Why Sustainable Design?
We’re not going to provide data or tell you that business and consumers have a high demand for sustainable design, or it is increasingly clear that it is important to protect the earth and its resources, or 101 reasons why sustainable design should be a part of your organisation.
What we will tell you is that as a business and designer you have the opportunity to educate clients on sustainable design, you can use sustainable design for commercial advantage, and add value to your organisation's ethos.
What is Sustainable Design? Firstly, don’t let any definition or statement force you to think that that you, your product or service has to be 100% sustainable. Just one adjustment or small change through good design can pay off. Of course, 100% would be great but these things do take time.
With that said, sustainable design is about creating long-term, cost-effective solutions that deliver excellent performance and results. It involves designing, or redesigning products, services, processes or systems to avoid or repair damage to the environment, society and the economy. Sustainable design also covers sustainable branding and marketing.
Sustainable design is also known as: design for sustainability; design for the environment; eco-design; and green design.
Sustainable Design Demand
- 70% of UK businesses believe there is some demand for sustainable products in their market
- 82% of UK consumers would prefer to buy their goods and services from companies that are socially and environmentally aware
- Only 5% of rapidly growing businesses believe there is no demand for sustainable products; the national average is 30%
- For every £100 a design-alert business spends on design, turnover increases by £225
- In 2007 the North East of England had the most companies (14%) who report widespread demand for sustainable products – twice the national average. And the South West is rapidly in the increase
Design & Business Resources & Information
10 Reasons for a Business to Become Sustainable
This resource helps businesses take the first steps towards understanding, implementing and managing sustainability from a cost/profit perspective. view more
Nike - the Designing of a Trainer
When it made a comeback in 2000, moves were made for the Pegasus to star in a pilot project for new standards of sustainability that Nike was looking to roll out. view more
Sustainability & Design Resources
This resource provides a range of links, publications, ideas, and thinking around sustainability and how design has helped organisations. view more
