Why sustainability is no longer enough: Our Regenerative Design Journey!
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing”
Mikaela Loach, It’s Not that Radical, 2023.
Charlotte Findlater brings over 20 years of expertise in turnkey Architecture, Build, and Design solutions. By identifying infrastructural requirements and embracing the beauty of extending the life of our aging building stock, we aim to reduce waste, lower emissions, and foster a deeper connection to our shared history. It is predicted that, 80% of the buildings expected to be standing in 2050 have already been built (McKinsey, 2021). Our vision sees resilient housing, surrounded by richly biodiverse natural environments, maintained with sympathetic building materials and techniques. This approach not only elevates the quality of our built environment but also enhances the health of its inhabitants and the surrounding landscapes.
Sustainability has been prevalent in Architecture and Design for decades, with business’ across the industry expected to share their contributions to the ongoing ‘green’ initiatives. Whilst awareness has been raised, and positive change has been put into play, there has also been a lot of confusion and negativity, which detracts from the true focus we must maintain: the restoration and regeneration of our planet. Rather than simply mitigating harm, we need to reconnect with the natural world in order to truly restore and enhance it. Putting the health of the environment and it’s future at the heart of our practices. Now is the time to redefine sustainability, instead associating it with neutrality. Continuing damaging practices is of no use, instead we are choosing to refocus our efforts entirely towards Regeneration.
The Connection Between Nature and Regenerative Design
We are all born with the instinct and desire to connect with nature. It is why we long for fresh air, why we work best in natural light, why fire makes us feel safe and comfortable, and why water make us feel soothed and relaxed. Most importantly it is why the timeless beauty of natural materials, flowers and planting remains undeniable. At Charlotte Findlater Design, we lean into our love of nature or biophilia – and allow it to centre us.
Today, we are severely distracted by the digital world and completely disconnected from the natural world just beyond our screens. We are long overdue reconnection and with it all the positive lasting impacts that regenerating and reforming our built and natural environments will bring to people and planet alike. Simply put, Sustainability isn’t enough, but regeneration may just create the necessary paradigm shift we’re pursuing within the industry.
“Study Nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
What is the difference between Sustainability and Regeneration?
The definition of Sustainability
Sustainability is commonly defined as; the avoidance of depleting natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance. ‘Avoidance’ is the key issue here – managing harm done rather than challenging and resolving the issue at its root, favours mitigation over prevention, therefore no true growth can be achieved. Sustaining the very practices that have had and continue to have a documented damaging influence on planet and people alike is unacceptable.
The definition of Regeneration
By contrast Regeneration aims to optimise positive impacts. Achieving beyond the reduction of damage, by creating a whole system approach to restoring and enhancing biodiversity, eliminating waste entirely, lowering embodied and operational carbon emissions, and ultimately fostering long term health. Regenerative practices ensure positive action by embracing innovation, pushing past the previous conventions of Sustainable Architecture, Design and Build.
In order for Regenerative practices to succeed, we need a commitment to a shift in mindset and behaviour at all stages. After much reflection we realise that identifying and utilising ‘sustainability’ phrasing or practices does not best represent the Charlotte Findlater Design ethos nor does it reflect the extended and collaborative efforts and passion of our team, to do the right thing!
Regenerative Design at Charlotte Findlater Design
Since our Chief Visionary Officer, Charlotte founded Charlotte Findlater Design her focus has been on regenerative techniques. Year by year advancing the business through observation, research, system improvements, building efficiency, waste stream management and much more.
Our selection of the term ‘regeneration’ over ‘sustainability’ allows us to communicate clearly our intentions and expectations to suppliers, tradespeople and collaborators on every project. We encourage others to press reset, and adopt a Possibilist approach to challenges. Questioning ‘What if we do the right thing by Nature instead? What if it all works out?’ with time, soon the question will switch to ‘Why not?’ then we will see the gentle world that is created from a symbiotic relationship with nature.
How Regenerative Design Addresses Climate Change and Environmental Impact
As early signatories of Interior Design Declares, we acknowledge the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency here in the UK and Globally. The built environment including ongoing construction accounts for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon emissions (Interior Design Declares, 2024.) Whilst many of us in the industry have heard this fact before, we still fail to see the substantial ongoing impact this is taking on the natural environment around us. From resource depletion, the ongoing sand crisis, water and air quality depletion to the overall decline of soil health. We are inspired to embark on the collective journey towards decarbonisation, zero emissions, and flourishing biodiversity.
