
Beyond sustainability: regenerative design

Beyond sustainability: regenerative design
Regenerative design is a transformative approach in the built environment, aiming to restore and enhance natural systems rather than just minimise harm.
Unlike traditional sustainability, which focuses on reducing negative impacts, regenerative design fosters a co-evolution with nature, promoting ecological health and community well-being. Key principles include holistic systems thinking, adaptability, and closed-loop systems using sustainable materials like hemp and bamboo.
Real-world applications showcase regenerative design's potential, such as a Maine pilot programme in hospitals and Detroit’s 'AGRIHOOD.' Metrics like Energy Usage Intensity and embodied carbon measure effectiveness. As technology and materials evolve, regenerative design sets new sustainability standards for the future.