How can you determine the life cycle of materials in commercial interior design?

2 How to find LCA data?

Informing your material selection process can be done through the use of several sources of LCA data. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are standardized documents based on LCA that provide verified and transparent information about the environmental performance of a product or material. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases are collections of data on the inputs and outputs of different materials and processes which can be used to perform your own LCA or supplement existing data. Additionally, eco-labels and certifications are labels or symbols that indicate a product or material meets certain environmental standards or criteria. These can be found from schemes such as LEED, Green Seal, Cradle to Cradle, or FSC.

3 How to use LCA data?

LCA data can help you make more informed and responsible decisions about the materials you use in your commercial interior design projects. However, LCA data is not the only factor to consider. You also need to take into account the functional requirements, the aesthetic preferences, the availability, the cost, and the durability of the materials. You also need to consider the context and the scope of your project, such as the location, the size, the purpose, and the expected lifespan of the space. You also need to communicate with your clients, your contractors, and your suppliers to ensure that your material choices align with their expectations and goals.

4 How to optimize the life cycle of materials?

When selecting materials for a commercial interior design project, there are still ways to optimize their life cycle and reduce their environmental impact. You can minimize the amount of materials used by optimizing the design, reducing the waste, and reusing or repurposing existing materials. Additionally, you can maximize the durability and longevity of the materials by choosing high-quality materials, applying protective coatings or finishes, and providing proper maintenance and care. Furthermore, you can facilitate the recycling or reuse of materials by choosing materials that can be easily disassembled, separated, or recovered, and by providing clear instructions or labels for disposal or recycling. Last but not least, it is important to educate and engage the users and occupants of the space about the environmental benefits and impacts of the materials, and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices and behaviors.

5 How to stay updated on LCA trends?

As a commercial interior designer, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability. To do this, you can follow publications and reports from organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the World Green Building Council (WGBC). Additionally, you can attend webinars, workshops, conferences, or courses on LCA and sustainability, and network with other professionals and experts in the field. You may also want to subscribe to newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or magazines that cover LCA and sustainability topics such as the Journal of Industrial Ecology, the Life Cycle Initiative, or the GreenBiz. Finally, joining online communities, forums, or groups that discuss LCA and sustainability issues like the LinkedIn LCA Network, the Reddit LCA Subreddit, or the Facebook LCA Group can also be beneficial.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?