Sustainability

The evaluation and selection of materials and systems based on sustainability is key to our approach, and we address these issues from the outset as an integral part of the briefing process.

We establish a set of priorities to suit the needs of each project, relating to the future use and maintenance of the building, and reconciling capital expenditure with cost-in-use and energy usage. To this end, we undertake durability studies against current standards and the maintenance regimes of our clients, and BREEAM assessments.

we recognise that sustainability is a prerequisite requirement for any development and the achievement of Very Good or Excellent BREEAM rating has become an industry standard to demonstrate that the required environmental perimeters have been met.

Such measures may have an effect on initial capital costs, however, a well considered, holistic approach to orientation, structure, materials, heating, ventilation, lighting and water will have significant benefits in the lifecycle of the building, both in terms of ongoing running costs and also in the long term benefits to the building users and wider community.

We consider the following considerations as key environmental opportunities that could be considered at an early stage any design development:

• Green Technologies - Where applicable, as designers, we are enthusiastic to utilise appropriate green technologies as essential elements of the overall design solution to achieve the required BREEAM rating.
• Carbon performance - we would aim to set targets for reduced carbon dioxide emissions, including use of low and zero carbon (renewable energy) technologies where applicable
• Waste Management - we would design for minimum waste, including waste generated during construction and operation
• Pollution Avoidance - at all times we would aim to minimise polluting emissions to air, water and ground and ensure that the building operation avoids such pollution
• Water efficiency - we would design to minimise water consumption including consideration of rainwater and grey water use, and external landscape to avoid flood risk
• Transportation - we would assist the contractor and design team to minimise the need for high impact transportation, this is linked
• to carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles transporting both people and materials
• Material Choices - using the hierarchy reduce, reuse, recycle, we would aim to minimise the total material usage on site, and where possible select materials that have lowest embodied energy and life cycle impacts. Local materials would also be prioritised to stimulate the local economy and minimise transportation impacts.
• Whole Life Costing - we would use whole life costing including operation and maintenance costs, durability, longevity and end of life reuse to help select technologies and assess design options
• Biodiversity - we would consider the potential impact of our designs on the biodiversity of the site and wider area and aim to maximise positive impacts
• Quality of Life - we would aim at all times to ensure a high quality of life and enjoyment of the building is achieved for all users
• Community Impacts - we would consider impact on local people, and communities nearby and aim to maximise positive impacts from the design and construction process.