Mission
Our mission is two-fold:
To run a net-zero business.
To ensure each and every project we are involved with has a pathway to net zero-carbon.
Net-zero business
Our business is already estimated to generate considerably fewer emissions (Scope 1-3) than average. As of 2023-2024:
Carbon intensity by employee (FTE) = 2.385 tnCO2e/person (85% lower than average)
Carbon intensity by revenue = 0.042 kgCO2e/£ (93% lower than average)
Never-the-less, we are committed to reducing this further. Following the approach outlined by the SME Climate Hub, we intend to:
Halve business-related greenhouse gas emissions before 2030.
Achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Disclose progress annually.
What does it mean to halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030?
We aim to cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2030. This amounts to reducing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions to 1,413 kgCO2e which is based on a starting point of 2,826 kgCO2e in 2019.
What does it mean to achieve net zero emissions?
Achieving net zero emissions means balancing the greenhouse gasses we are responsible for with those that are removed from the atmosphere.
Firstly, we intend to drastically cut business-related emissions, aiming for an emission reduction in Scopes 1-3 of 90% compared to 2019 figures. If 90% cannot realistically be achieved (due to an already very low baseline) then we will reduce emissions as far as practically possible.
Secondly, for the remaining unavoidable emissions (i.e. residual emissions), we will compensate by supporting projects that remove carbon dioxide permanently. These are called durable carbon removals.
Progress reporting
We're proud to report that at the year ending 2024 we are on track to meet these targets.
Scope 1 and 2 emissions are 275 kgCO2e, which is 90% lower than 2019, and already 80% lower than the 2030 target. This has primarily been achieved through installing a heat pump and switching to a used electric vehicle. We no longer use any fossil fuels.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are 2,385 kgCO2e, which is 25% lower than 2019 and ahead of the target trajectory of 315 kgCO2e by 2050.
Scope 3 emissions are the hardest to reduce since they are primarily caused by our suppliers and as such we have less control. Going forward, we hope to see our suppliers following suit, but if needed, we will consider alternative suppliers to keep things on track.
We did not undertake any carbon offsetting in the year ending 2024.
Zero carbon projects
We're working towards a goal of every project we are involved with having a pathway to zero carbon. This means that over the course of a building’s lifespan, its net emissions will be zero or less.
There are two aspects to any project that contribute to its lifetime carbon emissions, these being:
Embodied carbon, which is the carbon released into the atmosphere as a result of undertaking building, maintenance work, and demolition/deconstruction; and
Operational carbon, which is the carbon released as a result of using a building (heating, hot water, electricity, etc).
Both can be positively influenced during the architectural design process, and as such, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure this opportunity is taken.
What i am doing about operational carbon?
At present we are using operational energy as a proxy for operational carbon, since the two are closely related, and emissions generated by the electricity grid are not within the control of the project team.
For very simple projects, or projects with limited budget for fees, we rely on our experience and judgement to ensure designs incorporate reasonable energy-saving measures on an element-by-element basis, with the overall aim of reducing operational carbon as much as the constraints of the project will allow.
For larger projects, or projects seeking more ambitious targets, we will use energy modelling to accurately determine the operational energy use of the project, once complete. Where the brief calls for it, we can also use the same model to determine the energy use at intermediate stages, which is useful if a phased approach is being used for retrofit projects.
At present, we believe this approach is sensible, proportionate, and in line with good practice.
What are we doing about embodied carbon?
At present we do not calculate embodied carbon for projects, but we recognise this as an area which needs further development. That said, we do always adopt the following strategies:
Encouraging clients to think carefully about their needs in order to potentially reduce the overall scale of a project, and consequently reduce embodied carbon (and operational carbon).
Specifying materials that are known to be low in embodied carbon, such as those derived from bio-based materials (timber, wood fibre, hemp fibre). In many cases, these kinds of materials will act as a carbon store, for the lifetime of the building.
Encouraging the use of reclaimed materials where appropriate.
Specifying new materials and construction methods that can be more easily dismantled, which allows them to be reclaimed in the future, and avoid future emissions associated with demolition and sending materials to landfill.
Tools we have identified as potential candidates are:
PHPP Ribbon (which integrates with PHPP)
OneClickLCA
DesignLCA
We aim to have this in place by 2026 for all projects exceeding £300,000 (inflation adjusted), and by 2030 for all other projects.
By adopting this approach to operational and embodied carbon, our projects will have a holistic strategy for reaching zero carbon either at completion, or over the course of the coming years.