The 3 pillars of sustainability and how they to relate to design

This informal CPD article, ‘The 3 pillars of sustainability and how they to relate to design’ was provided by Grigoriou Interiors, who take a holistic view of sustainability, designing interiors that unlock social and environmental value and make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives.

People often use the words ‘sustainability' and 'wellbeing' as if they were separate concepts. But in truth, wellbeing is part of sustainability. It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s fundamental to a sustainable outcome.

As interior designers, understanding this relationship is essential—not only for personal growth, but also for the integrity and longevity of the spaces we create.

Sustainability isn’t a trend – It’s a Balanced Outcome

Sustainability isn’t something you add at the end of a project. It’s a way of describing an outcome. If what we’re designing today can continue to deliver value, quality, and purpose for current and future generations, then we’re creating something sustainable.

But we can only achieve this if we consider all three pillars of sustainability:

  1. Environmental Sustainability - Caring for the planet and its resources.
  2. Social Sustainability - Supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
  3. Economic Sustainability - Ensuring financial and value viability.

Only by considering all three can we truly design in a sustainable way and give clients great value.

How do the Three Pillars relate to sustainable design?

1. Environmental Sustainability

As designers, we make daily decisions that impact the environment—materials, energy, pollution, water, waste etc.

For example:

  • Choosing low-VOC paints reduces air pollution and improves indoor air quality.
  • Designing with natural light in mind lowers energy use while supporting human health.

But if we focus only on comfort or aesthetics and ignore the environmental impact, we’re solving the wrong problem.  As the philosopher Henry David Thoreau famously said: “What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” 1

2. Social Sustainability (Wellbeing)

Wellbeing is not a luxury. If people aren’t well, no system can sustain itself.

Interior design has a powerful role to play:

  • We shape spaces that influence mental, emotional, and physical health.
  • We create environments that support social connection.
  • We contribute to inclusive, accessible spaces for all.

But social wellbeing can’t stand alone. A healthy space that causes environmental damage, or that’s unaffordable to maintain, is ultimately unsustainable.

3. Economic Sustainability

Sustainability includes finances and the measure of value. A design that is too costly to build, use or maintain will not last. Neither will one whose value return stops delivering at some point.

  • Cheap materials that wear out quickly will need replacing, increasing waste and cost.
  • Poor functionality leads to changes, retrofits and user dissatisfaction.

We must design responsibly - balancing cost-effectiveness with longevity, quality and ethical considerations.

A design that understands the value it brings to occupants and owners, provides value which meets their needs and increases productivity of all who use it.

Every decision you make as a designer should be viewed through a triple lens:

  • Is it beneficial for people?
  • Is it kind and fair to the planet?
  • Is it economically responsible and brings future-focused value?

When you make a habit of asking these questions, sustainability becomes embedded in your creative process—not a checklist, but a mindset.

We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Grigoriou Interiors, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.

Reference:

  1. Henry David Thoreau - Cape Cod: "What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"