Includes bibliographical references (p. 180-181) and index.

1. Context : Introduction -- The problem : Climate change ; Step by step: Climate change ; Diminishing resources and biodiversity ; Waste ; Allergies and stress ; Water scarcity ; Population growth ; The construction industry -- Sustainability and the role of interior designers : Step by step: Design impact -- History forgotten : Traditional buildings ; Modernist design -- Relearning -- Disregarding preconceptions -- 2. A sustainable approach : Introduction -- Embracing compromise : The unsustainable nature of construction ; The scale of the problem ; Knowing where to begin ; Approaching compromise -- Considering consequences -- Asking the right questions : What is the purpose of the project? ; How long will the interior be required? ; What energy and water systems are appropriate? ; What materials are appropriate? ; What construction methods are appropriate? ; How will the space function? ; What will happen to it when it is no longer useful? -- Assessment : Case study: LEED assessment ; LEED ; BREEAM ; Ska rating ; NABERS ; Green Star Australia ; BEAM ; CASBEE ; DGNB ; Case study: Green Star assessment ; Step by step: Assessment process -- 3. Key issues to understand : Introducing the key issues -- Energy : Impacts of energy use ; Approaching low-energy design ; Step by step: Low-energy design ; Passive design ; Energy efficiency ; Renewable energy systems ; Energy assessment ; Case study: Low-energy design -- Water : Impacts of water use ; Approaching water-conserving design ; Step by step: Water-conserving design ; Passive design ; Water efficiency ; Water reuse and recycling ; Flood protection ; Water assessment -- Materials : Impacts of materials ; Step by step: Ceramic tile life cycle ; Step by step: Carpet life cycle ; Approaching sustainable specification ; Step by step: Sustainable materials specification ; Specification checklist ; Reduce ; Reuse ; Recycle ; Renewables ; Case study: Choosing materials ; Materials assessment ; Choosing materials ; Base materials ; Flooring ; Finishes ; Fabrics ; Furniture ; Further information -- Construction methods : Impacts of construction methods ; Approaching sustainable construction ; Reduce ; Reuse ; Recycle ; Furniture construction ; Case study: Sustainable construction ; Step by step: Flat-pack furniture -- Putting sustainability into practice : Introducing the projects -- Temporary projects : Case study: Nothing advertising agency ; Case study: Yeshop boutique -- Flexible projects : Case study: The Elgar Room ; Case study: Howies store -- Long-term projects : Case study: Design Council headquarters ; Case study: Renctas store -- Conclusion -- Glossary.

The environmental impact of interior architecture and design practice is immense. This book highlights the need for designers to adapt the way they work and relearn lessons that have been lost.