a Q&A on Sustainable Architecture

A Q&A from PKF with Meindl Cavar Concepts on designing hotels with a focus on sustainability.

1. The topic of sustainability is more relevant than ever before, but there is also more confusion in the market than ever before. How are you observing and interpreting this?

Sustainability is on everyone’s lips – but unfortunately you still must look very closely at the interpretation. Not everything that is proclaimed to be “sustainable” fulfils this designation.

In our projects, we see that many owners and operators wish to address this topic seriously, but they often lack a clear understanding and overview. This gives rise to various questions: Which certifications are relevant? Which materials are sustainable and how can I use recyclable materials in a sustainable way? And what does circular construction mean in interior design? This is exactly where we support our customers.

2. Why should owners and operators focus on sustainability in the first place?

Today, sustainable interior design is an economic success factor. On the one hand, regulatory requirements are increasing (e.g. due to the EU taxonomy and ESG criteria), and on the other hand, guests and investors are increasingly honouring sustainable concepts.

Sustainable (re)construction can save enormous costs in the long term, especially in existing properties. Materials that are durable and recyclable – ideally with C2C certification – massively reduce dismantling and disposal costs. Experts estimate that these costs could amount to up to a third of the property value in the future.

In short, sustainability not only conserves resources but also the budget – both in the short term through more efficient products and in the long term through value retention.

3. Do you not see the danger of “green washing” and is it enough to just do the minimum?

Absolutely, the danger of greenwashing is real and is increasingly being penalised. Just a “green” label on the website is no longer enough – customers, investors and partners expect transparency, comprehensible measures and real impact.

If you really wish to operate sustainably, you must think about the entire life cycle – from the origin of the materials to recycling. Certifications such as Cradle to Cradle help to avoid greenwashing and set comprehensible standards.

4. Often, “ecological” or “sustainable design” did not have the same visual design standards as “regular” furniture – is this still the case?

Fortunately, the market has reacted to this. Today, there is an enormous variety of high-quality, aesthetically sophisticated materials and products that are produced sustainably – many of which are even C2C-certified.

New technologies, innovative manufacturers and an awareness of good design have meant that sustainability and style have long gone hand in hand.

For us, one thing is clear: visually, sustainable interior design no longer must hide itself. And the more pressure there is on manufacturers, the more choice there will be in future.

5. What should owners and operators bear in mind when refurbishing or furnishing for the first time to create a truly sustainable product?

Plan early on: 
Sustainability starts with the concept, not just with the selection of individual materials.
Check the health of the materials: 
Are the materials free of harmful substances? Can they be recycled?
Plan flexibly: 
Design for disassembly – in other words, plan in such a way that products can be easily dismantled, repaired or reused later.
Check existing stock: 
What can be preserved or creatively repurposed instead of buying everything new?
Document: 
A material or building passport secures the value of the property in the long term and saves money in the event of subsequent conversions or sales.

6. What three tips would you give owners and operators?

1. Focus on quality instead of short term savings: High quality and long lasting products – ideally with recognised sustainability certificates such as Cradle to Cradle – pay for themselves many times over.
2. Think in cycles: What is installed today should be as easy as possible to reuse or recycle tomorrow.
3. Demand transparency: Pay attention to the traceable origin and certifications of materials and products – you can often recognise greenwashing by the fact that verification is missing or remains vague.

www.meindlcavar.com

About Meindl Cavar Concepts:

Meindl Cavar Concepts is an engineering office for interior architecture and interior design based in Vienna’s 7th district. Managing Director and founder Yvonne Meindl-Cavar, MA and her team design working environments and projects for the hotel and catering industry. One thing is always particularly important – personality and experience. In terms of realising coherent overall concepts, Meindl Cavar Concepts’ range of services extends from coordinated colour, material and design concepts, floor plan planning, selection and research of suitable furniture, as well as detailed planning of carpentry furniture/special furniture and the artistic supervision of projects. 

This article originally appeared on PKF.