Clients want greener builds — but what does sustainable design actually look like in practice?

In 2025, sustainability has become a baseline expectation in the experiential design industry. Clients no longer view it as a bonus feature — they’re asking for it upfront. This means materials, fabrication methods, and even transport logistics are being re-examined through an environmental lens. Designers are balancing the need for spectacle with a responsibility to reduce waste, emissions, and excess. The challenge is not whether sustainability can be achieved, but how to achieve it without compromising creativity.

One of the biggest shifts is in materials. Recyclable flooring systems, biodegradable wall graphics, and low-VOC paints are quickly becoming the new standard. Modular construction is also rising in importance — walls, fixtures, and displays designed to be disassembled and reused in multiple activations rather than scrapped after one show. This not only reduces waste but also improves efficiency, allowing agencies to move quickly from project to project without starting from scratch.

Ultimately, the future of sustainable experiential design means rethinking the lifecycle of every element in a build. Where does it come from? How long will it last? And what happens when the activation comes down? By prioritizing reuse, recycling, and digital innovation, designers can create spaces that are as environmentally responsible as they are visually striking. Sustainability isn’t about checking a green box anymore — it’s about future-proofing the entire industry.