Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Here's how you can foster innovation by embracing unconventional thinking in sustainable design.

Sustainable design is not just about reducing environmental impact; it's about rethinking the way things are made and used. To foster innovation in this field, embracing unconventional thinking is key. Unconventional thinking challenges the status quo, bringing forth new ideas that can lead to breakthroughs in sustainability. By looking at problems from different angles and questioning existing solutions, you can uncover new possibilities for sustainable design that are both effective and innovative. This approach requires an open mind and a willingness to explore the unknown, but the rewards can be substantial in terms of both environmental benefits and creative fulfillment.

1 Embrace Risk

When it comes to sustainable design, taking risks is essential for innovation. Unconventional thinking often means venturing into uncharted territory, which can be daunting. However, by embracing the possibility of failure as a stepping stone to success, you open up a world of opportunities. Risk-taking encourages you to experiment with new materials, technologies, and processes that have the potential to revolutionize sustainable practices. Remember, the most impactful sustainable solutions often come from the most unexpected places.

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2 Question Norms

Challenging conventional wisdom is at the heart of unconventional thinking. In sustainable design, this means questioning the norms that govern current practices. Why are certain materials favored over others? Is there a more efficient way to utilize resources? By asking such questions, you can identify areas ripe for innovation. This critical mindset can lead to the development of alternative methods and materials that not only reduce environmental impact but also offer improved performance and aesthetics.

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Drake Bradshaw

Sustainable Procurement Co-op @ Entegris | Circularity & Waste Diversion | Terra.do Fellow
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A key to finding opportunities for sustainable improvement is to examine the status quo and ID areas of inefficiency. Here are the steps I've taken to ID opportunities for sustainable improvement in the corporate environment: 1. Ask why things are how they are: some business practices may be necessary to maximize the product's performance, but it's likely that some have lower priority and thus can be changed by someone willing to champion the work 2. Ask people in different business functions where they think sustainable improvements should be made: they may run into specific issues on a day-to-day basis but do not have the bandwidth to try to change the root of the issues 3. Lead with empathy: positive collaboration is key for change

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3 Diverse Inputs

Diversity breeds innovation. To think unconventionally in sustainable design, seek input from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. Collaborate with experts in fields such as biology, sociology, or even philosophy to gain insights that can inform your design process. This interdisciplinary approach can uncover unique solutions that a single-minded focus might miss. The fusion of different ideas and knowledge can lead to sustainable design breakthroughs that are both novel and effective.

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Yvette Retief

Director @ Bioresus Global | CEO, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Development
(edited)
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It is sometimes the cleaner or the guy in control of loading trucks that had an encounter with a product design not being sustainable. You have to get information from all employees on their experience as sometimes the risk/defect gets noticed by the person releasing a product from manufacturing premises.

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4 Learn from Nature

Nature is the ultimate innovator, and its principles can inspire unconventional sustainable design. Biomimicry, the practice of emulating nature's strategies in human-made designs, can lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions. Study how plants optimize sunlight or how animals regulate temperature naturally. These biological insights can translate into innovative design features that reduce energy consumption and material waste, all while enhancing functionality and resilience.

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5 Iterate Relentlessly

Innovation in sustainable design is not a one-off event; it's a continuous process of refinement. Embrace an iterative approach where each version of a design is an opportunity to incorporate unconventional ideas. Test different scenarios, tweak your designs, and always look for ways to improve. This relentless pursuit of innovation ensures that sustainable design solutions are not only effective today but also adaptable to future challenges and advancements.

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6 Collaborate Globally

Sustainable challenges are global, and so should be the efforts to solve them. By collaborating with individuals and organizations around the world, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience. This global network can foster unconventional thinking by exposing you to different cultures, environments, and challenges. Such collaboration can lead to sustainable design innovations that are culturally sensitive, globally applicable, and have a far-reaching positive impact.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can foster innovation by embracing unconventional thinking in sustainable design.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Embrace Risk

2 Question Norms

3 Diverse Inputs

4 Learn from Nature

5 Iterate Relentlessly

6 Collaborate Globally

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

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Here's how you can foster innovation by embracing unconventional thinking in sustainable design.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Risk

2 Question Norms

3 Diverse Inputs

4 Learn from Nature

5 Iterate Relentlessly

6 Collaborate Globally

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

Rate this article

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