Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability is shared by everyone at AHR
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
Sustainability Approach
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
Achieving decarbonisation through retrofit
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
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.
Links
- Explore our insights in Biophilic Design
- Find out how our Retrofit Toolkit can help you
- Discover why healthy office environments will become more important than ever before
- Read more about our Retrofit Toolkit in action
- Maximising sustainability with the intelligent application of technology
- Green Roofs - Did the Teletubbies have it right?
Practice News
Continuing the conversation: Exploring pathways to achieve decarbonisation
In the second of our Achieving Decarbonisation roundtable series, we discussed retrofit and the challenges and opportunities it presents with our industry colleagues from Liverpool.
Date: 3 Oct 23
by AHR
Thought Leadership
Why we need to retrofit to achieve net zero
Retrofitting buildings is critical to decarbonisation and achieving net zero. What are the challenges, opportunities, and steps we need to take to get there?
Date: 24 May 23
by Robert Hopkins
Director, Architecture
Thought Leadership
How Passivhaus integration is revolutionising the UK's largest Passivhaus education building
This project for Fife Council brings together two secondary schools into a single building, sitting on a shared site with a new Fife College building to create a new education hub.
Date: 12 Jun 23
by Jamie Gregory
Associate Director, Architecture
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