Sustainability Action Plan

We have prepared this Action Plan as part of our ongoing commitment to:

“ Making a positive impact on the Built Environment “.

We acknowledge as Architects that we have an ethical responsibility to reduce our impact and educate our clients in the process as we acknowledge the Climate Emergency we face globally.

This plan aligns with the NSW Government’s State of the Environment 2021 Plan Net Zero Plan Stage 1 : 2020-2030

The NSW Government has an objective to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions on 2005 levels by 2030.

NSW Greenhouse gas emissions in 2018-2019 were 16.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita.

Car use (34%)
Water Heating ( 16% )
Electricity / other ( 50% )

Electric Vehicle strategy
Waste and Sustainable materials strategy - Transition to a Circular Economy

Carbon Neutral Business

Previously a Carbon Neutral Business with Carbon offsets purchased through the company South Pole, we have decided to reduce our impact significantly and will Self Certify through the company

No Co2 >

Our Process

Site Analysis

Understand the underlying Site conditions to reduce cut and fill
Engage with First Nations consultants to understand Connection to Country considerations.

Understand and Map Solar orientation, breezes, existing bio-diversity and natural water courses.

Retain existing vegetation where possible.

Concept Design

Layout to consider reuse of existing structures
Layout to maximise Passive Solar Design - North Orientation

Layout to maximise Natural Ventilation

Layout to enable Structure that minimises cut and fill

Layout to consider Biophilia impacts

Design Development

Consider structure and materials to minimise embodied energy ( without compromising thermal mass for energy efficiency )
Consider recycled materials
Consider recyclability / re-use of materials / end of life

Consider durability / trade off for higher embodied energy
Consider the de-materialisation of materials - expose / express structure. Consider how the design can regenerate the land

Consider Life Cycle Analysis by measuring Embodied Carbon and consider Low Carbon alternatives vs Cost and Durability, Chain of Custody and Transport Costs

Complete NATHERS / BASIX to achieve the highest rating possible

Ensure that any active heating and cooling is all Electric and Carbon positive through the inclusion of Rooftop Solar and Battery storage
Use Heat Pumps with Solar Hot Water
Allow for EV charging

Construction

Ensure the building is constructed to be air tight with designs for condensation management

Ensure the builder is recycling materials

Ensure the builder is not swapping out materials for less sustainable alternatives.

Ensure Post Occupancy evaluation is measured at the one year post occupation mark

Collaboration

Continue to collaborate with Industry Leaders to solve the problems together with a Systems based approach.

Continue to listen, learn and share knowledge openly.