Why is designing low embodied carbon interiors important?
Designing interiors with low embodied carbon involves selecting ‘sustainable’ materials, sure. However in order to be truly ‘sustainable’, materials should be assessed by the entire end to end process. This is what determines low embodied carbon interiors. When materials and strategies are assessed by the total greenhouse gas emissions generated from manufacturing, transportation, and construction of materials, used in an interior. So why is it important, and what does it mean in the context of interior design?
In our recent article, Designing Sustainable Interiors, we highlighted the research and application of sustainable and low embodied carbon material selection. 31% of worldwide carbon emissions originate from manufacturing, highlighting the substantial contribution of material and product production to climate change. Traditionally, the building industry's focus on carbon emissions centered on operational energy use post-construction. However, emissions from manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, repair, and disposal of building materials are equally significant and have garnered increasing attention. By opting for materials with low embodied carbon, designers can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of a project. Therefore contributing to sustainability goals and combating climate change. This is a key factor that interior designers and architects must consider in their specifications. The contribution of carbon to a building over its life time can increase significantly with each renovation, without this strategy being implemented. Think about how many renovations a building will undergo in its lifetime. This is how many layers of carbon are being added through each renovation. Below is an overview on strategies that can help address this.
1. Select low-carbon materials and assess the whole product lifecycle
Material selection is a critical component of any project. Evaluate the life cycle of carbon emissions in materials when specifying. Assess a broad range of factors including production, extraction, transportation and recycling to name a few. Actively working with suppliers that provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or third-party certifications that quantify their carbon footprint is crucial. As this ensures a certified assessment via a third party, vs the suppliers own claims, which may or may not be entirely accurate. Look for suppliers that run their factories on renewable energy or bio mass. Pay attention to end of life strategies for materials. Coupled with opting for materials that are recycled, reclaimed or circular also contribute to lower the embodied carbon content. Materials with the lowest embodied carbon, include rammed earth, lime, cork, clay, timber/ wood. Tap into resources available such as 2050 Material, Material bank, Mindful materials and Product Aware- recently launched in Australia, to access information on products that meet this criteria- i.e. product life cycles, EPD’s e.t.c.
Case study: Nudie Jeans, Galeries and ForestOne
Forest One produce FSC certified timbers, as seen in Nudie Jeans Galeries store in Sydney. As an organisation fully committed to sustainability, Forest One provide an array of EPD’s and low carbon ranges including the Egger range. Egger MFC board has a total of 76% recycled content, 24% is post-consumer waste (end of life cycle wood based consumer products) & 52% post-industrial (off cuts etc), resulting in a negative a carbon footprint of -13.8 CO 2 / m2. What EGGER Group factories can’t recycle is used in their bio mass, creating energy to run the plant. Forest One provide information on products via Product Aware.
2. Reduce material usage
This starts with the client brief and establishing a strategy that drives sustainability throughout the design process. Designing with efficiency as the forefront to reduce material selection coupled with lightweight materials and thinner profiles to avoid extra layers of carbon. An additional consideration and where applicable, is to consider how to apply modular systems that can be re-used, reconfigured or adapted to accomodate for future needs.
At Body WRL the floor and original perimeter walls and ceiling were retained. These elements were left exposed, and no extra floor or wall coverings / linings were added to the existing building shell, in order to avoid adding layers of carbon into the interior. Modular track lights that can be easily adapted and reconfigured to suit the layout were integrated.
3. Design for longevity
Selecting high quality and durable materials will ensure that future modifications, renovations or maintenance updates won’t require extensive rework, by retaining existing finishes architectural elements, furniture and fittings. Further to this, creating timeless design concepts that do not follow trends, will also ensure longevity and outlive design fads. Therefore retaining relevance for extended periods, reducing the need for renovation. Both of these solutions avoid adding additional layers of carbon to an interior.
This cocktail bar in a high traffic environment. A re-purposed 8 year old bar retained the stone top, flooring and ceilings as durable finish was selected initially and stood the test of time and wear and tear.
4. Re-use and re-purpose
This needs to be a forefront of the client engagement to reduce the environmental impact and contribute to creating low embodied carbon interiors. This not only includes repurposed elements of the building such as flooring, ceilings, lighting, walls or furnishings. But can also include re-purposed materials- giving them a second life. Incorporating repurposed elements can also align to deliver a powerful brand values as well as reducing embodied carbon.
Case study: Full Circle by EXPAT. Roasters and Nudie Jeans Brisbane Repair Store
Full circle floor tile re-use off cut stones so they are not wasted. These materials are extra durable and will withstand high traffic. Other examples include retaining parts of the existing fit-out as per Nudie Jeans Brisbane Repair Store, where the floor, ceiling, lighting and walls were retained. Further to this, a tile developed from traded in, unusable jeans was developed locally, for Nudie Jeans Brisbane . The tile lines the walls and fixtures. A sewing machine is built into the store of customers forever repairs, encouraging reuse and repurpose- clearly communicating brand values. Both examples show circularity and low embodied carbon solutions.
5. Select carbon-storing materials
Most carbon-storing materials are/ are made from plants (wood, hemp, straw, bamboo, algae). These plants have concealed carbon during their growth prior to being made into a building material. Additionally, using recycled materials or reclaimed materials can reduce the emissions associated with manufacturing new materials. By selecting wood products from sustainably managed forests, these materials have the advantage of storing carbon throughout their life cycle, helping to offset emissions associated with other materials. Introducing plants and green walls will also promote the storage of carbon and can help filter air.
Case study: Nudie Jeans repair Store, Hamburg
At the Nudie Jeans Repair store in Hamburg, sustainability is at the core of the brand. To reflect this, low embodied carbon finishes including pine were integrated as the primary finish in the store- for all joinery and wall finishes.
Case study: EXPAT. Roasters Surabaya
EXPAT Surabaya- the integration of plants throughout helps promote the storage of carbon and can help filter air. Wood is locally sourced from sustainably managed forests and is incorporated throughout.
By incorporating these strategies you can create low embodied carbon interiors that make a huge impact on the environment.
If you are curious about integrating sustainability principles into your built environment, or are keen to understand what this could mean for your business, reach out to hello@xpluso.co or book a complimentary consultation.