British architecture firm develops sustainable materials database for interior fit-outs

The database is meant to be accessible to all and allow the whole construction supply chain to collectively tackle the climate challenges ahead

Spotted: London-based architecture and design firm Perkins&Will is working on creating a searchable directory of sustainable and circular products, to help minimise the carbon footprint of its interior design projects.

Perkins&Will recently pledged to make all of its interior fit-outs of buildings net-zero embodied carbon by 2030. The pledge will also ensure all of the processes involved in making their interior spaces occupiable are fully circular by 2025, meaning that the materials are continually reused as part of a circular economy. 

The directory, which is called Now Database, will allow the firm to specify products in support of that. Whilst the database is currently only available to use by Perkins&Wills, the aim is that it becomes a go-to tool for other industry professionals working on interior fit-outs and refurbishments.

Adam Strudwick of Perkins&Will says that “Rather than thinking of buildings or interiors as the end product, we have to think about every building as a kind of DIY store for the next project and the next project and the next project”.

The database features products and materials from a number of suppliers and will be open for others to input their products. Each material in the directory also has a unique performance score given by the firm’s in-house sustainability team, which considers factors such as carbon footprint and potential for reuse after service life.

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