Buildings and construction right now are responsible for over 20% of global CO2 emissions. As a designer, architect, or business owner in the property sector, you have the power to change that.
Sustainable materials are emerging globally with circularity as it's heart. These materials are designed to be reused, recycled, or composted at the end of their lifespan, minimising waste and reducing your project's environmental footprint.
And it no longer comes at the cost of good design. Stunning retail spaces, hospitality suites, or commercial fit-outs that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible. Circular materials like recycled plastic panels like Critical. Cleanstone offer a variety of benefits:
Reduced environmental impact: By using recycled materials, you can significantly lower your project's embodied carbon footprint. Cleanstone helps to avoid over 1000 times the emissions compared to materials made with virgin plastics, chemicals and composites.
Cost savings: Circular materials can often be more cost-effective than traditional materials in the long run due to it's durability.
Innovation and aesthetics: Circular materials come in a wide range of styles and finishes, allowing you to create unique and inspiring designs.
Here are 3 ways you can incorporate circular materials into your next project:
Specify recycled content: Look for manufacturers that offer furniture, panelling, or flooring made with recycled materials.
Design for disassembly: Fit outs only last between 5-7 years. So plan your project with disassembly in mind, so that materials can be easily separated and reused at the end of their lifespan.
Explore innovative materials: Research new circular materials like bioplastics or mycelium composites to add a touch of cutting-edge sustainability to your designs.
By making these small changes, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for the building industry.
For a list of circular material suppliers in Aotearoa, check out these resources:
Sustainable Business Network's Circular Economy Directory: https://sustainable.org.nz/circular-economy-directory/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrKu2BhDkARIsAD7GBouIfxT9WpLkeYmxJZKM96QxJHjsplsqXlRWs1cxnSUMv8Q9BFLKZEcaAkM4EALw_wcB
Eco Choice Aotearoa's list of certified green materials companies: https://ecochoiceaotearoa.org.nz/
NZGBC's vast network of designers, developers and manufacturers all focused on reducing waste and carbon in our built environment: https://nzgbc.org.nz/
If your working on a Green Star building or sustainable fit out, I'd love to connect and grab a coffee together. Go to criticaldesign.nz or send me a DM!
#sustainabledesign #circulareconomy #recycledmaterials #fitout #retail #hospitality #commercialdevelopment