We caught up with Jackie Summerfield, Founder at Show Business Interiors, to see how our design partners incorporate sustainable practices into their business and the show homes they design for Story Homes.
Sustainability is super important to us here at SBI and is one of our top priorities. We have altered many functions to make us more sustainable, such as changing the Sales Team’s cars to hybrid, and changing our presentations to digital rather than on boards.
One of our biggest changes has been in the warehouse. We have recycled cardboard waste for many years; however, we now have new cardboard, clear plastic, and polystyrene balers, meaning we can efficiently separate and process materials, making us significantly more sustainable.
We often look for sustainable alternatives when designing show homes, turning to recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and we now go through extensive research when partnering with suppliers to ensure they demonstrate sustainable methods. An example of this is the Cranford show home we designed at Brigsteer Rise, Kendal…
We ensured that all divans used in this home were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), as well as featuring some of our bespoke in-house joinery.
Our workshop consciously strives to reuse and recycle so that minimal product goes to waste, as well as ensuring all material used is FSC certified.
Dulux paint is used in various ways around this home, and it was chosen due to their minimal amount of VOC (volatile organic compounds). This means the paint produces less emission and has less odour, so not only is your air is cleaner whilst you decorate, but this also makes the planet cleaner too.
We made a conscious effort to use suppliers that have sustainable commitments, one of which has extreme contribution to the Eden Reforestation Project; for every order made through this supplier, they ensure 10 trees are planted in Madagascar (where the Eden Reforestation Project is based). They have now planted over 900,000 trees and have helped pull people out of poverty (due to them being employed) to ensure these promises are met.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in many products. PFAS-free Romo wallpaper is used in the lounge of this home, meaning no harsh chemicals from the PFAS group are used.
