and development practices alongside a medium to long-term vision of sustainable hotel operations policies as well.
A new build construction or refurbishment represent a wider range of opportunities obviously but an operational hotel can still implement a slew of changes to reduce its environmental impact and align with the United National Sustainable Development Goals.
Reducing carbon footprint remains the north star here but is joined by Social and Community concerns.
innovation center coworking officce, porto montenegro
Sustainable Offices and Workplaces
sustainable fit outs
Sustainable offices integrate a range of green building concepts from earth-friendly sustainable materials in the construction and fit-out phases, to natural daylighting and low-energy lighting systems; biophilic design interiors and access to nature; smart building management software to reduce HVAC energy consumption; an enhanced indoor air quality plan with monitoring system, and a waste management plan that includes extensive recycling options.
For sustainable office building case study and sustainable office design case study examples click the link below.
Our sustainable, Alpine-inspied bathroom concept for the Hero Group global headquarters in Switzerland
Biophilic Interior Design
sustainable interior design examples
As a sustainable interior designer specializing in real estate and interiors we aim to leverage concepts such as biophilic design, Circular Economy principles, healthy materials and enhanced Indoor Air Quality for all of our client projects.
Our particular definition of this concept integrates environmental sustainability and human wellbeing in order to provide clients with an integrated green and healthy consulting solution.
For us, a green building by definition should include at least some elements of a biophilic design concept, be it in reception, a rooftop or external terraces.
Interior design trends may come and go but focusing on natural material for interior designing is always an environmentally friendly solution.
Sustainable Materials
environmentally preferable materials
We consider the environmental impact of sustainable materials specified for interiors use, ensuring there is a green procurement plan in place for any real estate project, right through to ongoing operations procedures such as eco-cleaning protocols.
When considering sustainable interior design green materials think of flooring choices and wall paints, wall coverings, adhesives and furniture fabrics. We advocate for prioritizing Circular Economy materials, upcycled materials and sustainably sourced materials.
This can be applied to sustainable home interior design just as well as green building interior projects consulting for larger clients. A natural material such as natural stone or wood, is a universal and timeless material that works across cultural boundaries.
Sustainable Transportation for a Green Building
Consideration for transport in a green building project can include everything from supporting the local economy by sourcing products through to providing digital information points to building occupants communicating indoor air quality or energy use data.
Workplace commuter surveys can help support carpooling, determine bicycle storage demand and inform future incentive programs such as sponsoring bike share memberships.
Extensive Active Travel facilities for micro-mobility users also helps reduce car use and facilitate a healthy lifestyle.
Water Efficiency in Sustainable buildings & Interiors
Water-efficiency is a key component in any real estate sustainability plan, from strategies aimed at reducing outdoor water use such as rainwater collection for irrigation, to efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures and permanent water meters in the building to monitor for any leaks or issues in real time as they happen.
For more of a people-centric approach, we also consider the ease of access to high quality, purified drinking water throughout a building to help ensure ensure adequate hydration for occupants.
energy and environmental design in Sustainable buildings & Interiors
As a sustainable interior design consultancy we specialize in advising on the refurbishment of existing buildings - a fundamentally more energy efficient and sustainable approach compared to new builds.
Specifically, demand can be reduced through strategies such as passive design and green roofs.
Energy source efficiency can involve implementing energy efficient lighting, efficient HVAC (air con ventilation) and elevator systems, as well as renewable energy production on site via solar panels on the roof.
Together these provide the building blocks of energy efficient refurbished buildings.
Waste efficiency in sustainable buildings
Waste efficiency in sustainable real estate focuses on reducing the total amount of waste produced during a building’s life cycle, the reuse of materials wherever possible, for example in a redevelopment project, and a waste management plan that leads into a comprehensive recycling strategy once the building is operational.
Additional sustainable strategies include designing for adaptability, off-site construction to reduce waste production on-site and deconstruction at a building’s end-of-life.
Circular Economy in Real Estate & interiors
The Circular Economy influences green building design and green design companies by focusing attention on closed loop building and interior products to keep them at their highest value for as long as possible while encouraging recycling and reuse to reduce waste - i.e. minimizing such externalities with a negative impact on the environment.
This green building strategy is aligned with Circular Economy principles that promote a real estate sector-wide transition to renewable energy and materials, the elimination of waste and pollution and the regeneration of our natural environment by all means possible.
