#SustainabilityInDesign: Founder of CarbonCraft Design Tejas Sidnal wants to build cleaner cities by molding carbon-negative homes to mitigate air pollution

CarbonCraft Design is a Hubli-based design and material innovation company that Tejas Sidnal started in 2019. They are a group of Designers and Engineers developing carbon upcycling products for the world’s construction demands to mitigate Air Pollution at scale. In an exclusive conversation with Architecture+Design, Tejas spills the beans about his company, vision and future plans:

Name of the firm: CarbonCraft Design

Product Range:
Our first and also flagship product is floor tiles. Also known as Carbon Tiles. These tiles are available in various styles, including plain, patterned, and customizable options. The collection draws inspiration from combining a distinct character with a natural element connected to the city or industry. This collection is divided into two series:

Indentile: It is an expression of our coexistence with nature. The patterns are a symbolic art form of contemporary taste with a modern twist for living space.

Industile: Industries have brought historical changes in our progress as a species on Earth. Inspired by the magnitude of our consumption of natural resources, we designed the IndusTile series to communicate the resulting consequences.

Aside from this, we have another series that was recently launched, called Carbon Wall tiles. It is an unconventional take on the concept of wall tiles. Through Carbon Wall Tiles, we provide creative liberty in the process of tilling. The tiles are of three unique shapes and can form countless designs when put in various arrangements or compositions. This innovative approach breaks away from the traditional “boxy” tile designs and provides customers with limitless opportunities to customize their walls using just three tile shapes.

Along with this, we have also launched a bespoke tabletop product called Carbon Canvas. CarbonCraft is known for the creation of Carbon Tiles. A product that caters to an environmentally conscious audience that is directly or indirectly connected to the construction sector. However, we noticed that there is a larger audience, outside of the construction sector that is also interested in contributing towards climate action. To cater to these interests, we thought of designing a bespoke product that sits confidently on a tabletop, gently reminding us towards making environmentally conscious decisions. This marks the origination of the Carbon Canvas. A product that aims to provide the diverse range of audience a tangible way towards creating an individual impact on climate change.

Vision:
Our vision is to build cleaner cities by building carbon-negative homes to mitigate air pollution and climate change at scale.

What does sustainable design mean to you?
Sustainable design is of paramount importance to CarbonCraft. It encompasses our commitment to reducing environmental impact throughout our product’s life cycle. For us, sustainability begins with the careful selection of materials. We prioritize eco-friendly options, such as recycled or renewable materials, while also ensuring that our manufacturing processes minimize energy consumption and emissions. In addition to material choices, we emphasize durability and longevity in our designs. By creating products that are built to last, we minimize the need for frequent replacements and reduce waste. We also consider the potential for product reuse, recycling, or responsible disposal at the end of its life cycle. Through innovative techniques and technologies, we strive to enhance energy efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and minimize water consumption in our production methods. In
essence, sustainable design for CarbonCraft represents a harmonious balance between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility, as we contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.

Are your products made from non-toxic, natural or recycled materials?
Our product adheres to the standards set by ROHS and BIS. To create our product, we utilize a proprietary three-stage process.
COLLECT: We collect carbon from various factories and partners.
PROCESS: We process this collected carbon to standardize it.
BUILD: We then manufacture tiles in Gujarat by using a 200-year old craft of tile making.

How can social norms encourage sustainable design?

Social norms play a crucial role in encouraging sustainable design. By shaping collective attitudes and behaviors, social norms can drive a shift towards more environmentally conscious choices and practices. Here are some ways in which social norms can promote sustainable design:

Awareness and Education: Social norms can foster awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainability in design. Through education and information sharing, individuals become more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices.
Cultural Shift: Social norms can influence cultural values and preferences, steering them towards sustainability by promoting sustainable design as a desirable and aspirational choice. This can be achieved through effective marketing campaigns, collaborations with influencers, and showcasing sustainable design as a trendsetting choice.
Peer Influence: Social norms are often reinforced through peer influence and social networks by creating a community around sustainable design. This can be facilitated through social media engagement, customer testimonials, and community events that celebrate sustainability.
Policy and Regulations: Social norms can be strengthened and reinforced through supportive policies and regulations. CarbonCraft can advocate for environmentally friendly regulations and standards, aligning with governmental initiatives to promote sustainable design. By complying with and exceeding these standards, CarbonCraft can set an example for other businesses and inspire wider industry adoption. Ultimately, social norms have the power to shape consumer demand and expectations. By harnessing the influence of social norms, CarbonCraft can encourage individuals to embrace sustainable design, driving the demand for environmentally responsible products and fostering a more sustainable future.

What have been some of the biggest challenges to your commitment to sustainable design? CarbonCraft has faced significant challenges in upholding its commitment to sustainable design. Sourcing sustainable materials has been a hurdle, as finding reliable suppliers and ensuring the availability of eco-friendly materials meeting design and performance standards requires extensive research and partnerships. Balancing cost and affordability is another challenge, as sustainable materials and production methods often come at a higher cost, necessitating careful considerations to maintain accessibility without compromising environmental principles. Shifting consumer perceptions and demand towards sustainable design has proven challenging. Educating and convincing consumers about the value and benefits of sustainable products necessitates ongoing marketing efforts, storytelling, and raising awareness. Additionally, staying updated with evolving technologies and innovations in sustainability is demanding, requiring continuous research, development, and integration of eco-friendly practices. Collaborating with supply chain partners to align on sustainability standards and traceability presents its own challenges, requiring transparent communication and commitment throughout the entire supply chain. Despite these challenges, CarbonCraft remains resolute in overcoming them through ongoing research, innovation, collaboration, and education to create a positive environmental impact.

What is on deck for the next six months within your design practice?
Within our design practice at CarbonCraft, we have an exciting roadmap for the next six months. Here are some key initiatives we have planned:
New Product Development: We are actively working on expanding our product range with innovative and sustainable designs. Our focus is on introducing new collections that showcase the latest trends in eco-friendly materials, patterns, and customization options.
Research and Development: We are investing in research and development to explore advanced techniques and technologies that further enhance the sustainability of our products. This includes investigating new materials, refining manufacturing processes, and optimizing energy efficiency.
Collaborations and Partnerships: We are forging strategic collaborations and partnerships with likeminded organizations and experts in the field of sustainable design. By joining forces, we aim to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and create synergies that drive the adoption of sustainable design principles.
By focusing on these initiatives, CarbonCraft aims to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable design. We are dedicated to delivering innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible products that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Click here to know more about CarbonCraft!