Regeneration is not just a reactive response, but a way of life, and the way forward. Each project our expert designers and craftspeople take on has a clearly laid out solution suited to the geographical influence, ecological needs of the site. And client’s requirements. Through our extensive Waste Management we maintain our efforts to achieve just 5% to landfill. Supporting the Circular Economy and a low carbon, low impact future.
Whilst we acknowledge as a business we are still a long way from fulfilling all of our ambitious objectives, we are committed to embedding Regenerative Design at the heart of our work always, acting as positive innovators, activists and disruptors!
Regenerative Practices and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Through our Integrated Design Framework we hold ourselves accountable to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Please see below how we address the most relevant within our regenerative practice.
Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
We prioritise human health in the built environment by selecting natural materials and non-toxic finishes, ensuring air quality. Prioritising natural light aligns with circadian rhythms fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
Our commitment to clean water extends beyond usage in the finished project. We also prioritise minimising pollutants and reducing environmental impact during construction by upholding responsible building practices.
Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy
We recommend energy solutions tailored to climate and location, implementing energy-efficient measures such as increased insulation, air barriers, and high-quality windows ensure both comfort and longevity.
Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
We proudly support fair wages as an accredited Living Wage Employer across all our Architectural, Design, and Build teams.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
We drive industry innovation through ongoing research and education, collaborating with professionals to expand knowledge and advance our field.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
By collaborating with local partners who share our mission of regeneration, we aim to influence communities while ensuring a lasting positive environmental impact.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
We refuse to contribute to the throw-away economy. By sourcing antique, reclaimed, and locally crafted materials instead we prioritise an ethical, circular economy.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Our efforts are driven by a deep commitment to climate action, a passion embedded in our team and the core of Charlotte Findlater’s ethos.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
We support marine conservation through regular donations to Sea Shepherd and by maintaining a strong connection to the water around our projects.
Goal 15: Life on Land
Our passion for biophilic design reflects our commitment to preserving all forms of life, integrating nature into our work to enhance human well-being.
Charlotte Findlater’s B Corp Certification and Commitment to Ethical Design
We are delighted to share we are officially a B Corp certified business. B Corp, which stands for ‘Benefit for all Corporation’, represents a high standard of social and environmental performance, ensuring accountability and transparency in every aspect of business operation. With tailored fields such as Design, Architecture, Project Management, and Office Facility Management, B Corp guarantee thorough assessment and evidencing before certification is granted.
We chose this path over other sustainability certifications, as B Corp states “The certification doesn’t just evaluate a product or service; it assesses the overall positive impact of the company that stands behind it” (B Lab, B Corp, 2021). B Corp’s philosophy is built on the belief that “all places should act as though people and place matter. Through product, practices and profits, companies should not only avoid harm but also actively benefit all stakeholders. This requires us to recognise we are all connected and responsible for each other, as well as future generations” B Lab, B Corp, 2021). We support and align with this statement wholly, and encourage others to take this path too, calling for and contributing to industry-wide reform. As we look to the next milestones we seek to accomplish, we remain steadfast to leading with purpose.
Conclusion: Building a Regenerative Future for People and the Planet
Charlotte Findlater’s design legacy is rooted in regenerative principles, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As we move beyond conventional sustainability, embracing regeneration becomes essential—not just to mitigate past environmental harm, but to actively restore and enhance the natural world. At Charlotte Findlater Design, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, integrating innovative, responsible, and holistic practices that prioritize both ecological and human well-being. By fostering a regenerative approach to design and construction, we contribute to a global movement that redefines our relationship with the planet—one built on respect, restoration, and growth for future generations. Though the path to regeneration presents challenges, it is the only way forward to create a built environment that flourishes in harmony with nature.
“We commit to working with the greatest sense of urgency in order to make the substantial changes needed to end the built environment’s negative contribution to the climate and ecological emergency. This is integral to our wider purpose to create healthy environments for better connections between people and nature, now and for the future”
Charlotte Findlater, 2024.
Category: Architecture & Build