6 reasons why designers in Singapore should care about sustainable design 🌏 🌱
By creating products that are eco-friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable, designers in Singapore can contribute to a sustainable future.
Design is a crucial aspect of every business and its product. It can influence many areas of how the business impacts our society, including consumer behavior, brand image, and environmental impact.
As designers, I believe that we have a unique responsibility to make conscious decisions about the products we create and how they impact the environment. With growing concern about climate change, it is more important than ever for designers in Singapore to care about sustainable design, which the design/product community here in Singapore doesn’t talk a lot about. So here I am to start the ball rolling:
Sustainable design refers to the process of creating products that have minimal impact on the environment while promoting social and economic sustainability. It is designing products that are eco-friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.
Singapore is a small but densely populated country that faces several sustainability challenges, such as limited natural resources, lack of access to alternative energy sources, and vulnerability to climate change. With limited resources and land, the country relies heavily on imports for food and energy. The high consumption rate and fast-paced lifestyle of Singaporeans contribute to a high level of waste generated, which poses a significant threat to the environment. Not to mention that Singapore’s one and only landfill on offshore Semakau Island is filling up at an alarming rate.
As designers, we have the power to influence consumer behavior and create solutions to address these challenges.
6 Reasons Why Designers in Singapore Should Care About Sustainable Design 🌏 🌱
1️⃣ Sustainable Design to Improve Resource Efficiency
With its limited land space, Singapore has to rely on imports for many of its resources (e.g. water and food). This dependence on imports leaves the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.
Designers can help Singapore address its challenge of limited natural resources by designing products and buildings that are resource-efficient.
For instance, a sustainable building design could incorporate features such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to reduce the consumption of freshwater. Similarly, a product designed with sustainable principles in mind would consider the materials used, the product’s lifespan, and end-of-life disposal to minimize waste.
By reducing Singapore’s dependence on imports and increasing the country’s self-sufficiency, sustainable design can help create a more resilient and sustainable future for Singapore.
2️⃣ Government Support for Sustainable Design
The Singapore government has recognized the importance of sustainable design and has taken steps to promote it. In the Singapore Green Plan 2030 that the government launched in 2020 outlining its national agenda on sustainable development for the next decade, the plan touches upon initiatives to promote sustainable design and innovation, such as funding for research and development of sustainable technologies and the promotion of sustainable buildings.
As a designer, you can start your own projects by designing products and services that align with Singapore’s sustainable development goals and get access to government grants and funding (e.g. SG Eco Fund).
3️⃣ Growing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products
Consumers in Singapore are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and are looking for sustainable products. A study conducted by Nielsen found that nearly 80% of Singaporeans are willing to pay premium prices for products that contain environmentally friendly or sustainable materials.
As designers, we can tap into this growing market of environmentally conscious consumers by incorporating sustainability into your products. By designing products that are sustainable, we can differentiate ourselves from our competitors and appeal to consumers who are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.
4️⃣ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of being socially responsible, making Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) increasingly relevant for businesses in Singapore. Firms are now aware that they are responsible for more than just generating profits, but they must also contribute to society and the environment, gaining the trust and confidence of consumers and other stakeholders.
Designers who integrate sustainable design principles into their work can assist companies in achieving their CSR objectives and having a positive impact. By creating products and services that are resource-efficient, designers can help companies decrease their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
5️⃣ Sustainable Design Can Save Costs
Sustainable design helps save costs for businesses in the long run. By designing products and buildings that are resource-efficient and durable, businesses can save on energy and maintenance costs. A sustainable building design that incorporates features such as natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs over time. Sustainable design can also help companies avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations.
By incorporating sustainable design principles into their work, designers can help businesses save costs in the long run and comply with environmental regulations.
6️⃣ Sustainable Design Can Create Social Impact
In addition to environmental and economic benefits, sustainable design can also create social impact. By creating products that are socially responsible, designers in Singapore can contribute to the betterment of society.
For example, a designer may choose to use eco-friendly materials that are sourced from socially responsible suppliers. Matter Prints, a clothing brand based in Singapore, produces clothing using sustainable fabrics and supports ethical working conditions for its artisans.
On the other hand, designers can also create products that supports sustainability initiatives. “My Green Space” mobile app is designed to encourage and educate users about gardening and sustainable living, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. It allows users to track their gardening activities, including planting and harvesting. The app provides tips and resources on sustainable living, such as composting, water conservation, and energy-saving practices. Users can also connect with other like-minded individuals in the community through the app’s social features.
These examples show the different ways that designers can incorporate sustainability into design to create social impact in Singapore, by promoting socially responsible practices and sustainable lifestyle through the products we develop.
The Role of Designers in Creating a Sustainable Future
Designers have a crucial role to play in creating a sustainable future for Singapore. Sustainability is essential for designers in Singapore to consider when developing products, services, and environments in order to enhance social responsibility and create a positive impact on society.
By adopting sustainable design practices, designers can also contribute to the country’s sustainability goals, encourage resource conservation, create a competitive advantage for businesses and meet consumer demand.
💻 It is time for designers in Singapore to act as advocates for sustainability, educating their clients and the public on the importance of sustainable design. 🌏 🌱
“Because everyone designs, we are all designers, so it is up to all of us to change the world. However, those of us who are professional designers have an even greater responsibility, for professional designers have the training and the knowledge to have a major impact on the lives of people and therefore on the earth.”
— Don Norman, Design for a Better World
I hope you find this article insightful for you. Consider clapping 👏🏼 to encourage more content like this!
🫱🏼🫲🏽 Let’s be friends!
✔︎ Connect with me on LinkedIn
✔︎ Stay up to date on my work on Claire Pan Design
✔︎ Don’t forget to follow me here on Medium as well for more design-related content
