Knowledge partner in sustainable project design
Sustainable project design
Within projects for our clients, we apply the same sustainability pillars as those we use for our own organization. These pillars are reflected in every step of the realization process, in every single project - large or small.
Our three pillars:
Making sustainable choices for people and the environment is our top priority. As a brand-independent interior specialist and project designer, we feel a responsibility to guidep our clients towards solutions that fit within corporate culture and policies. Sustainability is always a topic of discussion and we dare to challenge, both to the user and to the supplier. Many great results have already been achieved in sustainable furnishing and circular production, but experience and knowledge proves vital in creating the most sustainable approach.
Within projects for our clients, we apply the same sustainability pillars as those we use for our own organization. These pillars are reflected in every step of the realization process, in every single project - large or small.
Our three pillars:
An approach with an eye to the future
Encouraging Circularity
We provide our customers with insight using the R-ladder. This is a widely used tool with various degrees of circularity to reduce (primary) resource consumption and encourage high-quality reuse. In other words, extending the lifespan of products.
As a knowledge partner and impact maker, we strive to advise and make an impact on 'R3: Reuse', 'R4: Repair and remanufacture' and 'R5: Recycling'. We remain critical in this process, weighing inputs against the intended goal and in relation to the other two pillars. By this we mean that we zoom out within the entire chain, making an analysis. For example, we look at whether repairing or refurbishing furniture including transport and logistics is more sustainable than buying new sustainable furniture.
Yet we will also always 'R1: Refuse' questioning. This is the most sustainable option and part of future business models. As an organization, we also have sufficient knowledge to advise on 'R2: Reduce'.
Reduce CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions occur at all levels within the interior design industry. Currently, there is no clear regulation when it comes to addressing and reducing CO2 emissions. We therefore take matters into our own hands within our working method. For example, InteriorWorks has a circularity matrix developed in which we rate products on sustainability aspects using materials passports/EPDs (environmental product declaration). This scoring helps our customers make the right product choice.
We reduce CO2 emissions in three areas:
Design
We encourage furniture reuse with the intended goal of reducing CO2 emissions, but should new furniture still need to be purchased, we prefer to choose suppliers with a clear sustainability vision who manufacture in Europe. We look at the distance traveled and links in the chain.
Realization
During realization, efficient project management - including logistical planning - can be expected from us. Our own office with showroom and warehouse function is the first energy-neutral building in Amsterdam North. Together with our sustainable logistics partners, we minimize the CO2 impact of "the last mile" to the customer.
Aftercare
To ensure that the furniture lasts as long as possible, we also offer maintenance and cleaning. We prefer to do this preventively, but you can also come to us for deep cleaning at a later stage. Reinasan is our official partner in preventive cleaning. They have developed a sustainable method with environmentally friendly means without affecting fabrics and materials.
Increase well-being
As interior design specialists, we believe it is important to create an environment that focuses on the well-being and working happiness of the user. For us, this is not just about a collection of stuff in a space. We believe that well-thought-out design contributes to people's well-being and productivity.
To concretize vitality, we use the relevant WELL principles. We are also committed to Social Return on Investment and social enterprises within our projects. In agreement with the client, we involve people with a distance to the labor market during the realization process. Finally, prior to this process, we make a proposal on how our clients can do more for the environment and surroundings than just realizing a sustainable interior. We sit down with the client and its stakeholders to think out green and social initiatives and actions, in order to also reduce the footprint in areas other than interiors for a greener future.
Getting the right knowledge in house
Getting the right knowledge in house
As a chain director in the furnishing industry, we have insight into the total environmental impact, from the raw material to delivering the interior ready for use. We therefore feel responsible for creating more clarity in this area. We have the right knowledge in-house that we put to pragmatic use immediately. In this way we create the necessary transparency in our field and at the same time advise the customer or end user before we start working together.
Our team is up to date with the latest developments in sustainability and circularity in the industry. As a dealer of a large portfolio of brands, we are in constant dialogue with manufacturers and their suppliers who are working on sustainable and better initiatives such as applying recycled and bio-based materials. Thus
attend supplier and industry association trainings, and our interior design experts know all about product certification and environmental labels. In addition, we organize our own knowledge sessions to share our knowledge and that of impact makers in the industry.
Green certificates and labels
Green certificates
Our suppliers' products are certified by national and international bodies. Consequently, there are many different certificates and labels. We have knowledge of these labels and note the labels with the products in our circularity matrix. Questions? Feel free to ask!
