Reflection | Sustainable, Circular + Regenerative Interior Design Approaches
In recent years, the design industry has witnessed a significant shift. This transformation is particularly evident in commercial interiors, where businesses are increasingly prioritising environmental responsibility and social impact. In this post we are exploring the differences between sustainable, circular and regenerative design approaches.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable design aims to minimise negative environmental impact by reducing resource consumption, minimising waste and prioritising renewable materials and energy sources. In the context of commercial interiors, sustainable design practices may include:
1. Energy Efficiency: incorporating energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems to reduce energy consumption.
2. Material Selection: choosing eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to minimise indoor air pollution and resource depletion.
3. Waste Reduction: implementing strategies to minimise construction waste and encourage recycling and reuse of materials.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality: designing spaces with ample natural light, good air circulation and access to greenery to enhance occupant wellbeing and productivity.
Circular Design
Circular design goes beyond sustainability by aiming to create a closed-loop system where resources are continually reused, recycled or regenerated. In commercial interiors, circular design principles may include:
1. Material Reuse: incorporating salvaged furniture and fixtures, or repurposing existing materials to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
2. Product Life Extension: designing interiors with modular components that can be easily disassembled, repaired or upgraded, prolonging their useability.
3. Resource Recovery: implementing systems to collect and recycle materials at the end of their life cycle, such as carpet tiles made from recycled fibres or furniture made from reclaimed materials.
4. Collaborative Consumption: embracing sharing and rental models for furniture and equipment to maximise utilisation and minimise ownership.
Regenerative Design
Regenerative design takes a holistic approach by seeking to restore and enhance the natural environment, while also meeting human needs. In commercial interiors, regenerative design principles may include:
1. Biophilic Design: incorporating elements of nature such as living walls, natural materials and views of green spaces to foster a deeper connection with the environment and improve wellbeing.
2. Net Positive Impact: striving to create spaces that generate more energy than they consume, produce zero waste and have a positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
3. Ecological Restoration: integrating strategies to restore and enhance ecosystems within and around the built environment, such as rooftop gardens, rainwater harvesting systems and habitat restoration projects.
4. Community Engagement: involving stakeholders in the design process and prioritising projects that benefit local communities and ecosystems.
In conclusion, sustainable, circular and regenerative design offer different approaches to creating environmentally responsible and socially beneficial commercial interiors. While sustainable design focusses on reducing negative impacts, circular design aims to close the resource loop and regenerative design seeks to actively contribute to ecological restoration and community well-being. By embracing these principles, businesses can not only create healthier and more sustainable spaces but also demonstrate leadership in addressing pressing environmental and social challenges.
At Fenway®, we are actively exploring all of these options in a bid to support our clients as they decarbonise their spaces.
At Fenway® we design, build, furnish and support office space in Central London.
We responsibly deliver fit-out, refurbishment, furniture and alterations projects.
We are focussed commercial interior specialists ready to bring our expertise, energy and experience to your workspace.