Founded by University of Manchester graduate Sophia Major in response to the climate crisis, the startup seeks to shift public shopping habits while influencing change in the building industry.
- UK graduate launches sustainability marketplace for home decor and renovations.
- IGOLO is targeting the building industry, both domestic and commercial to address the signficant need for change.
- The launch reflects the increasing importance consumers are placing on sustainability.
IGOLO’s online marketplace houses sustainable brands, products, materials, and services.
Founded by Sophia Major in response to the climate crisis, the startup seeks to shift public shopping habits while influencing change in the building industry.
Major, a University of Manchester graduate and architectural designer, is aiming for the fledgling company to become the sustainability tool choice for homeowners, renovators, and building professionals across the UK.
She said: “We are here to disrupt the market and influence action as we are simply not adapting homes and buildings quickly enough.
“At present, our construction industry is responsible for 42% of total UK carbon emissions. That cannot continue – and we must collectively come together to shift this worrying pattern.”
UK sustainability startups are on the rise
Major, who reached the semi-finals of the TiE University Global Pitch Competition 2022 and last year won the Venture Further competition in the environmental category, added: “Without encouraging sustainable approaches to home renovation and design the irreversible damage to the environment predicted by leading climate scientists in 2018 will come.
“IGOLO provides a convenient online marketplace for homeowners, renovators and building professionals to source authentically sustainable products amongst a sea of greenwashing and complex product information.”
Brands join in on move away from conspicuous consumption
Among IGOLO’s eco-friendly brands are Goldfinger, Caracara Collective, Jott Studio and TŶ SYML.
A spokesperson for Wehlers, part of the OGOLO community, said: “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.”
Each item listed on IGOLO has been rigorously assessed to ensure that it meets the top standards in social, environmental, and health practices.
Major, who worked on residential projects across the UK as an architectural designer, said: “With sudden increases in planned home and building renovation since lockdown, our attitude to building culture has to change.
“These include passive housing, using efficient energy solutions, working with eco-friendly materials and quality furniture makers which keep our planet in mind.”
She added: “IGOLO enables people to access sustainable brands, products, materials, and services right at their fingertips.”
