Sustainable Design Practices

Drexel University researchers developed building materials inspired by elephant and jackrabbit ears that can passively regulate temperature. The concrete contains vascular networks filled with paraffin-based phase-change material that absorbs heat when warm and releases it when cool. Buildings consume nearly 40% of all energy, with half spent on temperature control. The most effective design uses diamond-shaped channel patterns that slow surface heating/cooling to 1-1.25°C per hour while maintaining structural integrity. This biomimetic approach could significantly reduce HVAC energy demands, addressing the 63% of building energy loss through walls, floors, and ceilings.

All insulation looks equal — until 4:00 PM. That’s when the heat stored in conventional, high-carbon insulation starts to leak back indoors. The material's performance cracks under pressure, and you go from feeling comfortable to suffering in your own home. It’s a cycle that makes no sense: we burn fossil fuels to create insulation that heats the planet, only for it to fail during the very heatwaves it helped create. The data from our 35°C (95°F) field test shows the shocking difference: The Feel Test Polystyrene Walls: The interior hit a stuffy 29°C (82°F). Straw Walls: The interior stayed at a cool 24°C (75°F). The Heat Wave Test Synthetics: Surrender their heat after just 6 hours. Bio-Based: Absorb and hold heat for 12+ hours. The heat that gets through is 5 times weaker. The Carbon Test Foam/Fiberglass: EMITS ~200 kg of CO₂ per cubic meter. Straw/Wood Fibre: STORES >200 kg of CO₂ per cubic meter. Stop investing in materials that are a liability to your comfort and the planet. It's time to build with walls that actually work. #PassiveHouse #ClimateAction #HealthyHomes

Energy consumption soars 50% by 2030. A desert school in India stays cool without AC. 400 girls learn what nature already knew. In Jaisalmer's 45°C heat, this oval building defies physics. No cooling systems. No power bills. Just ancient wisdom shaped by New York architects and local artisans. Think about that. Traditional Desert Schools: ↳ AC units running 24/7 ↳ Monthly power bills: ₹200,000+ ↳ Breaks down in sandstorms ↳ Students suffer when grid fails Jaisalmer's Natural Reality: ↳ Zero artificial cooling ↳ Local sandstone insulation ↳ Traditional building techniques ↳ Cool classrooms year-round But here's what stopped me cold: While the world installs more AC units to fight rising heat—accelerating the very problem they solve—these 400 girls study comfortably in nature's own cooling system. Diana Kellogg Architects didn't import solutions. They asked local craftsmen who've built in deserts for centuries. The answer? Jaisalmer sandstone. Thick walls. Strategic curves. Techniques their grandfathers knew. The girls wear Sabyasachi-designed uniforms—elegant blue kurtis with violet trousers—donated free. Because empowerment shouldn't look like charity. What happens when tradition meets innovation: ↳ Construction cost: 70% less than modern schools ↳ Operating cost: Near zero ↳ Local artisans employed: Dozens ↳ Girls educated: 400 and growing The Multiplication Effect: 1 school built = 400 futures changed 10 schools copying = 4,000 girls empowered 100 desert communities adapting = energy crisis avoided At scale = cooling without warming the planet Traditional architecture fights climate. This school works with it. We're installing 10 new AC units every second globally. Meanwhile, a golden oval in the desert proves we already had the answer. Because when energy demand rises 50% by 2030, the solution isn't more power. It's remembering what we forgot. Follow me, Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld for proof that ancient wisdom beats modern waste. ♻️ Share if schools should teach sustainability by being sustainable.

