One Year of the HI Certification – Here’s How Far We’ve Come

“This first year has shown us just how strong the need is. We’re seeing growing interest from architects, property owners, and tenants alike. HI has gone from concept to application,”
says Sascha Firle, CEO of Hint Sustainability, which now manages the HI certification.

Several Spaces Already Certified – More to Come
Several organisations have already achieved HI certification, including MER Arkitekter and Vibblaby Health Center. In both cases, the certification served as a tool for evaluating and assuring quality in spaces with a high degree of reuse and well-structured management.

“It’s not about getting everything perfect from the start, but about taking real steps in the right direction and showing what’s actually being done. HI helps make sustainability tangible – and easier to talk about in ways everyone can understand,”
says Sascha Firle.

HI Coaches and a Growing Network
Four groups of HI coaches have been trained this year in Stockholm and Gothenburg, with another course planned in Malmö this fall. These coaches act as guides in HI projects – and have quickly become key players in the certification’s growth. “We’re seeing how the coaches support projects on a practical level, while also acting as ambassadors who drive the work forward within their organisations. That makes a big difference,”
says Sascha.

RISE Becomes Certifying Body
A new agreement has been signed with RISE, which is now the exclusive certifying body for the HI certification. This means there is now a clear and credible verification process in place for assessing compliance.

The Criteria Council – For Ongoing Development and Quality Assurance
To ensure the long-term relevance of the HI certification, an independent Criteria Council has been established. It includes experts from the entire interiors value chain – from academia to procurement – and works to review and update the criteria.

“This is a vital step to ensure HI is both ambitious and implementable. We have to be ready to evolve based on new knowledge and shifting needs,”
says Sascha.

New Vinnova Project Takes HI to the Next Level
In August, Vinnova approved funding for the next development phase:
“Circular Office Development Starts with the Tenant – From Decision to System Shift.”
The project will develop:

• HI Certification 2.0 – with climate impact as the core criterion
• An open climate database for interiors
• Hint 2.0 – a digital decision support tool

A Growing Network – And a New Perspective on Interiors
Sascha emphasizes that one of the greatest achievements this past year has been HI’s ability to bring together so many stakeholders with shared ambitions:

“We’ve created a meeting place for everyone who wants to make a difference – from designers and procurement professionals to clients and researchers. That’s where the real momentum lies.”

What’s Next?

“Now we keep building. We want to make it easier to work with CO₂ as a key metric, expand our training programmes, scale up Hint – and above all, show that interiors are not a side issue. They’re a strategic climate concern. HI points the way forward. This is only the beginning,”
concludes Sascha Firle.