In the past five years, the integration of circular economy principles and consideration of the whole life cycle carbon footprint have become critical aspects of modern building design, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness in the construction industry.
What is a Green Economy?
Doughnut economics, a concept pioneered by economist Kate Raworth, proposes that our economy should be a regenerative and distributive economic model that strives to ensure humanity's well-being while staying within the ecological boundaries of the planet, fostering a balance between social needs and environmental sustainability.
Circular Economy
A circular economy involves transforming traditional linear practices into a more sustainable and resource-efficient model. This approach integrates principles such as designing for disassembly, incorporating recycled and reclaimed materials, promoting adaptive reuse of existing structures, and prioritising longevity and durability. By minimising waste during construction, optimising material usage, and emphasising life cycle assessments, the built environment can contribute to a circular economy.
Whole Life-Cycle Carbon
This approach involves considering not only the operational carbon associated with energy use during a building's lifespan but also the embodied carbon tied to the production and transportation of construction materials. By accounting for the entire life cycle, from material extraction to end-of-life considerations, architects and builders can make informed decisions to minimise the carbon footprint of structures.
Zero Waste Services
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We assist clients in integrating circular economy principles into their designs for both planning applications and bespoke projects. We provide workshops, conduct research, and connect them with key stakeholders to improve waste reduction, meet key reuse and recycling targets, and deliver the necessary reports to support their planning application or competition work
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We carry out comprehensive Whole Life-Cycle Assessments to measure and reduce carbon emissions across all stages of a building's life span, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
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We quantify the carbon footprint of materials used in construction and design, offering strategies to reduce embodied carbon through sustainable material specification and circular design practices.
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We guide businesses in transitioning to a green economy by adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency to achieve economic growth while minimising environmental impact.
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We work with design teams and contractors to achieve sustainable fit-outs, improving energy efficiency and prioritising low-impact and circular material specifications.