Caring for the environment is a very important topic, especially at a time when we are seeing so many disturbances. But, the built environment is essential to our way of life. It provides housing, workplaces, leisure spaces, transport links, and many other amenities. So, how can we achieve this while also protecting the environment? There are lots of potential options here. Many of them are mentioned in the new Built for the Environment report. As a top architect London clients can rely on, there are several points we want to note here.

Building energy codes

Countries around the world have commitments to reducing their emissions. However, only a small number of them include building energy codes in this. That means that the countries are missing an opportunity to promote better planning, design, and decarbonisation. Instead many of them focus on offsetting, a process which can be ineffective because it is not tackling the source of the problem. It would be better to focus on the building codes and regulations.

Make the goals fair

Some of the environmental targets that Governments choose are not as good as they could be. For example they may not be fair or fail to follow environmental science. There can also be issues with reporting some greenhouse gas emissions. A better option would be to ensure the goals are fair, achievable, embrace the science, and report GHGs on a consumption basis, noting all sources.

Think absolute

One important change is to shift the thinking to absolute emissions. Lots of plans focus on reducing them per square metre of building or even per person. However, that may miss the objective by avoiding problems with the largest producers of GHGs. It would be better to think about the absolutes, focusing on countries or cities as a whole.

Sharing information

A lack of information is also a barrier to innovation and making decisions that will benefit the environment. Therefore it would be much better if info was available to all parties. This could help developers, architects, builders, suppliers, and Governments to address problems and move in the right direction.

Adapting approaches

Another thing that would be really useful is a change in outlook from operators in the built environment. They should be looking at things like retrofitting to make existing buildings greener. Plus a change in the idea of design and the beauty of architecture would help. It would promote better buildings with more social value.

Talk to a top architect in London

The idea of building for the environment might be strange to many people. But it is a really great outlook to have. It is something we focus on at Coffey Architects. We want each building to look great and provide as much value as possible. At the same time, we want to ensure it is not harmful to the environment.

So, if you want to talk about anything with a top architect, London has few companies on our wavelength. You can contact us to share ideas and for support with any kind of project.