ECO-FRIENDLY & SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

1. Implement a smart-home air quality monitoring system that tests for the Temperature, Humidity, C02, VOC’s and Particulates
2. Install a smoke detector near the sleeping areas
3.  Test for safe levels of formaldehyde and VOC’s on-site before move-in

1. Interior Paints and Coatings
2. Interior Adhesives and Sealants
3. Urea-Formaldehyde Restriction
4. Insulation and waterproofing
5. Plastics limitation and storage placement relative to heat and windows

1. Isolate indoor areas with high operational humidity requirements such as laundry drying, towel drying, fish tanks, and showering
2. Prioritize outdoor drying with easy access and user-friendly racks
3. Implement increased exhaust and dehumidification equipment in high humidity wet areas
4. Specify Air Conditioning with enhanced humidity control for both summer and winter
5. Implement heat bars in wardrobes and drying equipment
6. Implement Ultraviolet Air Treatment in duct type air conditioning system

1. When using split type air conditioning: Install an outdoor air supply system with a heat exchanger to control humidity and temperature
2. When using duct type air conditioning: Exceed outdoor air supply rates described in ASHRAE 62.1-2010 by 30%

1. Kitchen range hood fitted to room size together with additional exhaust fan
2. Thermo Ventilator in each bathroom
3. Dedicated exhaust for gas water heaters and gas appliances
4. Dedicated Thermo Ventilator for the utility room with laundry dryer and or cleaning supplies storage
5. Dedicated exhaust for garage

1. Each room to have individual temperature control ability
2. Air Conditioner louvers, supply, and return distances to follow equipment specifications
3. Option: install smart AI aided temperature regulator that adjusts to comfort levels

1. Cross ventilation window design
2. Install ceiling fans in all height appropriate areas according to room sizes

1. Internal air purification by HEPA air purifier that filters 99.97% of airborne particulates such as viruses and bacteria
2. Air purification of Outdoor Air Supply in areas of high pollution zones and high pollen prone areas. Filtration by HEPA air purifier that filters 99.97% of airborne particulates such as viruses and bacteria

1. Dust reducing, healthy home interior design near sleeping areas
2. Material selection to reduce dust retention
3. User-friendly access panels and louvers operability for cleaning and maintenance

1. Incorporate an air quality monitor in each bedroom and workplace and one per main living area to monitor temperature, humidity, VOC’s, CO2, and particulates for real-time monitoring
2. Synchronize data to a central control system that stores data for three months
3. After completion of the sustainable interior design process, test air quality on-site and assure safe levels as per the WELL Building Standard V2 before use

1. Seal Ducts during construction, clean ducts before installing louvers and diffusers
2. When ventilation equipment is utilized during constriction, then all filters and ducts are cleaned before occupancy
3. Absorptive materials are plastic wrapped and stored in a designated area to avoid contamination
4. Dust mats to be installed at entryways at maximum width and 1.5 m distance from the door
5. Sawdust collectors to be installed on-site before starting construction
6. Air flush is conducted on site till air quality levels are within safe levels before occupancy. Refer to the WELL Building Standard V2

1. Certified Organic by third parties such as: GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard. Mattresses with this certification must use at least 95% certified organic fibers for all fabric used. GOLS – This stands for Global Organic Latex Standard and is the first third-party standard for organic latex. It specifies that the latex used must be at least 95% organic latex GREENGUARD – An independent certification that requires environmental chamber tests for over 360 chemicals. This certification specifies that a mattress is low in VOCs, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals and that it is safe for children and the elderly
2. Minimum 95% Organic Cotton/Wool or Latex
3. Use a Hypoallergenic mattress cover that can be removed and washed to ensure the longevity of your mattress
4. Use a mattress topper made from a natural option such as wool, natural latex, or ethically harvested down is the ideal as they allow the mattress and your body to breathe and regulate your temperature much better than a synthetic alternative

