Why green is the new black in Interior Design

Only a few weeks ago, passers-by chatted and took snaps whilst a figure perched unsteadily on the chimney of a house as it sank rapidly into the waters of the River Avon – and that’s exactly what Stride Treglown and Format Engineers had hoped for.

‘Sinking House’, a striking freeze-frame moment in sculpture, announced COP26 from the lifeline, whilst punching into our collective conscience and consciousness.

COP26 besieged international headlines for two weeks and shook the status quo to its core. The sinking sculpture may be a metaphor, but the reality is that it’s pointing at what’s happening both inside and outside the house.

With buildings consuming an eyewatering 35% of global energy, and carbon footprints, plastics and pollution constantly in the news, sustainability in all interior design sectors has never been more noticeable and important. More than ever, people are focusing on what they’re looking at and how it’s been produced.

Back in April ’21, the BIID launched its three-year sustainability strategy, and its key messages are red lines for the industry.

At the starter block is a fundamental understanding that sustainability in interior design will be an ongoing journey. It can only progress if it buddies up with improving technologies, consumer needs, and environmental goals and achievements.

Therefore, it’s obvious that interior design is a powerful influencer which steers client choice, and consequently the products and production values which are promoted. The BIID are urging all members to use the UN Sustainable Development Goals as the gold standard for operating sustainably.

By following this framework, BIID members will set off a domino effect of positive impacts on the supply chain, ranging from helping to eliminate poverty, increasing health, promoting affordable, clean energy, supporting biodiversity on land and in the water, as well as the knock-on impact in countless unforeseen ways.

The BIID intends to reassess the strategy every year. This kicks off in April ’22, and will be rounded off by an announcement of successes and achievements in the sector.

This review is a crucial part of BIID’s intention to adapt to ever-evolving needs and demands. The BIID will also be providing a constant flow of practical info to help members achieve their individual goals.

In some ways, it may seem like one heck of a mountain to climb, but it’s also an exciting one. Take a look at what IKEA is doing now, and it’s inspiring stuff. Not only have they embraced serious change in their corporate mission, but they’ve made a very public and eye-catching virtue of sustainability.

From free spare-parts delivered to your door, and furniture buy-back, to recycling and vegan hotdogs, they’ve inspired more companies like Wayfair to take a fresh look at how they do business.

This all points to an implicit acknowledgement that most customers and consumers are not only wanting change, but demanding it. Cutting-edge interior design has always provided the wishlists for tomorrow’s consumers. And by embracing sustainability as its beating heart, its influence is infinite.