How To Make Your Shop Or Restaurant More Sustainable

Tenant Remodels That Are Better For The Planet.

[TOPIC: Sustainable shops & restaurants | Eco-friendly design | Energy efficiency | Waste reduction & recycling | Local sourcing & supply chain | Sustainable packaging & materials | Green renovation & interiors | Community and environmental responsibility]

Introduction

The tenants we work with on restaurant and shop renovations usually have a million and one questions, including questions about sustainability:

• What’s the most sustainable way to do my restaurant renovation?
  

• How can I make my shop as environmentally friendly as possible?
  
  

There are no quick answers. Tenant remodels, also known as tenant improvements, can include everything from insulation and ventilation systems to the lamps that glow in the corners of your finished space. When you’re planning a sustainable remodel, there’s a lot to learn and a lot to consider.

There are also many practical ways you can make a difference for your bottom line, customer experience, and the Earth.

Section 1 — Why Bother With A Sustainable Remodel?

When your business space is sustainably remodeled, it can be:

• More energy efficient
  

• More pleasant to be in
  

• Less burdensome on the environment
  
  

Renovating your space sustainably will also keep you from having to redo it again and again.

Section 2 — How Sustainable Can You Go?

It depends on how deep the renovation is:

• Full gut renovation: tearing it down to the studs and re-insulating can allow a host of environmental upgrades.
  

• Interior redesign only: you can still make key decisions that create a healthier, more sustainable space.
  
  

Before making plans or negotiating your lease, talk with your landlord to see if they’re willing to make upgrades while you remodel. If equipment or windows are staying with the building, upgrades now can increase property value.

Working with your landlord allows for long-term sustainability choices that benefit both the property and occupants.

Section 3 — Ventilation And Air Quality

• Upgrade ventilation systems to mitigate the spread of illness and improve air quality.
  

• Use low-VOC paints to reduce chemical emissions.
  

• Choose surfaces that are durable and cleanable; rough surfaces can harbor mildew that affects air quality.
  

Section 4 — Electric Appliances

• Residential properties are switching from gas to electric; commercial kitchens are following.
  

• Increasing availability of commercial electric equipment like ranges and fryers makes this transition feasible.
  

• Consider electric appliances during your remodel to reduce energy and emissions.
  

Section 5 — Lighting

• LED lighting is energy-efficient and can cut general lighting energy use nearly in half by 2030.
  

• Select color temperatures for customer areas (2400K–2700K) and brighter lighting for food prep/back-of-house.
  

• Use dimmable LEDs to meet mood and compliance requirements.
  

• Ensure fixtures have removable bulbs — avoid integrated bulbs that require replacing the entire fixture.
  

Section 6 — Materials And Interior Design

• Design timeless spaces that last for decades. Replace cabinets, countertops, flooring, and tiles as infrequently as possible.
  

• Use local, natural, and reclaimed materials like solid woods and concrete tiles. Avoid vinyl and plastics.
  

• Focus on durability and reusability; plan for easy updates.
  

• Incorporate trends via smaller, changeable accents: wall colors, furniture, décor.
  

• Partner with local artisans for custom, long-lasting furniture or cabinetry.
  

• Consider reused or antique items for eco-friendly, stylish options.
  

Section 7 — Do What You Can

Your space will never be 100% sustainable.

But every choice counts:

• Equipment selection
  

• Light bulbs
  

• Materials and finishes
  
  

These decisions collectively make your restaurant or shop more sustainable and healthier for everyone.

© Artisans Group Architecture + Planning — Sustainable Architecture, Passive House, and Passive Building Design Experts