Project teams are assisted by a broad ranging sustainability guidance manual and our sustainability group provides further specialist support in the design, evaluation and development of each project using a specially developed toolkit and review workshops.
Truly sustainable architecture includes much beyond environmental performance and the toolkit addresses the following key areas:
Every project is reviewed at each work stage and upon completion and the results, including a clear graphic, can be used to highlight opportunities, note areas worthy of further consideration and importantly, to assess our own performance over time.
The toolkit is not intended to define the extent of our approach to sustainability, nor replace external assessment methods but to further assist in the design of well considered and appropriate buildings and communities, enabling review and discussion of key areas with all involved from the earliest stages.
Much of our influence relates to the buildings we design and our office environmental footprint is relatively low. However our own operations are important and we promote responsible behaviour at all levels and throughout our business. Our internal systems have been developed in line with established quality assurance procedures and we are currently seeking ISO14001 accreditation for our Environmental Management System.
