Green Design/Architecture

Business owners who provide professional personal services on various levels, be it to promote personal health or spiritual well being, or beauty therapy are more & more coming to realize the impact their industries have on the environment. They are considering the impact of the high use of energy and water and at the same time the production of toxic waste into the air and water table. More business owners are keen to start using eco-friendly methods and strategies leading to greater sustainability.  Consumers are becoming more selective in their choice of practitioner whilst trying to reduce their own environmental footprint.

Business owners can become eco friendly from the ground up by using a green design/architecture approach to their buildings or build outs, by sourcing green products and technologies and seeking advice from experts in those fields.

Green design/architecture is an approach to building which minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. The designer attempts to safeguard air, water and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices, they also try to incorporate as many eco-friendly internal features as possible including but not limited to;

- ventilation designed for efficient heating/cooling

- energy efficient lighting and appliances

- water saving plumbing fixtures

- non-synthetic, non-toxic materials

- locally sourced wood and stone

- responsibly harvested wood

- efficient use of space

- adaptive re-use of older buildings

- architectural salvage re-use

- landscaping to maximize solar energy.

The highest goal of green design/architecture is to be fully sustainable.

Salon, spa and alternative practitioners can become more eco-friendly in a number of other areas too, here are some suggestions;

- the use of locally sourced products

- biodegradable or re-useable packaging

- using sustainable equipment – like bamboo brushes and combs

- water free manicures/pedicures

- the use of natural ingredients like essential oils and plant extracts – reducing exposure to harmful

  chemicals.

- installing air filtration systems to protect clients and staff from fumes

- using furnishings that minimize VOCs

- printing brochures and promotional material on re-cycled paper with eco-friendly ink