Skip to main content
AHR-University-Impact-Architecture-Exterior3-Wales

Sustainability

We are committed to promoting sustainability throughout our projects and working practices. By delivering places and spaces that are unique, healthy, and inspiring additions to the built environment, we aim to leave the world better than we found it.

Driven by our dedicated sustainability group along with champions from each of our offices, the talented individuals across our practice, work together to place us at the forefront of sustainability and deliver inventive solutions that benefit all. Collaborating to find innovative ways to achieve the targets we set, continually questioning what we have learnt, and sharing this knowledge among one another – as well as with the wider industry.

Included as part of our commitment to sustainability, is a focus on social value. We believe these two go hand in hand – because the future health, wellbeing, and prosperity of people are intrinsically linked to the quality of the places and environment they inhabit. We have put in place three objectives that guide our actions in this area.

At AHR, we focus on creating spaces that enhance the lives and wellbeing of people, and I am proud to champion this.

The way we live is evolving and at AHR we work to shape environments that support this. Sustainability is evident not only in my working practice but also in my everyday life. As a mentor to many, I thrive on making a difference, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm - not only within the practice - but at conferences and also contributing to technical papers.”

Robert Hopkins

Head of Sustainability
AHR-RobertHopkins-Avatar.jpg
3 pillars of sustainability diagram
Environmental pillar
Economic pillar
Social pillar

Sustainability Approach

Sustainability has long been central to the ethos of our practice. Often used as a byword for responding to environmental issues alone, our approach runs deeper.

Focusing on three connected pillars, that together will work to improve the lives of individuals and communities, support long-term economic efficiency, and address the climate crisis to protect our planet for future generations.

Environmental sustainability
We are committed to minimising the footprint of our projects, by applying innovative design practices that promote a Net Zero Carbon future. In support of industry-wide change, we use science-based targets and recognised methods of measurement to demonstrate compliance, surpass sustainability standards, and drive innovation in this area.

Economic sustainability

We focus on delivering long-term, future proof solutions. By taking into consideration reuse, whole life costing, energy efficiency, and waste elimination, we shape places and spaces that will remain effective, efficient, and desirable for generations to come. Wherever possible, we support local economies by prioritising the use of local materials, businesses, and supply chains.

Social sustainability

We provide a platform from which everyone involved in our projects can be heard. By engaging directly with local communities, as well as the people who work with and for us, we can fully understand their needs and expectations. Helping us to shape environments that promote inclusivity, improve wellbeing, and enhance long-term prospects – creating greater social value.

Achieving Net Zero Carbon

We believe a more sustainable future starts with us. That’s why we’ve put in place a carbon reduction plan that will see AHR become Carbon Neutral by 2030. We are on track to achieve this goal, and from there will navigate our way to Net Zero by 2050.

Implementing this programme in our own business has provided invaluable first-hand experience to be transferred across our projects. Informing the development of our Zero Carbon Today Methodology and Retrofit Toolkit – an achievable, design led solution to reaching Net Zero Carbon across new-build and refurbishment projects, now. Underpinned by data, the methodology has been thoroughly tested through real-world models.

A collective effort

We believe there needs to be a collective industry effort to deliver sustainable places – to drive change at more notable pace and scale, as well as shape wider positive impact on society and the environment.

As we monitor, measure, and react to our impact on sustainability project by project, we not only use this information to inspire our own future work – but share what we have learnt. We are proud members of the UK Green Building Council, working together with likeminded peers to catalyse significant change and reach our common sustainability goals.

We also champion industry initiatives that align with our ethos, and have added our support to two key manifestos: RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and Architects Declare.

Innovation in practice

As well as identifying opportunities to reduce negative effects, we invest in innovative technologies, tools, materials, and design – as well as providing space for debate and collaboration with communities and colleagues.

