131 The barriers to sustainability could be greatly reduced if a standard method of calculating CO2 emissions for all products and materials were adopted. Proponents of such a method argue that it would make sustainability more transparent and generate a more accurate understanding of how to lower the CO2 footprint in manufacturing, construction and design. This would reduce the number of self-certification schemes that have sprung up in recent years, in some cases allowing major players in industry to perpetuate unverifiable sustainability narratives about their products and services. If sustainability criteria are designed in at the start, costs can be balanced by making smart choices as early as the concept stage. This requires an understanding of the expected lifespan of a space before ordering a redesign. In addition, any new green elements will not pay back the investment if they do not work for the client, who is likely to remove them too soon to get any sustainability benefit from their presence on the ship. Shipowners often choose cheaper products due to limited initial budgets but this does not take into account the costs over a ten-year period, for example. More research could be conducted by specifiers to ensure the longevity of products and reassure owners that they are low-maintenance. In other words, more ‘big picture’ thinking is required at all levels, which will involve the integration of many different departments as well as the shipyard where the work is being carried out. It could include making information available on take-back, replacement and repair schemes that make it easier to retain interiors rather than replace them. What is certain is that removing the barriers to sustainability will be a long-term project that requires multi- and interdisciplinary cooperation and research to resolve. Other needs include streamlining and simplification of certification processes and inclusion of smaller suppliers by making it feasible for them to attain relevant certification. To make further progress, it is crucial that owners commit to making the necessary investments in sustainable interiors. Architects, designers, outfitters, builders and suppliers must be willing to expand their knowledge of the products and materials that meet with the relevant regulations to enable greener interiors to become the norm on passenger ships. Newbuild sustainability roadmap New ships must be optimised with green technologies and design, otherwise the cruise industry will continue facing sustainability challenges long into the future. Collectively, clients, shipyards and suppliers should work together to set new standards within the processes of a newbuild project. And where designers and owners agree on the importance of sustainability, this will become a key point of discussions and a requirement of any project. – “Due to the lack of a sustainability index for materials, no incentive exists to pursue a more sustainable interior. A ship owner can’t promote how environmentally friendly their latest cruise ship or renovation is”
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