Environmental and Social Sustainability

We believe sustainability is about more than designing energy-efficient buildings. It is about considering the wider impact of what we do; both on the environment and on the communities we work within.

At Allan Joyce Architects, we assess sustainability through two key areas: Environmental Responsibility and Social Value. This approach helps us continually improve not only the buildings we design, but also the way we operate as a practice.

Environmental Responsibility

As architects, we have a responsibility to reduce the impact of the built environment. We also believe that responsibility extends to the way we run our own practice. We continually review our operations and look for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact, support sustainable choices and improve how we work.

Some of the ways we are making a difference include:

• Appointing a Sustainability Champion to help drive improvements across the practice
• Holding quarterly sustainability forums to share ideas and review progress
• Investing in renewable energy through photovoltaic panels on our office roof and electric vehicle charging points
• Tracking and reducing energy use through the Zellar platform and improved controls
• Moving our website to a sustainable hosting provider
• Reducing paper use through improved digital processes
• Introducing a cycle-to-work scheme, bike storage and car sharing for site visits
• Collecting rainwater for office planting and using more environmentally friendly cleaning products
• Creating a roof garden to enhance biodiversity and wellbeing
• Social Value

We believe architects have an important role in supporting the communities around us. Through our projects, partnerships and everyday activities, we aim to create positive social impact and contribute to the places where we live and work.

Our social value commitments include:

• Offering work experience opportunities for young people each year
• Providing opportunities for Part 1 and Part 2 architectural students
• Teaching at universities and supporting architectural education
• Supporting charitable organisations through regular donations
• Working with reduced fees on social projects where appropriate
• Creating an inclusive workplace, with women representing over 50% of our senior management team
• Supporting staff wellbeing through collaboration, social activities and a positive working environment
• Working with and supporting local businesses

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are continually looking for new ways to improve.

If you would like to find out more about AJA and our approach to environmentally and socially responsible design,  please get in touch.