Over the next few weeks, we will run a Q+A series to showcase some of the incredible change-makers who are speaking at Living Future 2020 Online. This week, we are featuring Rami Vagal, Senior Sustainability Manager at Mohawk Industries, our Luminary Sponsor of LF20.
Natalie Quek: What does sustainability look like to you?
Rami Vagal: Sustainability, its relevance and what it means, continues to evolve with time and the urgency of issues. It also varies based on one’s geographic and socioeconomic differences. For me, it has changed over a period of time from when I was growing up in India, a developing country, to where I am today in the U.S., working as a sustainability professional for one of the world’s largest flooring companies. It is about the viability of current and future well-being, both social and environmental. It is about taking a whole systems approach in our decision-making. It’s about balancing the benefits and dis-benefits of the economic, environmental and social consequences of our decisions and so much more.
NQ: What initially drew you to a career in sustainability?
RV: Growing up in India and studying architecture, sustainability was never introduced as a concept or a trend but more so as an answer or solution to issues that cities and societies were facing. Whether it was population density, or water and hygiene situations, social equity or hunger issues; all of these facets needed organizations, government, academics, technologists, designers and more to come up with solutions and work in an integrated manner. Sustainability was introduced to me as a philosophy or means to live rather than a trend.
Moving to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in architecture opened my eyes to some additional challenges that we are facing on a global scale. It was never really something I planned to be part of — but was ultimately drawn to it through different circumstances, the need and an increasing interest over time.
NQ: What does this year’s theme, Sustaining Hope within Crisis, mean to you? How does this translate to your personal or professional life?
RV: In order to address the climate crisis, it will not be enough to merely do “less bad.” People need to be proactive and attempt to give more to the environment and to society. To me, it also means not having to justify the role of sustainability professionals within an organization and explain why associated initiatives should be a priority to a company. Sustainability should be ingrained into an individual’s and an organization’s DNA. Everyone should be working towards the larger goal without having to be constantly asked to do so. It is not only the responsibility of a few individuals to focus on the betterment of the planet and the society, but for everyone to realize the part they play.
I believe hope is one of the strongest elements in addition to trust, will power and determination that helps one continue to “sustain.” Hope drives the movement and helps one to be optimistic towards creating a future that will allow our coming generations to flourish and thrive.
NQ: What gives you hope?
RV: There is a great deal of momentum and drive in millennials and Gen Z towards concern over climate change, social equity and overall focus on key sustainability issues across the globe. The fact that these generations don’t look at it as “optional” or a “luxury” gives me hope. Recently, I have observed a momentum in larger organizations as well in addressing and finding solutions for climate change. Whether it is pressure from the investors, stakeholders or customers, there is a growing focus seen on companies investing in initiatives for sustainability and climate change. The more leadership shown from the C-suite that trickles down, the faster we will see results and important initiatives undertaken.
NQ: Can you give us a taste of what you’ll be talking about in your session at Living Future?
RV: In our session, we will discuss how building clients, product manufacturers and designers are using the Living Product Challenge and an additional new holistic material selection methodology to clarify the material procurement conversation for everyone. LPC has provided a framework to rethink product manufacturing as well as fundamentals that an organization can adapt to implement its sustainability initiatives. I will be discussing how Mohawk has specifically done that in the past few years with our work in net positive and “handprinting” initiatives.
NQ: Why is it important to move forward with Living Future 2020 Online?
RV: I would go back to the theme of this year’s LF: ‘Sustaining Hope within Crisis.’ It is no doubt that the current pandemic has completely brought our lives to a halt in ways we couldn’t have imagined. While there have been several articles about the healing of the planet, the reduction in emissions, and additional environmental gains, they all are happening at a cost of human tragedy. A healthy planet should not have epidemics and pandemics as the environmental and human well-being go hand in hand. It is important to capitalize on the time we have right now towards greater collaboration, dedication, discipline and empathy so when this is all over, we as a community and society will be in a better place collectively.
NQ: Mohawk has made a tremendous commitment to ILFI as the lead sponsor of LF20. Can you tell us about what inspired Mohawk to come forward with such bold support at a time like this?
RV: Over a number of years, ILFI has brought about so many transformational changes in the building industry and beyond. Mohawk has had the opportunity to partner with ILFI throughout this growth and expansion period over several years. Now at a critical time like this, it is even more important that organizations with similar missions work in collaboration and support so that we can overcome the plight of current events and emerge on the other side stronger and more dedicated than ever before.
Can’t wait to hear more from Rami? Attend her virtual session, A Holistic Approach to Creating, Choosing + Improving Sustainable Products at Living Future 20 Online, May 7-8, 2020.
Interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
