The NKBA | KBIS chapter celebrated the environment and discussed sustainability in design.
By Elisa Fernández-Arias
Last week, the NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter hosted its “Go Green for Spring – Sustainable Sourcing for K&B Projects” event as its April chapter meeting. The event featured speaker Megan Thompson of greenList by Spark Interiors, a company that connects designers with sustainable manufacturers, who shared her passion for green design and educated the audience on many facts and tips about emissions, waste and sourcing.
Thompson shared statistics during her greenList presentation with chapter members, including that 39% of world emissions are generated by the construction industry, and that 9,000,000 tons of furniture are thrown away into landfills every year. Thompson also said that designers are at the forefront of sustainability — and that together, they can make a difference guiding industry manufacturers and clients to be more eco-friendly.
The chapter asked attending members to share what sustainability means to them by writing their comments on index cards. Students, vendor reps, designers, general contractors and installers submitted replies, including the following:
“Using materials created from recycled materials, with manufacturing processes that don’t negatively impact the neighboring community or workers, that are not shipped across the country and are recyclable.”
“Building to intentionally reduce the carbon footprint, while using materials that are safe for the installer and end user. Reducing the carbon footprint from manufacturing to product end of life.”
“The practice of intentionally seeking products, materials and finishes that are user friendly and environmentally friendly.”
The day after the event, Gloria Clark, NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter President, said, “I am honored to have passionate leaders in California bringing more sustainability and new construction policies to light.”
