Course Overview​

This focused online course equips design professionals with essential knowledge and practical tools to create interior spaces that actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit. Each 90-minute class delivers core concepts and actionable strategies for developing carbon-negative interior projects.

 

Course Curriculum 

 

CLASS 1: CARBON FUNDAMENTALS & MATERIALS SELECTION

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Learning Objectives:

• Define carbon-negative interior design and its importance

• Identify the four interior product "hotspots" with highest carbon impact

• Select appropriate carbon-negative materials for interior applications

 

Key Topics:

1. Carbon Fundamentals  

   • Carbon-negative vs. carbon-neutral approaches

   • Interior design's role in climate action

   • The four carbon "hotspots": furniture, flooring, ceiling systems, and walls

   • Case study: Perkins&Will Boston Studio carbon reduction strategies

2. Carbon-Negative Materials  

   • Bio-based materials: Wood, hemp, mycelium, and other carbon-storing options

   • Carbon-capturing manufactured materials: Specialised concrete alternatives

   • Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

   • Material selection framework for carbon negativity

3. Material Selection Exercise  

   • Hands-on practice evaluating carbon impacts of standard vs. carbon-negative alternatives

   • Group discussion of selection criteria

   • Action steps for material specification

 

CLASS 2: CARBON-NEGATIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES & IMPLEMENTATION

 

Learning Objectives:

• Apply carbon-negative design methodology to interior projects

• Develop strategies that minimize material use while maximizing carbon benefits

• Create effective implementation plans for both new and renovation projects

 

Key Topics:

1. Design Methodology  

   • "Build less, reuse more" design philosophy

   • Setting quantifiable carbon targets for projects

   • Carbon budgeting essentials

   • Space planning for reduced material intensity

2. Implementation Strategies 

   • New projects: Planning from carbon-negative first principles

   • Renovation projects: Strategic intervention points for maximum carbon benefit

   • Construction sequencing for carbon benefit

   • Overcoming common implementation challenges

3. Design Exercise 

   • Carbon-negative redesign of a sample interior space

   • Developing material reduction strategies

• • Creating a basic carbon budget

 

CLASS 3: VERIFICATION, ECONOMICS & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

 

Learning Objectives:

• Implement basic carbon accounting for interior projects

• Develop compelling business cases for carbon-negative investments

• Anticipate future trends in carbon-negative interior design

 

Key Topics:

1. Carbon Verification Essentials  

   • Basic carbon calculation methodologies for interiors

   • Documentation requirements for carbon claims

   • Monitoring performance over time

   • Communication strategies for stakeholders

2. Economic Case for Carbon-Negative Design 

   • Cost-benefit analysis framework

   • Long-term value proposition of carbon-negative approaches

   • Incentives and market advantages

   • Case studies of successful business models

3. Future Directions & Integration Exercise  

   • Emerging materials and technologies

   • Regulatory trends and market evolution

   • Developing a carbon-negative strategy for your practice

   • Action planning for implementation

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You are free to watch the videos at your own pace, please make sure to take notes and jot down any comments or questions you might have. Once you have watched all the videos, please get in touch with us in order to schedule a 1-to-1 call with the tutor.

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What do you need to join? 

 

It is recommended that you are familiar with softwares such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Keynote or PowerPoint (any of them will do). In order to be effective, this course needs you to participate in the various activities proposed - but no advanced skills are required. We strongly recommend you to use a laptop, so you can see the slides and also work during the class. 

 

Who can join this course?

 

It is recommended that you are familiar with softwares such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Keynote or PowerPoint (any of them will do). In order to be effective, this course needs you to participate in the various activities proposed - but no advanced skills are required.

 

What do you get from this course?

 

• An understanding of the relationship between psychology and interior design

• Practical principles to be applied to any interior space

• Lighting and colour principles to be applied to any project

• A certificate of participation

• Recording + PDFs of each class.