On the Positive Impact of Sustainable Design and ESG on Our World
“Sustainable development” is a term on everyone’s lips today. It could not bypass the design market, for which it has become a synonym for creating spaces that are welcoming to all. We speak with Konrad Krusiewicz, founder of The Design Group, about the ESG challenges facing the architecture sector.
We noticed how many projects we complete and how many materials we consume. The need to be responsible for what it is all made of and how it is made arose quite naturally. Every small step is a step in the right direction. We are eliminating harmful elements and turning towards natural and recycled materials.
In practice, this means choosing materials that are as natural as possible: wood from certified suppliers, veneers instead of laminates, recycled products, wool carpets, natural felts as finishing materials, energy-efficient lighting fixtures. The Design Group vets its suppliers – only products from companies holding the required certificates and confirming the origin of materials can be used in projects.
The main challenges are client awareness and the financial and commitment costs of designing in the spirit of ESG. However, the range of material and technological options available today is sufficient to achieve these goals from an architectural standpoint.
The Clariant office in Łódź (the Monopolis complex) is an example of a fully sustainable project: 100% accessible for people with reduced mobility, recycled materials, natural veneers and energy-efficient solutions. The wallpapers in the interiors were created in collaboration with the Łódź Academy of Fine Arts community – a manifestation of local community engagement.
Greenwashing, as with every trend, will be used for marketing purposes. However, even if someone does it purely for marketing reasons, they are contributing to the popularisation of a sustainable approach. For The Design Group, sustainable design has been important from the very beginning of the studio’s activity and is taken very seriously.