"Felipe, are there other options beyond #SBTi? Why don't I hear about other standards? I've been receiving this question frequently in conversations with my customers, so I thought it would be helpful to share some insights here. When it comes to driving corporate climate action, several initiatives provide frameworks and methodologies. Here’s a comparison of some key players in the field: "The leader" - Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): - A collaboration of institutions aimed at increasing corporate ambition on climate action. - Methodology: Independent assessment of companies’ Scope 1, 2, 3 targets, classified into three categories. - Adoption: ~1,200 companies, including Bayer, thyssenkrupp, Saint-Gobain, and PSA. Transition Pathway Initiative (#TPI): - A global initiative led by asset owners and supported by asset managers. - Methodology: Assessment based on publicly available information and classification into five levels. - Adoption: ~370 companies, such as Tesla, P&G, and Ford. X-Degree Compatibility (#XDC): - A science-based climate metric to quantify a company’s contribution to global warming. - Methodology: Emission and economic data are used to calculate XDC value and emission reduction pathways. - Adoption: >30 companies, including BASF, Adidas, and E.ON. The 1.5°C Business Playbook: - An initiative that brings together technology innovators, scientists, companies, and NGOs. - Methodology: Proposed pathway based on the carbon law, which involves halving carbon emissions every decade. - Adoption: No calculation/categorization of companies. ISO Standard on Climate Action (e.g., ISO 14064-1): - Provides guidelines and standards for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. - Methodology: Focuses on organizational and project-level GHG quantification, reporting, and verification. - Adoption: Widely recognized and adopted globally across various industries for standardized reporting and compliance. ------ Top 3 Key Differences: ------ 1- While SBTi, TPI, and XDC provide specific frameworks for setting and assessing climate targets, the 1.5°C Business Playbook offers a broader pathway approach, and ISO focuses on standardized reporting. 2- Methodology: SBTi and TPI rely on classifications, XDC uses a quantitative metric, the 1.5°C Business Playbook is based on the carbon law, and ISO provides guidelines for GHG quantification and reporting. 3- Adoption: SBTi and TPI have broader adoption among companies, while XDC and the 1.5°C Business Playbook have more specialized use cases. ISO standards are globally recognized and widely adopted across industries. Choosing the right framework depends on your organization's specific needs, whether it's setting science-based targets, aligning with asset managers, quantifying climate impact, following a broad decarbonization pathway, or adhering to standardized reporting. How is your organization navigating these frameworks in its sustainability journey?

Nature-positive design is design decision-making that ensures nature is a key stakeholder throughout the design process and that outcomes are mutually beneficial to humans and more-than-human customers. Moving from human-centric to nature-positive design requires a dramatic course correction, one that some practicing commercial designers are already undertaking. However, the majority still remain unaware of, or neglect the need to do so. This is part of the nature-knowledge deficit, whereby we as modern human-centric beings have abandoned our understanding of the connection to and reliance upon nature. At some point, we must consider the ramifications of continuing with the design-as-usual approach to creating manufactured products and the built environment at the dramatic cost to all of nature. Design that is both economically decoupled and nature-positive requires shifts in value systems from both producers and consumers. This necessitates a transformation of the supply chain to enable the elevation of market actors who actively assess and mitigate impacts, while eliminating those that continue to produce negative externalities and unintended consequences. In this article, I explore the multifacets of the evolving nature-positive movement and present opportunities for moving beyond the dominant approach to design — human-centric — to alternative ways of designing in more life-centric ways. I provide a glossary of key terms, links to different practice modes and tips on how to get started as a nature-positive designer. I welcome your thoughts and additions. #naturepositive #sustainability #regeneration #degrowth #naturepositivedesign #lifecentricdesign #designforplanet #makechange #design #nature

🌿 Learning to Design More Sustainably: Insights from an Eco-Product Expert In the rapidly evolving fashion industry, sustainability is moving from a niche concern to a core component of product design. As an eco-product expert, my mission is to guide and inspire brands towards more environmentally friendly practices, beginning right at the design stage. This commitment to sustainability is crucial because every decision in product design reverberates through the entire lifecycle of an item. 👖 Consider the anatomy of a simple garment, such as a pair of jeans. An attached image vividly breaks down the numerous components involved: from threads, buttons, and rivets to denim, labels, and dyes. Each component is an opportunity for sustainable innovation. 🔩 Take, for instance, the button. Traditionally, jean buttons are a challenge for recycling due to their permanent attachment. By redesigning the button as a screw-on, we not only facilitate easy removal at the end of the garment's life, enhancing recyclability, but also allow the button to be reused on another item, thereby extending its lifecycle and reducing waste. 🌱 Moving to the fabric itself, denim is typically cotton-based, which is water and chemical-intensive. An alternative like hemp can drastically reduce the environmental footprint as it requires significantly less water and fewer chemicals. Incorporating such materials into designs is not just about substituting one for another; it’s about rethinking the system to prioritise ecological balance. ♻️ Consider also the leather-like labels often found on jeans. These are usually made from plastics and are purely decorative. Eliminating these and opting for water-based ink prints directly on the fabric can significantly reduce plastic use and the overall environmental impact. Similarly, shifting from conventional dyes to environmentally kinder options can mitigate pollution and enhance the sustainability of the production process. 🌍 As designers and product specialists, we have the power and responsibility to lead the charge in sustainable design. By analysing and rethinking each component of a product from an eco-design perspective, we can make profound contributions to sustainability. This approach not only helps in reducing the environmental impact but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for responsible and ethical products. 💡 By supporting innovation and challenging traditional manufacturing processes, we can transform how products are designed, produced, and perceived. As an eco-product expert, I am committed to helping brands navigate this transition, ensuring that sustainable practices are at the focus of product design and development. 🤝 Together, let's design a more sustainable future. For more insights and guidance on integrating sustainable practices into your products, feel free to reach out. #sustainablefashion  #ecodesign

