Sustainability Strategy

We place sustainability at the heart of our work, as architects and urbanists, and in the operations of our practice. Yet recent times have marked an unprecedented acceleration in global climate action. Based on extensive consultation across our practice, our Sustainability Strategy is a progressive and results-oriented document that builds on our established approach and is guided by an eye on the long term, a respect for context and an appreciation for technical detail.

The Strategy sets out five principles. First, is an appreciation of the pre-existing. The starting point of every design is grounded in this and understands that true sustainable development emerges from working with the physical, sociocultural and microclimatic characteristics of each place. Second, is evolution and refinement. We understand sustainable outcomes are not achieved through a single product or solution but are an on-going process over time in which we layer new types of knowledge. Thirdly, we believe that sustainable design is a method, not a style. Fourth, is the importance of bringing conversations about value to the table. Long-term economic viability can now more often than not be achieved through minimal environmental impact in the short-term. Our final principle is longevity. All our work and operations keep this principle front of mind.

Furthermore, our Sustainability Strategy sets out three actionable objectives which we aim to achieve by 2026. In implementing these objectives, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to a sustainable future. These are: to design all projects to net-zero carbon ready performance; to become a carbon neutral organisation; and to incorporate post-occupancy evaluation into our projects. These objectives should yield real benefits to our projects, people and practice.