Backed by robust and carefully planned strategies, we are continually moving towards a future where buildings take on a more restorative, regenerative, and self-sustaining role. Strategies currently informing our work include, reducing energy consumption, managing usage, the re-use of existing environments, re-greening of towns and cities, promoting sustainable travel, and optimising temperature control.

Our retrofit toolkit

In the UK, 80% of buildings which will contribute to the UK Net Zero Carbon target for 2050 already exist. Many face a real challenge to meet this requirement and are at risk of having stranded or toxic assets. We have developed a data driven decision making toolkit – The Retrofit Toolkit to decarbonisation, which will help you to review your assets in an informed and strategic way.

Using this tool, we can help you make informed decisions as part of your estates strategy. It will identify where you can lower your energy costs, reduce maintenance costs and your carbon footprint and create more resilient assets.

Making a positive impact on the future

Promoting sustainability throughout our projects

AHR-University-Impact-Architecture-Exterior3-Wales
AHR-Office-TheSpine-Architecture-Interior12-Liverpool
AHR-MixedUse-Greenwood-Architecture-Exterior4-London
AHR-Office-KeynshamCivic-Architecture-Interior3-Bristol
AHR-Office-UKHO-Architecture-Interior11-Bristol
AHR-Community-PlacesLeisureEastleigh-Architecture-Exterior2-Bristol
AHR-Office-Hemisphere-Architecture-Interior1-Liverpool
AHR-University-Healthandwellbeing-Architecture-Exterior3-Huddersfield
AHR-School-WoodmillStColumbas-Architecture-Exterior5-Glasgow
AHR-Residential-ThePheasantry-Exterior8-London

Swansea University, IMPACT Building

Cutting-edge solar thermal technology within the facade heats the mechanically ventilated workshop with zero energy use, plus a 5,500 plant living wall and 240 PV solar panels.

Can social value help the UK ‘Build Back Better’ in a post-Covid world?

The Spine

Designed to WELL Platinum standards, with biophilic interventions throughout, it is on track to be one of the healthiest workplaces for mental health and physical wellbeing in the world.

View full case study

Greenwood Centre

Integration of biodiversity through a rooftop garden and courtyard, plus integrated photovoltaics within the glazing of the atrium are just some of the strategies in place.

View full case study

Keynsham Civic Centre

First project in the country to target a DEC A rating by following BSRIA soft landings, achieving an outstanding EPC rating of 5 and almost zero carbon.

View full case study

UK Hydrographic Office

Impressive levels of passive design features, including natural ventilation and the maximisation of daylight were central in creating the highly sustainable, low energy operation.

View full case study

Places Leisure Eastleigh

This striking, BREEAM Excellent rated leisure centre underpins Eastleigh Borough Council’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, healthy borough.

View full case study

Hemisphere

Liverpool's first net-zero carbon building, surrounding by new areas of biophilia inspired green, public realm.

See more about the project

Daphne Steele Building

Forming part of the new national health and research innovation campus, the development is designed with people's wellbeing at the heart.

See more about the project

Replacement Woodmill and St Columba's High Schools

Combining an inspiring exceptional learning environment with a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious design approach, the new educational hub is set to be the largest Passivhaus education building in the UK.

See more about the project

The Pheasantry

This highly environmentally conscious development, consists of 26, 100% affordable family homes, all of which meet the Passivhaus standard.

See more about the project

Recognised accreditations

As specialists in delivering healthy and sustainable buildings, we have expertise across several recognised accreditations including, BREEAM, LEED, WELL, NABERS, BRE and DEC. We work with clients to determine where these may be applied appropriately – and whether full accreditation or principles only are required – on a project-by-project basis.

As Passivhaus Trust patron members we are proud to have delivered award-winning Passivhaus projects and have in-house Passivhaus certified designers across all our UK offices. This expertise feeds into the technical design of all our projects – regardless of aspirations for formal certification.

We can help your project make a positive impact

Our team of experts are ready to take on any challenge - no matter how big, small, or complex. If you've got a project you'd like to discuss, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

For regular insights, news and project updates.

Subscribe