Sustainability

GOALS

 

Smith Caradoc-Hodgkins Architects are an environmentally responsible practice. We balance the needs and demands of our clients with those of a site and keep within the limits of the capacity of the environment to fulfil these needs. We want our buildings to grow out of their context and enhance the environment and communities that surround them.

 

As a practice we prioritise:

 

  • Collaboration with clients
  • Commitment to a green agenda
  • Encouragement of clients and design team to test designs on environmental credentials and assessment procedures

 

DESIGN ASSESSMENT

 

In each project, we consider:

 

Preservation of the natural and built environment

 

  • Solar orientation
  • Energy efficiency
  • Access to public transport
  • Use of low-embodied energy materials
  • Reduction of ozone depleting chemicals and toxins
  • Water management systems
  • Recycling buildings, re-using resources where possible
  • Resource efficiency-minimizing use of non-renewable resources and encouraging use of natural, recycled and renewable materials including harvested timbers
  • Pollution prevention

 

We design high quality, long life structures achieving maximum efficiency through careful design and construction methods

 

We are currently seeking accreditation under ‘green business’ practice ISO 14001:2004

 

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

 

Within the office we encourage a culture of environmental excellence and the development of sustainable practices. As a practice we:

 

  • Promote the careful design of the building and its components to reduce energy consumption and running costs
  • Encourage tight control of the construction process for minimal environmental impact
  • Use natural ventilation and air supply, whenever possible
  • Understand the life of the building and its future uses 
  • Encourage clients and consultants to review a building and look at everyday running of the building for future information
  • Use passive solar energy, whenever possible
  • Incorporate building water retention whenever possible.
  • Incorporate conservation/sustainability techniques and technologies whenever possible 
  • Collaborate with the best environmental engineers to maintain our commitment to sustainable design
  • Commit a large proportion of our Continuing Professional Development programme to environmental issues

 

DELIVERY & FEEDBACK

 

We provide:

 

  • Whole Life Costings
  • Energy Consumption Calculations
  • Internal Workstage Reviews
  • Post Occupancy Feedback
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