There is a great deal of waste and shortsighted planning in commercial manufacturing, and our world's environment suffers the very expensive price of it all. Fortunately, the glass is not half-empty. There are companies that are turning the page on wasteful practices and hearing the displeasure of consumers who want sustainable products for every aspect of their lives. It's not always easy to come up with sustainable alternatives, but increasingly more companies are figuring it out and reducing their environmental footprint. That's why Metropolis Magazine is giving recognition where recognition is due at their 1st Annual Planet Positive Awards.
The awards show will air on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Metropolis Magazine editor in chief, Avinash Rajagopal, will host the livestream event on DesignTV.
The Planet Positive Award categories range from innovations in technology and tools to flooring. For example, Spacestor, a workspace furniture company submitted their Residence Connect video conferencing pod under the Furniture-Office category. There is a lot that's impressive about the pod including the ventilation, dimmable lights, and acoustic properties. But perhaps the most impressive part is the detail that went into making eco-friendly choices like using FSC-certified birch plywood for the exterior and over 95% Red List compliant materials.
As a prerequisite, entries must either be targeting or have attained sustainability certifications. The magazine states, "Metropolis advocates for sustainability in the broadest sense of the word—encompassing equitable, healthy, and resilient design alongside reductions in carbon emissions and toxic waste." So maybe it won't be as glamourous as the Oscars or the Grammys but no less inspiring. for the up-and-coming generation of architects, designers, and manufacturers waiting in the wings to take their shot at building a more sustainable world.
Visit the Metropolis Magazine site to register for the Planet Positive Awards livestream.