Prioritize Reuse and Recycling
Work with product manufacturers and dealers to gather information, set goals, and find solutions:
Specify for Circularity
Have conversations with vendors on increasing recycled content. Understand the balance between durability and recyclability. Ask for ways that products can be refinished, resurfaced, or refurbished to extend their life.
Leverage Contracts
Bake in an end-of-life strategy into the purchase agreement. This could influence how vendors develop products and will provide a starting point for clients/purchasers/facilities managers when they eventually consider demolition and renovation.
Screws not Glues
Work with contractors to find solutions that can be deconstructed or disassembled responsibly, allowing components to be recycled or reused. Choose temporary fixtures and joints over adhesives.
Partner up for VE and CA
Cost is still the biggest factor for contractors when it comes to selecting and installing product. Work closely with them through the product selection process, so that they are prepared to make the right decisions during value engineering and construction administration phases. Include the client’s facilities team in these conversations so that they are aware of the decisions when they eventually demolish and renovate the space.
If you have feedback on the Climate Toolkit for Interior Design, write to: [email protected]
