Today, we understand the need for environmental awareness. The world is changing fast. Various factors like global warming, and excessive use of fossil fuels, have driven us away from ecological balance.

Sustainability is the key to a better world in the future, and thus the need for sustainable options in interior designing is becoming all the more critical. For example, by knowing how to fix the home energy efficiency of a skylight, we can
reduce the electricity requirements in our home.

If indoors are designed keeping the five principles of sustainability in mind, there is a good chance that such homes will stand the test of time as far as environmental impacts are concerned.

Now, let us look at the five principles of sustainability in interior design.

1. Energy efficiency is of critical importance. In the search for great designs and fantastic looks, we often forget the energy efficiency of our homes. Architects and designers should strive to make the interiors such that the need or energy is reduced. If there can be options of incorporating renewable sources of energy to power the homes, nothing like it. Proper insulation in cold places can save energy on heating, whereas reflective coatings on windows can help homes cool in warm locations. There are many ways in which homes can be made energy efficient.

2. The choice of material for construction and beautification can have a significant impact on sustainability. Choosing natural materials is always encouraged, but there is a catch. We should look to use materials sourced from nature that can be renewed fast, like bamboo. The environmental impact of natural materials should be evaluated at regular intervals from their growth to harvesting and extraction to ensure sustainability.

3. In sustainable design, the need for waste management is crucial. There is also an added onus on the architects and designers when it comes to waste reduction. The general tendency is to discard old items as waste. This tendency is detrimental when it comes to sustainability. Thus, one should look at recycling and reusing old items. This way, there shall be less waste material, and the discarded items become raw material for new items.

4. The lifespan for items and designs is vital when it comes to ensuring sustainability. The longer the lifespan of any particular item in the design, the more sustainable the indoors. This can be achieved by using materials that don’t need to be changed too often and can be used for long periods. Innovation in design, like dismountable walls, helps increase the lifespan of those designs and items.

5. The design should keep in mind the health of the environment. With increasing pollution of all sorts, the need for healthy design has greatly increased. The use of plants can help improve the oxygenation of the air naturally. The air quality, ventilation, heating, lighting, and acoustics of the indoors should be taken care of in the design. These principles are created to help homeowners keep the energy-related expenses less compared to others who don’t design their interiors keeping these things in mind.