Sustainable design is concerned with the ecological, economic, ethical, and social aspects and impacts of design. Sustainability means using resources so that they do not become depleted. It is a method of practice or use of materials that is capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Eco Interior Designers work directly with you to assess and carefully consider your requirements, tastes, preferences, and budget, as well as your sustainability goals and desires. In addition to optimizing the way a space functions, the designer also manipulates form, color, scale, harmony, and balance to create an exceptional interior.
Eco designers may also act as a member of a team that includes other energy-savings professionals such as building and landscape architects, and civil engineers (HVAC).
Green designers should have expertise with architectural and interior finishes such as flooring, wallcovering, lighting, and furnishings, and be able to evaluate the environmental impact of these finishes throughout their lifecycle (from harvesting raw material, manufacturing, transportation, maintenance, and disposal or reuse). Eco designers will help you understand the financial costs and benefits associated with your sustainable choices. For example, the initial vs. lifecycle costs of a product, and any related energy savings and/or other benefits that would result.
There are financial benefits associated with green building, including lower costs for:
- energy
- waste management
- water
- emissions (commercial projects)
- maintenance
- operations
Visit FAQ's for more on the cost of green design.