The key word for most businesses these days is sustainability. We have a responsibility to the environment and to preserve our planet’s future, and not just by using electric vehicles and printing less in the office. In construction, sustainability is referred to as green building – with a focus on using sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency and minimising pollution.
While a shop fit-out or refurbishment project may not appear to provide a lot of scope for green building – as we don’t impact a large portion of the existing structure – at SKK Interiors we take care to do what we can in delivering a sustainable approach to your shopfitting project.
We want you to be involved as well. So, while we are talking to you about your wish list – the most important features to incorporate into your new interior – we also explore what you have in your current interior that we can recycle or reutilise.
Re-use and recycle building materials.
We often start a refurbishment project by stripping out the existing interior. This demolition phase is a good opportunity to see where we can reuse materials. You may wonder why we don’t just throw it away and buy new. Our approach benefits your budget as well as the environment. It really only takes a little extra care, and we can save twice in costs; once when we don’t buy replacement materials, and twice as we don’t have to pay for the extra waste to be taken away.
For example, walls are often double-boarded. As we strip down the walls, we uncover secondary layers of uncut plasterboard. Apart from fixing holes, these are perfectly intact and reusable. There’s no need to smash them up. And, underneath the plasterboard will be layers of insulation that can stay in situ or be reused in other areas.
We like to reuse materials in the building and design. Some of the existing wooden furniture or old timber supports can be recycled into the new design, either as hidden support or even as features. Metalwork can be repurposed where possible, too.
Of course, even with a careful approach to repurposing old materials, there will be waste. We have a policy of always researching and using licensed waste carriers who are committed to recycling and reducing the amount they send to landfill. This means our team are often separating waste as we remove it, rather than using one large skip.
A greener approach to building works.
Another factor in green building is energy efficiency, which accounts for the way in which we work. Working sustainably requires some planning. But then, planning an efficient approach to construction can also be cost-effective.
For example, we have projects around the UK that require our team to travel. We carefully consider whether it is both greener and more efficient to send materials and our team in one larger van, or two smaller vehicles which can, surprisingly, be more cost-effective.
There are other ways we can reduce our impact on the environment in the short term as well. We use local labour where we can. We are conscious of our energy use on the job, from simple things like considering the necessity of turning heating or air conditioning on to more varied ways such as planning the work order efficiently to reduce the back and forth of plumbers and electricians. And, we always use dust extractors to reduce the impact of building dust in the air – better for the environment and kinder to the neighbours as well.
A supply line of responsible, sustainable suppliers.
Finally, we source materials from suppliers with a sustainability policy. This may mean that we use FSC-certified timber, or we use odourless products, water based or solvent-free sprays that are better for the environment and the workforce, and safer to dispose of.
What does sustainable building mean for you?
Like us, you probably want to create a more sustainable business. It’s a big part of your Corporate Social Responsibility. So, it makes sense to start from the insulation up.
A sustainable shop fit-out is a great selling point for your customers as well, as consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious. Using recycled materials in your design will be more environmentally friendly as well. There is a huge range of walls and floor coverings, furniture and fittings that can be found, all made from recycled metals and plastics. These can be both green and designer at the same time.
In fact, sustainable design is becoming more of a necessity than a trend. Considering a greener fit out isn’t just a good thing to do, it really should be part of your business plan. If you’re wondering where to start or need some ideas in how to maximise your green footprint, give us a call. At SKK Interiors, we are sustainably conscious at every stage of your refurbishment.