1. Select synthetic or natural-filled pillows or duvets that can be washed at 60°C and above. (100% Silk, cashmere, camelhair and pure goose down cannot be washed at 60°C. Dry-cleaning is an unsuitable process for anyone sensitive to chemicals)
2. Wash pillows and duvets once every three months in 60°C
3. Use a certified Anti-allergy pillow or duvet with Healthguard™, Downafresh® , NOMITE®, FeatherFresh

1. Include a relaxation lighting setting throughout the home with a priority for the areas used to get ready for sleeping. In our healthy home interior design projects, this can include but is not limited to the bedrooms, adjoining wardrobe areas, bathrooms, and connecting corridors. The relaxation color temperature is to emulate a sunset setting with 2700K and dimmable settings from 100-300k and no glaring light sources
2. Include a night light setting that has a light source with a very dim candlelight color temperature of 2200k with 25 LUX facing towards the floor. This setting can be used in areas to connect the bedroom, bathrooms, and kitchen
3. Reading lights near the bed are to have a priority for daylight to sunset color temperature lighting and lux settings from 500-800k and colour temperatures of 2700k and 3000k

1. General areas of the bedroom and living areas are to have flexible brightness settings from 100-300 and 500-800 LUX for task areas
2. Include color temperature adjustable lighting in areas of working with a cool color temperature range from 2700k – 5000k and brightness between 400-800 LUX

1. Assess the site to understand if there is excessive light pollution coming from the bedroom windows as well as privacy adjacencies
2. In areas of low light pollution, partial blackout blinds may be sufficient depending on the Client’s sensitivity to light
3. In areas of high light pollution, install 100% Blackout window covering
4. In all cases, a sheer privacy layer is always necessary

1. Install double glazed windows throughout the entire site
2. Install a covered Thermo Ventilator in the bathrooms rather than an open exhaust fan
3. Select air conditioning equipment with the lowest noise options as a preference. 19dBA for Split type AC/s and 35 dBA for Duct type AC’s
4. Cover all outdoor units with low noise specs and add noise control protectors for rain
5. Install sound-absorbing materials in the bedroom
6. Seal all doors with a sound barrier

1. Keep dust collecting features away from the head for sleeping, such as bookshelves and display
2. Use materials near the head that are easy to clean and are less absorptive

1. Relaxation Scene: Lighting at sunset color temperature, sheer closed
2. Sleeping Scene: 100% blackout window covering closed, temperature lowered to the desired comfort level for sleeping, motion sensor night light activated on, controlled by voice command, one minute nature sounds relaxation music
3. Wake up Scene: Controllable setting by voice command, nature sounds to wake up music alarm, blackout window covering opens first, sheer to open second, slow illumination cool dawn lighting synchronization

1. No TV in the bedrooms
2. Phone and device charging station to be located outside of the bedroom or far away from the head as possible
3. Electronic devices and router to have a timer to cut off power during deep sleeping hours
4. Main switch in the sleeping areas to cut off selected power during sleeping hours
5. All equipment such as routers, A/C’s to be offset at least 1.5m from the head of beds
6. Electrical conduits to offset 1.5m from the head and body of sleeping areas
7. Add plugin LAN lines in all areas where laptops will be used

1. Reduce storage requirements by removing unused and unvalued items from personal belongings
2. During the storage planning phase of the eco-friendly interior design process, dedicate areas for all storage needs using an inventory method
3. Plan to organize items in an open face file folder method by using drawers with internal organizers and minimize areas for the box storage method
4. Add sufficient closed storage as per Client’s needs
5. Maximize storage space by adding storage in dropped ceiling areas and under beds

1. Dedicate an area for mindfulness in an area that is comfortable and is easy to keep decluttered and quiet
2. Incorporate items or features in a healthy home and sustainable interior design with meaning to help bring focus and keeping in mind the five senses
3. Incorporate natural and eco-friendly interior design elements into this space

