🧱 Sustainable Interior Design: Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices

🧱 Course Title: Sustainable Interior Design: Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices
Code: 6001-DE
Duration: 6 Weeks

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🔰 Introduction

This course is designed to equip interior designers, architects, and sustainability enthusiasts with a solid foundation in sustainable interior design practices. By focusing on eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and cultural sensitivity, participants will learn to create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible.

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📘 Course Description

Sustainable interior design is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. This course explores how to reduce environmental impact through smart design strategies, material selection, and compliance with international sustainability standards. Participants will analyze real-world case studies, evaluate different types of sustainable materials, and complete a practical project integrating all the learned principles.

Through a project-based and learner-centered approach, the course blends theory with hands-on design experience, encouraging participants to create environmentally and socially conscious interior environments.

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🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Understand and apply the core principles of sustainable design.

2. Identify and source sustainable, recyclable, and renewable materials.

3. Incorporate energy-saving solutions into design layouts.

4. Align projects with international standards such as LEED and WELL.

5. Consider social and cultural dimensions in sustainable design.

6. Design and present a fully integrated sustainable interior project.

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Understanding: 

• Gain proficiency in sustainable material selection.

• Create efficient and healthy interior spaces using energy-saving strategies.

• Understand the requirements of LEED, WELL, and other certifications.

• Develop and present a full-scale sustainable interior design concept.

• Build a portfolio-ready project that demonstrates their skills and environmental values.

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🧱 Course Modules – Weekly Breakdown

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📅 Week 1: Introduction to Sustainable Interior Design

• What is sustainability in the context of interiors?

• The environmental impact of interior spaces

• Core principles: efficiency, durability, life-cycle thinking

• Integrating sustainability into the design process

• Examples of successful sustainable interiors

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📅 Week 2: Sustainable Materials & Resource Selection

• Types of sustainable materials: rapidly renewable, salvaged, biodegradable

• Bamboo, cork, recycled glass, FSC-certified wood

• Evaluating material certifications (e.g., GreenGuard, Cradle to Cradle)

• Case study: comparing conventional vs. sustainable materials

• Practical: sustainable materials research log

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📅 Week 3: Energy Efficiency in Interior Environments

• Passive design strategies: orientation, ventilation, insulation

• Lighting design: maximizing daylighting and LEDs

• Energy-efficient HVAC systems and controls

• Smart technologies in sustainable interiors

• Tool: Energy use audit and improvement checklist

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📅 Week 4: Green Certifications and Environmental Standards

• Overview of LEED, WELL, BREEAM certifications

• Design guidelines for healthy and efficient interiors

• Required documentation and credit categories

• Incorporating certification into design planning

• Assignment: mock certification checklist for a sample project

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📅 Week 5: Social, Cultural, and Ethical Dimensions

• Local sourcing and craftsmanship: reducing embodied carbon

• Designing for accessibility and inclusivity

• Cultural sensitivity in design aesthetics

• How sustainable design supports communities

• Workshop: designing with community values in mind

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📅 Week 6: Capstone Project – Sustainable Design Proposal

• Final Project: Create a full interior design proposal applying all sustainability principles

• Sections: concept board, material selection, lighting and energy strategy, floor plan, LEED points outline

• Presentation: verbal walkthrough + digital board

• Peer and instructor critique and feedback

• Course wrap-up and portfolio guidance

• 🎓 Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Apply Sustainable Design Principles

  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the core principles of sustainable interior design including resource efficiency, durability, recyclability, and lifecycle thinking.

  • Integrate sustainability into all phases of the design process—from concept to execution.

  2. Identify and Select Eco-Friendly Materials

  • Evaluate and compare materials based on environmental impact, renewability, embodied energy, and certifications (e.g., FSC, GreenGuard, Cradle to Cradle).

  • Justify material choices for various interior components such as flooring, finishes, and furnishings based on performance and sustainability criteria.

  3. Enhance Energy Efficiency in Interior Environments

  • Design interiors with passive energy strategies such as natural lighting and cross-ventilation.

  • Integrate energy-saving systems (e.g., LED lighting, efficient HVAC) into interior layouts to reduce operational carbon footprint.

  4. Align Designs with Global Sustainability Standards

  • Interpret and apply relevant green building standards such as LEED, WELL, and BREEAM in interior design projects.

  • Prepare basic documentation and strategies to meet certification requirements.

  5. Address Social and Cultural Sustainability

  • Incorporate inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive design elements.

  • Promote local materials, crafts, and labor to support sustainable economies and reduce environmental impact.

  6. Develop and Present a Sustainable Interior Project

  • Complete a capstone project that includes a sustainable material palette, lighting strategy, energy efficiency plan, and LEED-compliant layout.

  • Present the project visually and verbally using professional standards suitable for client or stakeholder presentation.

  7. Build a Sustainability-Focused Design Portfolio

  • Create a compelling design case study demonstrating sustainable strategies.

  • Use this work as part of a professional interior design portfolio or for accreditation support.