Düsseldorf, Germany–based start-up Urselmann Interior renovated its own office to demonstrate that tenant improvements can incorporate circular strategies and materials. Material choices included secondhand lighting, Flokk’s Giroflex 313 chairs, and Kvadrat’s Really surface materials made from reclaimed textiles. Photo courtesy Magdalena Gruber

Pre Design Phase

Start During Discovery and Initial Concepts

Share Success Stories

Share project stories where teams have addressed the carbon emissions of interiors:

Share the Results of LCAs

Use LCA calculators to assess past projects. Share this information with stakeholders so they can understand why certain priorities need to be set for the project. 

Conduct a Pre-design Evaluation

Study the existing space or any assets to create an inventory of elements that can be maintained or adapted (such as furniture, HVAC, and lighting systems), and identify reusable spaces. Share decisions about what stays with contractors and the client’s facilities team. 

Do a Salvage Walk Through

Find a local architectural salvage facility to partner on a walk through and identify existing materials and elements for salvage.

Do a Reuse Assessment

After you’ve identified reusable elements, ask these questions: 

  • What can we reuse in place? 
  • Can the client reuse these materials in other facilities? 
  • Is the client able to warehouse these materials for future use? 
  • Does the client already have items that are warehoused?

If you have feedback on the Climate Toolkit for Interior Design, write to: [email protected]