A multi-beneficial catalyst to help achieve a net-zero world by 2050.

Science has proven the climate emergency, the public at large is now savvier about it and younger generations are increasingly more anxious, in fact McKinsey reports[1] that two thirds of customers in the UK and Germany say it is more important than ever to address it. Yet how? The hardest challenge is to make accessible to all, from B2B to end users, a suite of impactful climate change solutions that can empower behavioral shifts at the scale and speed needed to reach a net-zero future by 2050.

Since 2003 we have known that about 40% of global emissions’ come from buildings, yet a data point less cited is that emissions from interior design and fixtures count approximately for about 7-9% of the total emissions[2]. Retailers tend to replace fixtures every 9 to 10 years, thus the frequency of the renewals and replacements magnifies the scale of impact for this sector, but it also creates the potential to make such impact a climate-neutral or even positive one. The dc Retail Design Guide fulfills this need for manufacturers, architects and interior designers focused on retail inter fixtures but it is also applicable to interiors for other commercial properties.

The Guide addresses the critical and often neglected link in the value chain of the entire built environment, a professional category uniquely positioned to influence our daily life, as store customers and employees but also as airport travelers or hotel guests. Compiled by international industry experts, the Guide offers circular design guidance through ten key design stages, and by following the guide designers qualify for independent, quality and sustainability certification. A certification that ensures compliance to developing sustainability legislation, GHG Carbon assessment and ISO standards.

Finally, studies done by the World Green Building Council with leading academia[3] show that interiors with sustainable fixtures improve indoor air quality, overall health and productivity.  In essence, this Guide offers a multi-benefit tool that finally fills a gap in the global green transition, empowers retailers to step up their leadership and addresses not just regulatory requirements but also customers’ requests.  Perhaps it will earn their enhanced appreciation too. The Planet certainly will.[4]

Cristiana Fragola
Strategic Advisor, Sustainability & Leadership

[1] https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/nef-spotlight-the-path-forward-for-retails-sustainable-future

[2] https://www.metropolismag.com/interiors/interior-designers-climate-carbon/

[3] https://www.worldgbc.org/news-media/doing-right-planet-and-people-business-case-health-and-wellbeing-green-building