1. Incorporate real plants in each room. In areas with little or no sunlight, consider display for cut plant leaves or artificial plants
2. Incorporate materials and decor that bring a sense of nature into space

1. Incorporate an area or decor item that is dedicated to spirituality and higher meaning
2. Incorporate decor that is dedicated to one’s culture, or is created by an artist with a personal connection to culture

1. Design areas as part of the that allow for change can be evolved, such as display, changeable artwork frames, and accessories

1. Curate artwork and the decor so that they complement each other and don’t compete
2. Select Artwork sizes suitable for the wall area as well as the viewing distance
3. Incorporate lighting where applicable to highlight Artwork while being mindful of circadian lighting scenes

1. Make a list of personal stress reduction strategies and incorporate where necessary. For example, aromatherapy, massage chairs, candles, relaxation music, pets…etc.

1. Incorporate a design feature that is designed for motion and relaxation such as a Hammock, Rocking Chair, or Swing
2. If using a hammock outside, assure there is sufficient shading
3. Add a side table near to this area

1. Use decor that supports a good cause
2. Use certified sustainably sourced materials

1. Meet with all suppliers to understand how to clean and maintain all major equipment and materials
2. List when all items need replacement pieces, cleaning, and servicing
3. List all significant materials specifications for reordering purposes
4. List of all suppliers’ contacts for future maintenance

1. Have a sit and stand option for working
2. Beautify the stairway if applicable
3. Incorporate a children’s indoor play area that encourages movement

1. Incorporate a permanent exercise area that is designed for muscular and cardiovascular exercise
2. Or incorporate a transformable exercise area that is designed for muscular and cardiovascular exercise

1. Incorporate a storage area for muscular exercise equipment
2. Incorporate a suitable storage area for cardiovascular exercise
3. Incorporate storage for an exercise mat

1. Incorporate a TV screen with movement gaming technology
2. Incorporate a place for a laptop for virtual exercise classes
3. Incorporate an external web camera for interactive virtual training with a large screen
4. Incorporate a charging area for movement monitoring devices such as a fit bit

1. Bathroom design for wheelchair accessibility with international barrier-free spatial standards and grab bars
2. Internal lift for wheelchair accessibility between floors
3. All thresholds to be ramped
4. All level changes to be ramped as per international barrier-free standards

1. Incorporate enough space for a stepping stool at the bathrooms
2. Incorporate a child toilet seat cover layer
3. Bathtubs with shower curtains rather than glass doors
4. Toy and book storage that can be easily accessed by children
5. Creative space for children’s writing, drawing, and Artwork hanging

1. Dedicated space for pet feeding and food storage
2. Dedicated area and storage for pet cleaning and grooming
3. Dedicated space for pet playing and toys
4. Dedicated space for pet defecating if necessary with direct exhaust to outside
5. Acoustic consideration for sedentary pet location
6. Material selection of furniture and rugs according to pet scratching ability

1. Install reverse osmosis with remineralizing or activated carbon water filtration system with an NSF certificate at the kitchen and any area for water drinking areas
2. Testing to be done at least three times per year for filter replacement

1. Install a PH Water treatment system for alkaline water drinking, cleaning, disinfecting and skin treatments

1. Install a whole home water filter at the point of water intake to filter all water outlets, including shower and bath water, faucet basin water and kitchen faucet water
2. Whole-home water filter to be NSF certified

1. If a whole home water filter is not installed, add an NSF certified shower filter on all showers

1. All plumbing fixtures and water-consuming devices to achieve Water Efficiency Grade 1 under the HK Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) or equivalent to the local water labeling scheme. Including but not limited to: showers for bathing, water taps, washing machines, urinal equipment, flow controllers and water closets

1. For outdoor areas with gardens, install a rainwater collector barrel with a hose attachment option to harvest rainwater for watering plants

1. Lighting scenes to emulate “morning, daytime, sunset and night light” with dimming. Switches to be independent from the WiFi system

