The debate is raging about what exactly is sustainable design. What is 'green'? What is 'eco'? What is really sustainable and what is green washing? A favourite summary states that sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of today without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In other words, let's not borrow from the future, let's get creative today.

Sustainable design does not mean that style, comfort or function will be sacrificed. Quite the opposite is true - a successful design means that all the client's desires are met. The role of the designer is to ensure that the aesthetic, functional, budgetary and environmental requirements are all balanced.