Design Horizons Trend 2: Beyond Carbon

Beyond carbon metrics, sustainability is expanding to embrace a holistic view. This new era demands a comprehensive approach that integrates social impact, ecosystem health, community wellbeing and more into every design.

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Our ​‘Beyond Carbon’ trend, which forms the second chapter of the debut report for Hassell’s Design Horizons foresight platform, explores how sustainability is evolving from its historical link to carbon, embracing a broader, interconnected system. While carbon reduction remains crucial, designers and the built environment industry are now challenged to consider the full range of a project’s impact — from occupant wellbeing to cultural heritage. This expanded view is actively reshaping industry standards, influencing policy and transforming client expectations.

Trend two uncovers:

• The shift from a carbon-centric focus to a broader, interconnected system for a truly sustainable future.
• The new challenges for place makers to consider a project’s full spectrum of impact, including social responsibility, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Hassell’s Sustainability Framework — 12 guiding principles aligned to Place, Carbon, Social, and Systems, driving holistic and value-based decision-making.

For a copy of Design Horizons trend two: Beyond Carbon, register below to access now.