My Design Journey and How I Created a Sustainable Business

According to data from the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the construction, demolition, and excavation sectors industry in the UK collectively generated around 60 million tonnes of waste in England alone in 2018! This accounts for a substantial portion of the total waste produced in the country each year.

To put 60 million tonnes of waste into perspective, the weight of a fully loaded Boeing 747 airplane is around 450 tonnes. Therefore, 60 million tonnes of waste would be equivalent to the weight of approximately 133,333 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes!

And guess where most of it will end up?

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that focuses on bringing natural experiences to the built environment. These experiences have been proven to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve creativity and productivity. With so much time of our lives spent inside, it’s no wonder more and more people are looking to make biophilic design in their homes or workplace a new standard.

Originating from Greek language, it translates literally as 'love of life'.

Yes, furniture, fabrics and carpets can emit gases, a process known as off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals used in the manufacturing process are released into the air over time. Common sources of off-gassing include: adhesives, finishes, flame retardants, and synthetic materials such as foam padding or synthetic fibers. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution and may cause health issues such as: headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Ideally to minimise exposure to off-gassing chemicals, choose products that are made from natural or low-emission materials and have been certified as low-VOC or formaldehyde-free.

Additionally, allowing new furniture or carpets to "air out" in a well-ventilated space before bringing them into your home can help reduce off-gassing emissions.

Passive House buildings and principles have a long tradition in many parts of the world, but they were forgotten when fossil fuels became abundant and cheap.

In 1883, the super-insulated research ship "Fram" was built. It can actually be considered as the first "Passive House". However, it was only after the oil price crises of 1970 that strategies for energy-efficient solutions really started being developed. Research on zero and low-energy buildings, as well as on an energy-autarchic solar house in Germany, finally led to the first Passive House in Darmstadt Kranichstein in 1991, over 30 years ago…

If the answer is yes, then brilliant, you're off to a good start! And did you know that there are over 100 ways to do this?

From the most common practices (you probably guessed!) like installing solar panels, changing halogen bulbs to LED ones, and reducing water usage, to ideas covering almost every aspect of your home!

From building (including passive homes utilising renewable energy like wind turbines, heat recovery systems, and sealing air leaks around windows and doors) to thoughtful purchases of interior products and finishes that also make a big difference (upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances, low-flow toilets and shower-heads, bamboo flooring, and reclaimed wood furniture), and many more.

Your exterior and garden planning can also support local biodiversity by creating ecosystems for local wildlife.

And finally, ideas considering making changes to your own behavior, such as supporting environmentally responsible companies and brands, practicing mindful consumption, and composting to divert waste from landfills, can have a huge impact!

These are just a few examples from a very long list of how you can make your home more eco-friendly. By implementing these and other sustainable practices, you can reduce your environmental footprint and create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for yourself and future generations!

Would you like to know more than 100 ways to create a sustainable home? Sign up below with your email or send us a message, and we will send you our "Sustainable Interior Design Checklist" for free!