Sustainability

We believe in a holistic approach to sustainability. Energy demand reduction is very important, which is why we design all of our new build construction to the Passivhaus Standard, however there are also many other aspects which together create genuinely sustainable and resilient architecture.

These aspects all stem from our key principles, which we aim to embed within every project whenever appropriate.

Our key principles

1 - Low embodied carbon

Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Assessments give us the ability to benchmark our projects against one another, as well as against industry standards.

2 - Optimising performance

Many aspects of a design have scope to be optimised to improve the overall efficiency and experience of a building - from MVHR and services layouts, to the quantity of the materials required to make the building in the first place.

3 - Low operational energy

We aim for all of our new build projects to meet the Passivhaus Standard from the outset. This ensures a suitable reduction in operational energy, which in turn contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the building

4 - Renewable energy (generation)

All of our projects incorporate some form of renewable technologies: from simple solutions such as Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) units, through to onsite generation of electricity via PV panels, micro-generation also reduces the amount of energy drawn from the national grid.

5 - Bio-based materials

We specify bio-based materials whenever possible. All of our projects are constructed using a timber frame as the primary structure, and we aim to use as much bio-based insulation as possible.

6 - Increased biodiversity

Green roofs and well considered landscaping schemes can promote and increase the biodiversity on a given site, which is especially important if the building will occupy an area in a rural landscape that was previously soft, nature friendly surfaces.

7 - Enhanced acoustic protection

Even within a single dwelling enhanced acoustic protection between the spaces is important no matter what your lifestyle or hobbies. Relatively simple measures and good detailing can make a big difference.

8- Enhanced daylighting

We always aim to design the primary spaces in a building with higher daylight factors than the baseline minimum standards, whilst ensuring we balance increased glazed areas to avoid over-heating .

9 - Flexibility & adaptability

Adaptable and flexible spaces help to maintain a building’s useful lifespan: all new dwellings should have enough space to accommodate bikes, prams and wheelchairs, as well as some form of designated space for home working.

10 - Design for deconstruction

A timber frame is the simplest method to achieving a demountable superstructure, and the use of loose fill insulation makes it easy to separate the main components at the end of the building’s life.

11 - Water saving measures

Low-flow fixtures and fittings can reduce the consumption of hot water, and the use of water butts in the landscaping reduce or eliminate the use of potable water in the garden.

12 - Sustainable surface water

Avoiding the excessive use of non free-draining materials in hard landscaping can make a considerable difference to the amount and quality of surface water flowing into the lanscape from the building.

Some initiatives & groups we support

  • The UK PHT

    The Passivhaus Trust (PHT) is an independent industry leading organisation that promotes the adoption of Passivhaus in the UK. PHT is part of the global Passivhaus movement and the official UK affiliate of the International Passive House Association (iPHA).

  • ACAN!

    We are in a state of climate and ecological emergency. ACAN is a network of individuals within architecture and related built environment professions taking action to address the twin crises of climate and ecological breakdown.

  • ASPB

    The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) is a non-profit, mission driven organisation, whose mission is: “To lead the transformation to a healthy low carbon built environment by championing the understanding and use of demonstrably sustainable building products.”

  • Architects Declare

    UK Architects Declare is a network of architectural practices across the UK committed to addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency. Our Vision for our sector’s part in tackling the emergency is bold: “A built environment planned, constructed and operated within planetary boundaries to deliver environmental justice and to support the flourishing of all life for all time.”

  • International Living Future Institute

    The International Living Future Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world. At ILFI, we envision a future where our planet and humanity are thriving, and we work towards that future every day. We refer to this future as the Living Future.

  • End Gas Now

    Organisations that have pledged to #endgasnow have made firm commitments to become climate leaders by refusing to assist with the development or promotion of new projects that involve the installation of new or replacement gas or fossil fuel based heating systems.

  • RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge

    RIBA has developed the 2030 Climate Challenge to help architects design within a climate conscious trajectory and provides a stepped approach towards reaching net zero. The 2030 Climate Challenge sets a series of targets for practices to adopt to reduce operational energy, embodied carbon and potable water.

  • Bennetts Associates Charter

    Tell The Truth - a campaign for honesty in the built environment: Produced for architects, engineers and journalists, Bennetts Associates’ new charter encourages a collective stance against greenwash tactics. At its core the charter examines common ‘sustainability’ themes, with clear rules to improve transparency and honesty and prevent greenwash.

  • SEDA

    SEDA is a membership organisation that promotes ecological design across Scotland. SEDA aims to promote the design of communities, environments, projects, systems, services, materials and products which enhance the quality of life and are not harmful to living species and planetary ecology.