Sustainable design is concerned with the ecological, economical, economic, ethical and social aspects and impacts of design. Sustainability means using resources so that they do not become depleted. It is a method of practice or use of materials that is capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.

Whenever possible, the CURRIER design team specifies sustainable products. For example, at an Amesbury, MA bank we chose “sustainable” carpet and upholstery that is both beautiful and highly functional for the long-term. At a Plymouth, MA assisted living facility we thoughtfully chose wallcoverings, low VOC paint and floorings that created warmth and honored green requirements as well as energy efficient lighting.
 
Green designers should have the expertise with architectural and interior finishes such as:

• Flooring
• Wall covering
• Lighting
• Furnishings

And be able to evaluate the environmental impact of these finishes throughout their lifecycle:

• Harvesting
• Raw material
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Maintenance
• Disposal / reuse

We need to be responsible for the invisible as well as the visible, move more toward safety and health rather than convenience and understand that interiors are not beautiful unless they are breathable by doing the following:

• Refer to MSDS (material safety and data sheet)
• Specify natural fabrics and materials
• Specify NON-PVC wall coverings
• Always keep at the forefront the health, safety and welfare  needs of the residents and  staff of the facilities we design by ensuring indoor air quality and accessibility.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
Some of the basics in LEED are:

• Taking advantage of natural daylight
• Improving indoor environmental air quality
• Sound reduction
• Energy efficiency with controllable lighting and HVAC
• The use of natural fibers and textiles
• Waste reduction by using recycled and reused furnishings
  • Specifying energy star- rated appliances
  • Using low VOC’s (volatile organic compound) in paint and wallcoverings
  • Using products and materials with recyclable content
  • Taking advantage of regional products within a 500-mile radius
  • Use of non-toxic cleaning products
  • Polybrominated diphenyl (PBDE)
  • Installation methods and off gassing for the sake of the indoor air quality

Some recommendations for product use are:

• Products made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content
  • Post consumer recycled content
  • Pre consumer recycled content
  • Agricultural waste material
• Products that conserve natural resources
  • Reduce material use
  • Exceptional durability or low maintenance requirements
  • Certified wood products
  • Rapidly renewable products
• Products that avoid toxic or other emissions
  • Natural or minimally processed products
  • Alternatives to ozone depleting substances
  • Alternatives to hazardous products
• Products that reduce or eliminate pesticide treatments
• Products that reduce stormwater pollution
• Products that reduce impacts from construction or demolition activities
• Products that reduce pollution or waste from operations
• Products that save energy or water
  • Building components that reduce heating and cooling loads
  • Equipment that conserves energy and manages loads
  • Renewable energy and fuel cell equipment
  • Fixtures and equipment that conserve water
• Products that contribute to a safe, healthy built environment
• Products that do not release significant pollutants into the building
• Products that block the introduction, development, or spread of indoor contaminants
• Products that remove indoor pollutants
• Products that warn occupants of health hazards in the building
• Products that improve light quality
• Products that help control noise
• Products that enhance community well being