1. Main switches located in a cover near the entrance door to turn off all AC’s and all lighting
2. Intuitive labels to be fixed on each switch button
3. Option to include this in a home automation system

1. Site assessment to determine window requirements for heat reflectance, privacy, and views; sheer layers to be adjusted as necessary
2. Window covering design to allow for maximum daylight transmittance without compromising privacy requirements
3. All bedrooms and spaces open to the bedrooms to have a blackout and sheer window coverings
4. Automatic window covering to be controlled by wall switch near the blind as well as by remote control or app / voice command

1. All windows to be double glazed with LOW-E glass treatment
2. To reduce the heat island effect for roofs, install a vegetated roof for at least 50% of the roof and heat-reflecting materials for the remaining. Insulating foam substrate layer and water-retaining layers required

1. Speakers, TV’s, Projectors and other related equipment and wires to be integrated within the eco-friendly interior design discreetly, and with an option to be hidden, unless the room is solely dedicated to home entertainment

1. Air conditioners to be monitored and controlled by a smartphone or tablet and can be viewed and controlled remotely
2. Air conditioners to connect to a smart home system using voice control and scene design
3. Air conditioner smart controllers can either be built into the air conditioners or added externally and controlled by infra-red connection
4. Ceiling fans can be added to increase air circulation and lower perceived air temperature

1. Integrate charging zones in areas where all wires can be concealed and away from sleeping areas
2. Incorporate universal plugs and a minimum of 4 USB points in all charging zones
3. Incorporate a minimum of one easily accessible USB charging port near every formal and informal working zone

1. All smart home products to be integrated in one central system under one central account and can be accessed by all users
2.  Testing and Commissioning required for all smart systems. T&C Maintenance required at least twice a year

1. Home security and baby monitor system to be wired in
2. Security system to store data for three months
3. Security system to be monitored remotely and have an option to alarm the homeowner in case of emergency

1. All working and learning areas to have access to natural daylight & views

1. Work areas to have visual privacy from public areas
2. Work areas to have acoustic privacy from public areas

1. Each working and learning space to have task lighting with cool white to daylight color temperature options for increased concentration
2. Each working and learning space to have an overhead light with cool white to daylight color temperature options

1. Dedicate hidden storage for all office electrical equipment and related plug-in devices
2. Dedicate hidden storage for all office supplies in drawer type open face storage
3. Dedicate sufficient document storage in the bookshelf depth dimension
4. Incorporate hidden safe for valuables

1. Incorporate book storage in working areas and casual reading areas
2. Incorporate open face low reaching book display for children
3. Incorporate sufficient display areas for personal collections, artwork and temporary display

1. Promote creative visualization and planning with a multi-purpose creation wall, which allows for drawing and magnetic hanging

1. Promote positivity with dedicated motivational Artwork or messaging area for mental focus

1. Incorporate personal productivity strategies in working and learning areas

1. When a workspace is also dedicated for other purposes, limit the storage capacity and functions to avoid overcrowding and non-usability

1. Encourage movement while working

1. Include a steamer for heating food instead of a microwave
2. Oven with Dehydrator function for dehydrating plant-based food

1. Indoor soil-based herbs garden placed at a window with sufficient natural daylight
2. Indoor herbs garden system with full-spectrum LED grow lights
3. Fertilize with organic homemade or certified organic fertilizers

1. Outdoor soil-based edible garden fertilized with organic fertilizers
2. Outdoor edible garden treated with organic pesticides

1. Fresh fruit display at the kitchen or main eating table to encourage eating more fruits

1. Option to conceal TV screens during the eating time to encourage more mindful eating habits
2. Install a relaxing lighting scene for dinner time to encourage a more comfortable atmosphere and social bonding
3. Install a sound system that can be played at good quality at low levels to create a comfortable dining experience

1. Circular plates no larger than 10 inches in diameter, non-circular plates less than 79 sq inches
2. Bowls no larger than 16 oz
3. Cups no larger than 16 oz