In 2025, Biophilic & Regenerative Design has evolved beyond green walls and potted plants. We’re talking: – Rooftop forests that clean the air and cool urban heat islands. – Façades alive with biodiversity, attracting pollinators back into cities. – Algae panels that generate oxygen and absorb CO₂. – Materials that heal the environment rather than just “do less harm.” This shift isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about architecture as an active participant in planetary health. The buildings we create can give back more than they take. My favorite example this year? The Rolex Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale — a stunning fusion of recycled timber, reused glass terrazzo, and colored glass ceilings, proving that beauty and regeneration can coexist. Question for my network: If we can design buildings that actively restore ecosystems, how will that change the way we measure architectural success? I’d love to hear your thoughts and examples from your own projects. #architecturenetwork #architecturedesign

Dear Prime Minister,    Designers turn ideas into action. In the face of challenges, like the climate and ecological crisis, we can harness the skills and creativity of designers to find solutions.    The Design Council stands ready to help you unlock the power of design.    We welcome the new Government’s commitment to the creative industries and climate action. Here are four ways to act in partnership with the design economy to drive the green transition.    First, growth by design.    Design contributes 4.9% of UK GVA and is growing at twice the rate of the economy. To kickstart economic growth and unlock an extra £24billion towards UK GVA in the next 5 years, we call on you to:  ◾ Harness design as an asset in the new industrial strategy.  ◾ Back a 2025 Year of Design and World Design Congress to kickstart a decade of national renewal.  ◾ Create pro-innovation green regulation to shape a market for a regenerative design economy.  ◾ Invest in a network of regional Net Zero Design Innovation Clusters and embed design capabilities in the nationwide R&D.    Second, jobs by design.    You have committed to creating 650,000 green jobs. Design can fill skills shortages and power our industries of the future.  ◾ Upskill 1 million designers for the green transition by 2030 with a transformative intervention package.  ◾ Implement the recommendations of our Blueprint for Renewal to address the decline in D&T GCSE by prioritising design in the curriculum review and recruiting 2,000 new teachers. ◾ Partner with industry to deliver high-impact workplace upskilling. Third, homes by design. Your pledge to create 1.5 million homes must be sustainable and fulfil our legal climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. ◾ Give design leaders clear roles in addressing the challenge of creating 1.5million homes within our carbon budget. ◾ Prioritise reuse and retrofit of existing buildings as a housing solution, and place legal limits on embodied carbon in new buildings. ◾ Ensure use of Design Codes, Local Development Orders and strategic planning. ◾ Upgrade quality commitments by appointing a Design Champion on the New Towns Commission. And forth, net zero by design. To restore the UK’s global climate leadership, we need to redesign everything, as 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. ◾ Create a role for design within the UK’s net zero and industrial strategies, prioritising design for decarbonisation and waste prevention within DESNZ and DEFRA. ◾ Tilt the regulatory playing field so green design isn’t undercut by climate laggards. ◾ Strengthen the civil service design profession and appoint Chief Design Officers to government departments to equip the nation for complex, mission-driven work. As we enter this new era, we hope your government will take action to maximise the design industry's contribution to national renewal. Yours sincerely, Minnie Moll, Chief Executive of the Design Council 📸 Sergeant Tom Robinson

