Sustainable Building and Interior Decoration Initiative

Both the building and construction market and interior decoration and renovation activities are growing rapidly in China. However, this rapid growth has some negative environmental and health consequences. Lead, asbestos and mould included in environmentally harmful products cause severe health problem for decoration workers and the inhabitants of buildings containing such materials. Substantial material use, degeneration and inadequate disposal of (toxic) waste negatively impact the environment. With regard to sustainable buildings, the focus is often on the construction phase, while the ‘second’ building phase, the Building Interior Renovation and Decoration (BIRD) activities are often not widely considered.

The SWITCH-Asia project Sustainable Interior Decoration Initiative (SUS BIRD) works towards improving the living quality for building inhabitants and workplace safety for decoration workers. Project partners aim to increase the sustainability of interior decoration and renovation practices. This includes consumers choosing safe, healthy and environmentally friendly decoration products and appliances.  

The SUS BIRD project will establish and maintain a product information system on sustainable decoration products. It will strengthen the integration and adoption of labeling/certification programs. With handbooks and information packages it wants to ease market access. Moreover, the project partners plan to provide capacity building to product suppliers and staff of decoration/renovation companies. With awareness campaigns SUS BIRD will address consumers and policy makers. It will demonstrate good practices, research case studies and replicate recorded experiences.