Sustainable building design examples leveraging Circular Economy principles tend to be at the avant-garde edge of their sector.
Biofilico Founder: Matt Morley
what is a Sustainability champion?
A Sustainability Champion is typically a certified green building professional adept not just at implementing sustainable design ideas or sourcing eco interior designers but advising on implementing sustainability standards, oftentimes to align with a specific sustainability certification such as LEED, or require guidance on best practices in environmental sustainability.
The Sustainability Champion feeds in expertise to the developer, architects, engineers and general contractors throughout the process.
A Chief Sustainability Officer meanwhile is the in-house counterpart to an external Sustainability Champion.
articles on real estate sustainability, green buildings & sustainable interior design ideas
sustainable buildings & interiors glossary
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Adaptive reuse involves repurposing existing buildings and structures to create sustainable and functional office and residential spaces, reducing the need for new construction. This is always a more sustainable design option, rather than new construction, although this statement does come with som caveats!
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Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as plants, natural light, and materials to connect occupants with nature, improve well-being, and enhance productivity in, for example, office and residential settings.
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Cradle to Cradle design focuses on creating products and materials that can be continually recycled, repurposed, or composted, promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste. We look for the C2C label on products, such as carpet tiles for example, for a reliable source of information on its sustainability credentials.
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Daylight harvesting systems use sensors and controls to optimize natural light levels, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency. Again, this is where smart tech, interior design and architecture interlap in the interest of energy efficiency in buildings.
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Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems optimize temperature control and air quality while reducing energy consumption in office and residential spaces. This is an example of where sustainable interiors need to lean heavily on an MEP consultant or engineer for maximum impact.
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Energy-efficient lighting systems use LED technology and smart controls to reduce energy consumption and improve lighting quality, both in offices and residential spaces.
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Green building standards, such as BREEAM and LEED, provide guidelines for designing sustainable and healthy interior environments in both offices and residences. We use them as guidance and reassurance without limiting ourselves to their parameters; if there are innovations available we’ll use them too!
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Green roof and wall systems incorporate vegetation into office and residential design, offering insulation, biodiversity, and reduced heat island effects. Irrigation is of vital importance, as are light exposure levels, and therefore working with expert green wall providers is recommended.
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Indoor air quality measures the cleanliness and healthiness of the air within a space. Sustainable interior design prioritizes IAQ through proper ventilation, filtration, and low-emission materials to ensure occupant health. Another area that combines sustainable interior design choices with smart tech (sensors), and MEP choices (high-spec ventilation filtration is everything).
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LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognized rating system that assesses the sustainability of buildings and interior spaces, considering factors like energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The Building Design + Interiors category is of particular relevance here.
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A life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of interior design choices throughout a product's entire life, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling.
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Smart home technology and tech for the workplace integrates automation and energy management systems to improve efficiency, comfort, and convenience in residential or office spaces while reducing energy consumption. The future of green healthy buildings is heavily connected to our ability to leverage smart tech.
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Sustainable furniture options include pieces made from eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, emphasizing durability and responsible sourcing. They can also simply be made of natural materials, such as sustainable sourced wood and wool.
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Sustainable interior design integrates eco-friendly practices, materials, and technologies into office and residential spaces to minimize environmental impact, promote well-being, and ensure long-term sustainability.
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Sustainable materials for interior design include recycled, reclaimed, and low-impact materials that reduce environmental harm and promote responsible sourcing and production.
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Thermal comfort in interior design focuses on maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels to enhance occupant well-being and productivity.
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VOCs are harmful chemicals found in some interior products. Sustainable design aims to minimize VOC emissions to enhance indoor air quality and occupant health. This is one example of sustainable interiors and wellness interiors interlapping.
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Water-efficient fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms reduce water consumption, conserving this precious resource in both office and residential settings. This does not in any way reduce the effectiveness of said taps, it’s about using water pressure (and air) to do more with less.
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Universal design principles ensure that interior spaces are accessible and accommodating to people of all ages and abilities, promoting inclusivity in office and residential design. This is a less well known facet of sustainable interior consultant but nonetheless fits into the umbrella term of sustainability.
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Zero-waste design aims to minimize waste during construction and occupancy, emphasizing recycling, composting, and responsible disposal practices for a sustainable outcome. It’s about taking responsibility throughout the entire life cycle of the products used in an interiors project.