Green Design

From LoveToKnow Interior Design

As consumers become more and more environmentally aware, the market for so-called “green” products is rising fast. The world of interior design is no exception, and the June 2006 NeoCon (National Exposition of Contract Furnishings) World’s Trade Fair successful GREENlife exhibition indicated an upswing in interest from the design community in environmentally friendly products. But just what is green design, and how can you ensure the products you are using are as earth conscious as possible?

Penner Design

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Green Design

Green design, sometimes called sustainable design, is simply an approach to interior design that requires the use of products and materials that have been made to meet a certain environmental standard - these standards take into account the raw materials used, the manufacturing process (including the type of energy used in manufacturing and any waste generated), the durability of a product, and the disposal methods used for the product at the end of its life. The field is concerned with preserving in the interior environment to protect the health of the inhabitants, as well as protecting the exterior environment. Green design can also encompass architecture, ensuring things like proper insulation to cut down on energy costs and installing means for solar power.

The field of green design is becoming increasingly incorporated into major interior design education programs, and FIDER - Foundation for Interior Design Education can help students find schools that allow them to specialize in green design.

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How Do I Get Green Design

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Consumers

Green Design Furniture

As a consumer interested in green design, seek out a design firm that specializes in the field. ASID - American Society of Interior Designers can point you in the right direction. If you are doing a DIY job, it may be more difficult to access all the information about the products you are using. A rating system is in the works, but is not yet ready for residential design products. In the meantime, look for materials that are recycled/recyclable, furniture that is easy to assemble/disassemble (furniture that requires a lot of glue usually is not recyclable), and for materials made close to home.

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Professionals

As a professional, you are in the position to question your manufacturers and suppliers to vet your products for their environmental standard. Penny Bonda, of Interior Design Magazine suggests a number of questions to ask of your suppliers - the environmental manager is the person to whom you should speak. Consider asking the following:

What is in the product and where do you get the materials? Push for specific information - what kind of plastic, wood, etc. The closer to home that the material comes from, the better, since less energy is spent transporting it.

How is the product made? With this question, you want to get a handle on the energy sources the manufacturer uses, their commitment to environmentally sound disposal practices of any waster generated, and just how much waste IS actually generated. Is any of the waste toxic?

How much recycled material does the product contain? Is the product itself recyclable?

What is the expected lifespan of the product? The longer lasting, the better.

What maintenance goes into the product, and is the maintenance environmentally friendly?

Does the product pollute the interior?

After getting your answers, ask if there is any way to verify their information. Some companies have submitted their materials to environmental testing and have certificates and reports that back up their claims.

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Commercial Green Design

For commercial designers, the US Green Buildings Commission has implemented the LEED rating system for new commercial and high rise buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) lets new buildings seek a rating by the Green Buildings Commission that will let their customers know the environmental standards they are meeting. ASID is looking at developing a similar system for residential design.

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