1. Install a large comingled or separated storage area for recycling with food recycling separated
2. The size of the recycling storage must be sufficient to for at least three days of recycling
3. Separated recycling to have dividers for plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, tetra packs, electronics, clothes, and an isolated container for food recycling
4. To increase usage of the recycling area, use decorative bins and keeping them in an area that is easily accessible

1. Identify the closest recycling deposit centers in the neighborhood or in the building complex

1. For indoor food waste recycling, options include and are not limited to an electronic indoor food recycler and bokashi system for organic vegetation recycling
2. If outdoor space is available, options include and are not limited to a worm compost system, tumbler or bin type compost

To limit plastic waste purchase refill sachets and fill into reusable dispensers for:

1. Bathrooms: Shampoo, conditioner, body gel, hand soap
2. Bar soap holders for the shower and also for handwashing
3. Kitchen: dishwashing liquid & hand soap
4. Entrance: Hand sanitizing/ disinfectant spray liquid
5. Cleaning: All-purpose cleaner, Window Cleaner, bathroom cleaner

1. In cases where sparkling water is often consumed, add a dispenser to reduce plastic waste

1. Dedicate a space for reusable grocery bags, reusable vegetable bags, and reusable takeaway containers in an easily accessible area
2. Organize pantry storage so that all refillable items are easily accessible with storage for buying in bulk
3. Organize storage for zero waste accessories. These can include and are not limited to: reusable food covers, metal straws, refillable cleaning supplies, cleaning brushes, compost counter container, washable napkins and cleaning cloths… etc

1. Reference guide for local donation centers for: clothes, furniture, toys, appliances and equipment

1. Inspect site before demolition and take inventory of items that can be reused or repurposed in the new construction
2. Inspect the existing residential /commercial space and take inventory of any items that can be reused or repurposed

1. Create an open plan which encourages informal social interaction
2. Arrange furniture in conversational arrangements
3. Allow for features that encourage grounding, comfort & coziness which can include and are not limited to: indoor / outdoor fireplaces (eco-friendly versions as a preference), soft accessories, dinner / party light setting…etc

1. Complete each eco-friendly interior design with a complete every day and occasional eco-friendly place setting that will discourage from using disposable dinnerware
2. Establish a zero plastic policy

1. Provision for healthy food and drink display
2. Bar area to be concealable if in a multi-use space, or to be placed in an area away from the daily eating area

1. Determine suitable furniture arrangements for the game requirements, create flexibility for furniture
2. Determine toys categories and if separate storage areas are required, all to be easily accessible for the appropriate age category
3. Electronic game consoles to be concealable unless in a dedicated room for gaming, none to be located in sleeping areas
4. Preference for games that encourage movement to be stored in prime storage areas

1. Determine the types of display and storage that are required for collections and be selective with the display to avoid overcrowding
2. Determine the hobbies of all possible users and create storage and flexible work space with appropriate lighting, acoustics and electrical provisions where needed

1. Provide a large drawing area or magnetic drawing board for kids at the appropriate level
2. Provide a nook space with sufficient lighting for reading and playing, soft flexible seating as well as a storage for books or toys

1. Determine which holidays will be celebrated and what types of props will be needed for each. Provide appropriate space, mounting points and electrical provisions as necessary
2. Create flexible lighting scenes that can create different party moods with less waste
3. Provide a neutral reusable place setting that can be tailored for different occasions

1. Provide a physical space for internal communication such as a writing board in a space that is often seen by all users

1. Dedicate spaces for family photos
2. Create a space for each user to personalize with their own items
3. Take inventory of sentimental items and provide enough storage for all the categories. Keep categories small and well cataloged

1. Take inventory of all personal luxury categories and determine the types of storage required for safe keeping. Consider quantity, lighting, humidity, temperature, private/for show, electrical requirements, categorization and lock-ability