133 Many changes need to take place across the entire chain as a result of the shift in mindset towards sustainability. For example, the way that ships are constructed currently makes it difficult to thoroughly reuse or recycle old interiors. One way of reversing this trend is for the designer, owner and yard to collaborate on a sustainability report for each interior. Shipowners and shipyards can specify clear sustainability targets in their newbuilding projects and rank their full supply chain in this regard. The report could cover product lifespans, spare parts, cleaning instructions, deconstruction plans, waste planning and much more. Above all, sustainable design should be the framework for all interior projects, not a niche topic that is an afterthought or a box to tick. Newbuilds offer the perfect opportunity to include sustainable design from the outset and ensure durability and waste minimisation for the future. Although sustainable and recyclable materials may be more expensive to manufacture and supply and have a longer lead time as stock is not always held, as awareness of their value grows among owners, operators, designers, contractors and shipyards, this should lead to reductions in overall costs and better availability over time. New regulations from legislators and support from governments will help in this process, as will the development of a common standard that yards and operators can adhere to, with a higher degree of transparency. And, because focusing only on ROI will not reveal the full spectrum of benefits of sustainability, shifting the focus to life-cycle costs and granting sustainability the same level of importance as cost and timeline will help justify greener choices. Towards more sustainable refurbishment projects Interior refurbishment projects involve multiple points of risk when it comes to avoiding unsustainable processes and outcomes. From the outset of any project, it is important for all teams involved to have an understanding of what is planned for the interior and its life cycle. Questions that need to be answered include: if products are being replaced or specified, where they will go after strip-out? And can they be reused, recycled or repurposed? By addressing the three key aspects of design, materials and installation, it is possible to ensure that a refurbished interior is designed and built to last. Development of renewable products, opting for renewable materials, retrofitting vessels with new green appliances, and reviewing emissions levels of ships are among the strategies that can be used to reduce environmental impacts. The impacts of refurbishment over the lifetime of a ship can be drastically reduced by installing modular products or making it easier to repair individual components rather than replace the whole product. By combining prefabrication and preassembly with a focus on reduced waste, it is possible to speeding up refit times and reduce energy use. There are also economic benefits to the resulting streamlined processes. – “Designers and owners must recognise the importance of sustainability and partner in making this a key point and even a requirement of the project”
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