A group of influential interior designers are calling on everyone working in the design and construction industry to take positive action to save the planet
A number of textile manufacturers have contacted me in the last couple of weeks to announce their new eco fabrics. What has impressed me about these launches is that they are fully realised, eco collections, not just a half-hearted addition to an existing range.
Suppliers are beginning to look long and hard at their eco credentials and, although many interior designers take this subject extremely seriously, there has not, until now, been a united call to action.
This week however, a group of influential interior design practices have joined forces to launch Interior Design Declares, as part of Construction Declares, calling on everyone working in the design and construction industry to adopt a paradigm shift in behaviour over climate change.
The nine interior design firms behind Interior Design Declares are: Absolute Project Management, Designed by Woulfe, Elemental Studio, Helen Bainbridge Interior Design, Materialise Interiors, MCM, Oliver Heath Design, Persona Abode interiors and Studio Suss
The group has issued the following statement demanding collective action to confront the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
“The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time. Buildings and construction play a major part, accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats.
For everyone working in the design and construction industry, meeting the needs of our society without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries will demand a paradigm shift in our behaviour. Together with our clients, we will need to commission and design spaces within buildings as indivisible components of a larger, constantly regenerating and self-sustaining system.
The research and technology exist for us to begin that transformation now, but what has been lacking is collective will. Recognising this, we are committing to strengthen our working practices to design spaces with a more positive impact on the world around us.
We hope that everyone involved in the UK interior design industry will join us in making this commitment.”
UK based interior design practices are invited to find out more information and support Interior Design Declares
Associated suppliers can also be signatories on condition that they have an environmental statement on their website. Construction Declares
