Understanding the Sliding Scale of Sustainability in Everyday Choices

The Sliding Scale of Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s become a real and essential part of design and architecture. Trying to navigate it all can feel overwhelming at times, there’s so much information out there, and it’s easy to feel like you’re either doing everything perfectly

or not doing enough. That’s where I like to think about the idea of a sliding scale of sustainability or piggy bank. It’s a reminder that every choice we make has an impact — some more significant than others — and that even small, thoughtful decisions can push us toward a more sustainable future. Sometime we top up some times we take out, but either way there's no fixed route, just a series of ideas to implement.

Sustainability isn’t black and white; it exists on a spectrum. I can feel the eyes rolling as I say that. On one end, you’ve got highly sustainable options — like recycled aluminium, which uses around 95% less energy than producing new aluminium. On the other, there are materials such as PVC, which can create toxic waste and long-term environmental issues.

The key is to look at each choice critically. For example, if you’re choosing flooring, cork is a brilliant sustainable option because it regenerates quickly and is biodegradable. On the other hand, a cheaper laminate might look good initially but could have a much heavier environmental cost over its lifecycle.

Making Informed Choices

As designers, every choice we make matters. The materials we use, the suppliers we work with, and the way we approach each project all play a part in how sustainable our work truly is.

By knowing where materials come from, how they’re made, and what happens to them at the end of their life, are all the unknowns we now know and should have needed to know long before now. Take bamboo, for example. When sourced responsibly, it’s an excellent alternative to hardwood because of how quickly it grows. But if it’s harvested irresponsibly, it can be just as damaging as the materials we’re trying to avoid.

Sustainability isn’t always about the cheapest or the most “eco” option on paper — it’s about balancing ideas, mindset and applying long-term thinking, not convenience consumer spending or throw away mentality.

Innovation is driving sustainability forward faster than ever. New materials and technologies are constantly reshaping what’s possible.

One great example is aerogel — often called “frozen smoke.” It’s incredibly lightweight and offers up to 50% better insulation than standard materials. That means buildings using aerogel can cut energy use dramatically. Keeping an eye on these kinds of developments helps us make better choices, both for our projects and for the planet.

Balancing Beauty and Responsibility

One of the most rewarding challenges in design is finding that sweet spot between beauty and responsibility. Sustainable doesn’t mean boring or limited — far from it.

Think of recycled glass countertops — they’re striking, unique, and they help reduce waste. Or eco-friendly textiles that not only look and feel luxurious but are responsibly sourced. When clients see that sustainability and style can work hand in hand, it often changes how they view design altogether.

Bringing Clients on the Journey

Clients don’t always understand what “sustainable design” really means, and that’s okay. We are all learning and developing, making collaboration is essential!

When you explain the benefits — from improved air quality to lower energy bills — people start to see the value. For example, homes with energy-efficient HVAC systems can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. That kind of difference gets attention, and it’s a great way to show that sustainability isn’t just about being green; it’s also about being smart.

Sustainability doesn’t stop with individual projects — it’s a community effort. Getting involved locally can make a real difference. Whether it’s joining clean-up events, running a design workshop, or simply sharing what you’ve learned, it all adds up.

When people see the practical side of sustainability in their own community, it creates momentum. Small changes, shared knowledge, and a bit of teamwork can lead to a big shift in mindset.

Keep Learning, Keep Adapting

Sustainability is constantly evolving. What’s considered “best practice” today might be outdated tomorrow, so staying open to new ideas is essential.

Take time to learn — online courses, seminars, even casual conversations with other professionals. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll be in making informed decisions that actually move things forward.

Understanding the sliding scale of sustainability is about seeing the bigger picture. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being aware, intentional, and adaptable. Every step, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Whether it’s choosing better materials, involving clients, or building a more conscious community, each choice moves us closer to a sustainable future.

And just like with AI — it’s not the tool itself that defines the outcome, but how we use it.

However you approach it, sustainability should enhance your work, well being and daily lives, unnoticeably.