IGOLO launches the UK's first sustainable marketplace for home renovation products and design

In August 2022 IGOLO launched an online marketplace to encourage homeowners to renovate and design their homes more sustainably. 

Disrupting the market, IGOLO places sustainable brands, products, materials, and services right at your fingertips, with a mission to make sustainable homes more accessible and desirable for everyone. 

Back in 2018, leading climate scientists warned there were only 12 years left before global warming would cause irreversible damage to our environment. Now in 2022, and with the UK’s recent record-breaking heatwave, this appears much more imminent and alarming and we need to start delivering solutions at pace.

In fact, managing editor of The Architects’ Journal magazine, Will Hurst stated that: “Our throwaway building culture is one of the key reasons that UK construction has such an appalling carbon footprint.” With sudden increases in planned home and building renovation since the lockdown in 2020, our attitude to building culture has to change.

 We must create actionable solutions to climate change. These include passive housing, using efficient energy solutions, working with eco-friendly materials and quality furniture makers which keep our planet in mind.

Founded by experienced architectural designer and University of Manchester graduate Sophia Major, IGOLO aims to become the #1 sustainability tool for homeowners, renovators, and building professionals across the UK. With the support of winning the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre 's Venture Further competition back in 2021, awarding IGOLO first place in the environmental category, Sophia was able to launch her business this year.

“Homeowners, renovators and building professionals find it difficult to source authentically  sustainable products amongst a sea of greenwashing and complex product information.”  (Sophia Major, founder of IGOLO) 

Each item listed on IGOLO has been rigorously assessed to ensure that it meets the highest standards in social, environmental, and health practices.

IGOLO is a community of brands with the goal of providing an easy, guilt-free service for those seeking sustainable home design and renovations. They are excited to spotlight some of their favourite sustainable brands, such as Goldfinger, Caracara Collective, Jott Studio, Ty Syml and many more companies who are taking substantial leaps towards sustainable change. 

One of the brands part of the IGOLO community states that “Today’s linear “take, make, dispose” model relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and energy, and it is a model that has reached its physical limits.” (Wehlers) 

IGOLO is much more than a shop - it is on a mission to educate, inspire, and raise awareness of the need for sustainable home design and accountable companies, creating an environment of conscious consumerism.

To find out more about IGOLO visit https://www.igolo.org/.