Good Environmental Choice Australia unpacks what ‘Sustainable’ actually means.
May 14th, 2015
When a building is described as being ‘sustainable’, this probably refers to its reduced impact on the environment. But sustainable materials go much further than improving energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Truly sustainable materials have a reduced impact on human health and should incorporate social responsibility, too.
The Melton Library has some great examples of products that are sustainable from a combined environmental, health and social perspective. The carpets from Shaw Contract Group release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and trigger symptoms such as allergies, respiratory irritation and headaches. Considering it’s a community space attracting people of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, a healthier indoor environment is a must.
The social and ethical impacts of materials production are also important – have the workers who made the furniture been paid a fair wage and given safe working conditions? Is the manufacturer complying with all relevant environmental legislation and generally engaging in lawful conduct? Items such as the GECA certified ‘U.R. Table’ from Thinking Works by Thinking Ergonomix or furniture from Jardan meet these requirements as well as having solid environmental and health credentials. It’s this all-encompassing, holistic view of what ‘sustainable’ really means that can help building designers create better spaces for all.
GECA
geca.org.au
INDESIGN is on instagram
Follow @indesignlive
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
London-based design duo Raw Edges have joined forces with Established & Sons and Tongue & Groove to introduce Wall to Wall – a hand-stained, “living collection” that transforms parquet flooring into a canvas of colour, pattern, and possibility.
For Aidan Mawhinney, the secret ingredient to Living Edge’s success “comes down to people, product and place.” As the brand celebrates a significant 25-year milestone, it’s that commitment to authentic, sustainable design – and the people behind it all – that continues to anchor its legacy.
After a 4-year hiatus, Dance For Life returned to the design community in March this year. Next year, it’s back again at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney’s Circular Quay — promising to be bigger and better than ever.
As urban density continues to rise, and as population growth steadily grows, many of us are looking toward multi-residential buildings for the answer. Here’s why we love them!
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Serving up the perfect dessert is about more than what’s in the crockery, it is also about cultivating an ambient, immersive setting that enhances the treats.
At Moonee Ponds Primary School, Clarke Hopkins Clarke’s transformative design uses Autex acoustic solutions to shape a calm and creatively charged learning environment.
The New York headquarters of haircare brand, Amika, has been designed by Civilian as the antithesis of a standard business hub.
The final day of CPD Live’s 2025 season delivers three must-attend sessions exploring circular design for furniture and fitouts, and the science behind safe, high-quality drinking water. Starting from 9 AM AEDT, 16th October – it’s your last opportunity this year to join our Live CPD sessions and finish 2025 inspired.