Through thoughtful design, we maximise what’s already there to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint.

Climate change and corporate social responsibility are the two most urgent global issues. International governments, regulatory bodies and the public have recognised the necessity to act and the market demands ever higher levels of environmentally and socially sustainable development.

We are aware that buildings and their construction together account for 36 percent of global energy use and 39 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually. 

Since most building-related carbon emissions come from energy use, the first and easiest step in addressing emissions is reducing consumption through energy efficient design. A sustainable building could be a brand-new structure or an existing one retrofitted with new mechanical systems, heating, cooling, and lighting. In its most basic form, sustainability in design may involve passive measures such as building orientation, form and using building mass to control temperature rises. 

RIBA has published a guide to help embed sustainable outcomes into practice:

“As architects, we are guardians of the built environment. Thanks to our education and continuing professional development, we are equipped with the tools to combine strategic ideas with performance and regulation, choice of material, construction and technology – from initiation to occupancy and use. The time for warm words is over. I urge all members to use the guide as a matter of urgency.”