Sustainability

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Sustainability is an integral consideration in all our projects. The following principles are applied to the design process:

• Consider siting and orientation to maximise solar gain and to provide natural shelter from the elements taking into account microclimate and ecological factors.
• Where possible avoid over specific buildings which limit life time flexibility.

Design for simplicity of operation, allowing building users to understand and have greater control over their environment.

• Design for long life, as buildings are often around longer than we are.
• Embrace new technology and best practice with clear environmental benefits.
• Evaluate environmental impact of the building on its surroundings.
• Maximise access to daylight and natural ventilation.
• Maximise energy efficiency.
• Minimise water consumption.
• Minimise noise and light pollution from the building and potential impact on building users.
• Avoid specification of known hazardous materials.
• Consider maintenance and how easily elements can be replaced or upgraded over the building’s life.
• Avoid specification of large and heavy components where possible.
• Research materials and components which use the least energy in their production.
• Make use of recyclable materials wherever possible.
• Specify materials and components with low environmental impact in their production, use and disposal.
• Specify timber only from certified sustainable sources.
• Adopt thermal and acoustic insulation standards that meet or exceed the Building Regulations.

Energy Efficiency features exhibited in our buildings:

• Good thermal insulation, often exceeding current regulations.
• Good floor area to external envelope ratio.
• Use of thermal mass.
• Extensive use of natural light.
• Solar shading to cut out unwanted heat gain in summer but allowing positive solar gain in the winter.
• Use of Ground Source (GSHP) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).
• Use of solar panel technology to heat hot water.
• Use of photo-voltaic technology to generate electricity.
• The use of specialist glasses to reduce glare, solar gain and improve thermal resistance.
• Intelligent controls to monitor and adjust systems for optimum energy efficiency.
• Personal control over the internal environment to allow for individual comfort conditions, which will limit end user wastage.
• Rainwater harvesting.
• SUDS

Offices procedures:

In addition to designing sustainable and energy efficient buildings we operate our own environmental policy within the office including:

• Avoidance of printing by submitting planning applications online
• Re-cycling of waste paper, cardboard and plastics
• Energy efficient building with good insulation values
• Encourage Walking, Cycling and use of public transport to work
• Use trains instead of cars to site and other meetings where practical
• Good housekeeping including turning off lights and keeping doors closed in winter, etc.