Chinese Landscape Architect Kongjian Yu’s “Sponge cities” approach is saving cities from flooding. Sponge cities use soft green surfaces to slow water down. Sponge cities allows water to spread out and be absorbed by the landscape to hydrate soil and recharge aquifers. The Dutch call it “Room for the river”. Sponge cities approach also seeks capture water and re-use it for drinking and irrigation. This landscape architectural approach is the opposite to engineering solutions that quickly pipe water away down efficient concrete channels and pipes. As we build our cities we convert large areas of natural landscape to highly paved impervious surfaces. Stormwater runs off these surfaces very quickly compared to soft green landscape. All this water ends up in our creek’s and rivers in minutes rather than hours which can lead to flooding. Kongjian Yu rightly points out that haven’t changed the way we design cities for 200 years. When we design our streets with kerb and gutters and efficient concrete storm water pipes, our street trees sit high and dry as water flows past them. We allow perfectly clean water off roofs to flow onto streets and immediately be contaminated with brake dust, heavy metals, oils, dust, cigarette butts and chip packets. We have theoretical software modeling that drives extremely expensive engineered biological deserts euphemistically called “rain gardens”. A sponge cities approach would instead: >> Greatly reduce impervious hard surfaces and replace with green or porous materials. >> Use green roofs to capture and slow water while also reducing urban heat and increasing biodiversity. >> Direct clean roof water to storage lakes to re-use as drinkable water like Wannon Waters “Roof to Tap” scheme. >> Use passive irrigation that waters our street trees first and hydrate the landscape for a cool green city. >> Have porous kerbs that allow through to irrigate verge planting. >> Capture and stores water off streets into 200mm deep wicking beds below lawn areas and sports fields to provide resilient green open space. >> Use porous paving to soak up low flows and provide friction to slow water down. >> Have leaky rock wiers along creeks to create a series of intermittent pools to slow water down and hydrate the landscape. >> Allow trees and shrubs In drainage lines to slow water down and provide habitat and aesthetic value. >> Not use expensive sports fields with highly specialised sandy loam turf underlay as detention basins. >> integrate flood detention basins for the 1% events into the landscape so that 99% of the time they are aesthetic and useful open spaces. As master Yoda would say, “Unlearn you must”. #spongecities #water #climateresilience You can read this NYT gift article without a subscription. https://lnkd.in/gHBiMG76

🌿🔍 How Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Actions Affect the Cost of Capital Climate change mitigation is becoming a pivotal factor in determining the financial health of businesses. A recent study led by Yizhou Wang, Siyu Shen, Jun Xie, Hidemichi Fujii, Alexander Ryota Keeley, and Managi Shunsuke, published earlier in May 2024 in Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, sheds light on a critical aspect of this dynamic: how corporate climate actions influence the cost of capital. Key Findings: - Higher Emissions, Higher Costs: The study, which analysed data from approximately 2,100 Japanese listed companies between 2017 and 2021, reveals a clear correlation between corporate emissions and the cost of capital. Companies with higher carbon intensity face increased costs of equity, debt, and weighted average cost of capital. - Benefits of Transparency: Companies adhering to the FSB Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines and transparently sharing climate-related information benefit from lower overall capital costs. While such disclosure is linked to an increased cost of debt, it concurrently lowers the cost of equity and overall capital, underscoring the financial benefits of transparency and accountability in climate actions. - Commitment vs. Action: Importantly, the study found that mere corporate commitment to climate change, as opposed to tangible climate actions, showed no significant impact on the cost of capital. This highlights the significance of actionable strategies over symbolic commitments. - Industry-Specific Impact: The relationship between climate mitigation actions and the cost of capital was notably stronger in industries where climate change is recognised as a material issue. This suggests that industry context plays a crucial role in how climate actions influence financial outcomes. Strategic Recommendations: - Adopt TCFD Guidelines: Aligning with TCFD recommendations and prioritising actionable climate strategies can lower your company's cost of capital. - Industry Focus: For sectors where climate change is a material issue, such as energy, utilities, and manufacturing, the financial incentives for robust climate actions are even more pronounced. - Move Beyond Commitments: Implementing concrete climate actions rather than just commitments can significantly enhance your financial standing. It's also important to note that as of 2024, the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) has transferred its monitoring responsibilities to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Conclusion: Proactive climate actions and transparent disclosures are not just ethical imperatives but also smart financial strategies. Access the article here: https://lnkd.in/gb-ke9PP What are your thoughts on the impact of climate actions on the cost of capital? Professor John Cole OAM Brendan Mackey John Thwaites Jacqueline Peel