BIID launches new Responsible Specifying Toolkit for the built environment

We are delighted to launch our new Responsible Specifying Toolkit, a free online resource designed to help people across the design and construction industries make more informed and responsible choices when specifying products and materials.

While the toolkit has been developed by the BIID, it isn’t just for interior designers. It has been created for everyone involved in the process – including architects, manufacturers, suppliers, builders and other construction professionals.

The products and materials we specify can have wide-ranging environmental and social impacts. Our toolkit brings together practical guidance, questions to ask, case studies and useful resources to help professionals consider these impacts and make more informed decisions.

It covers individual materials alongside wider considerations including the circular economy, energy, regenerative design, social impact, traceability, water and animal welfare. Rather than recommending particular products or suppliers, the toolkit is designed to help users ask the right questions and have more informed conversations with suppliers, manufacturers, clients and project teams.

The Responsible Specifying Toolkit builds on our Sustainable Specifying Guide, first published in 2021, with the original guidance reviewed and expanded to reflect developments in responsible and sustainable specification.

I have so much admiration for my fellow designers - how you all continue learning and adapt - within an already complex role. 

There's been such great feedback on the previous guide from five years ago which has supported designers in expanding their knowledge on specifying for a sustainable interior design. 

I hope this new and improved toolkit + hub, will further empower designers to adopt responsible working methodologies. By doing so, we can better support our clients, reinforce our relevance in the industry, and collectively drive meaningful, positive change.

Chloe Bullock, BIID Registered Interior Designer® and sustainable design expert

We hope the toolkit will become a useful resource for people across the industry and continue to evolve as knowledge and best practice develop.