Sustainability
Our highly skilled team believe that we have a social responsibility to improve our environment and enhance the landscape of our island. We are committed to design and deliver buildings that minimise energy use and optimise performance, but also promote the health and wellbeing of the users.
The DLM Sustainability Workflow
'No new unsustainable buildings should be built after 2030 if we want to achieve targets' - RIBA
At DLM we are acutely aware of the responsibility we have as an Architectural practice in protecting the environment and know that we must continue to do more to create change.
The following 8 sections are based on the RIBA's 8 'Sustainable Outcomes' which we are integrating into our design processes. The fundamental aim of the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes is to distill the complexity of sustainable architectural design into a set of measurable and manageable outcomes to be used on projects of all scales.
These outcomes have been extracted from the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The sections below broadly define the relevance of each outcome and provide examples of best practice within our work, whilst highlighting areas where we are continuing to improve.
'The ultimate goal is net zero carbon for the whole UK building stock by 2050' - RIBA
Overview
RIBA CLIMATE CHALLENGE
In July 2021, we recruited Matthew Fox to aid us in looking at our systems and processes to see where we could improve and look at how we could provide our clients with the information they need to make sustainable choices. The construction industry as a whole is responsible for almost 40%* of all man-made carbon dioxide emissions globally and extensive changes are required across the industry to reach international sustainability goals.
As a practice we have signed up to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, to demonstrate the seriousness of our commitment to address the above. By committing to this challenge, we aim to reduce the operational energy needs; the demand on water usage and the embodied energy of our designs. Additionally, to address wider sustainability issues, we are embedding the 8 ‘Sustainable Outcomes’ outlined by the RIBA** within all aspects of our design process, to ensure a structured conversation between clients and the design team is started early within projects and carried through to completion and beyond.
Sources:
*2020 UN Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction – 28% of CO2 from operational emissions of heating, cooling and lighting and 11% from embodied emissions associated with materials and construction process.
**RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide, 2019.
Net Zero
Operational Carbon
'Target less than 35 kWh/m2/year by 2030 in residential buildings' - RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge
40% of global carbon emissions come from powering our buildings and cities. The RIBA state there are four key steps to reducing operational energy: 1) Passive first principles such as building form and orientation - to reduce the need for costly mechanical systems. 2) Fine-tune internal environments with gentle and efficient engineering. 3) Incorporate on-site renewables to minimise energy purchases and carbon emissions. 4) Make the building and its systems intuitive and manageable to ensure it is run efficiently.
SITE ANALYSIS
Having an intimate understanding of an existing site ensures a building’s design operates efficiently and in unison with the local environment - addressing the building’s massing and form; orientation to sun paths and prevailing winds; and future adaptability to changing climates and more extreme weather patterns. Diagramming and 3D modelling are integral for this process.
PASSIVE BUILDING DESIGN
We aim to design buildings that require minimal energy to operate, to reduce the need for mechanical cooling, heating, ventilation, and lighting. This is not only better for the environment, but will also provides cost savings to the client. Solar shading is one efficient example that we use to reduce unwanted heat gains within a building, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
On Guernsey, where possible, we aim to connect homes to mains electricity so that they can benefit from Guernsey Electricity's 100% renewable electricity imports from France via its GJ1 cable.
In suitable locations, homes can be fitted with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels and heat pumps to supplement their energy supply. This can provide energy direct from the site, reducing the reliance on any fossil fuel usage.
It is important to consider that this energy still has a cost to the environment, in the production, transport and operation of these technologies. Therefore reducing the energy needs of a building must be considered first.
Net Zero
Embodied Carbon
'50-70% reduction in embodied energy by 2030, before carbon offsetting' - RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge
Embodied carbon emissions can often represent more than 50-70% of the lifetime emissions of a new building.
[A] BUILDING RE-USE
Not only do existing buildings provide an exciting opportunity to create unique, characterful spaces, but they also contain a wealth of embodied energy in their built fabric. We aim to prioritise the retention, reuse and repurposing of existing buildings where possible, before considering new build constructions.
[B] LOW EMBODIED CARBON MATERIALS
'Embodied carbon emissions can often represent more than 50-70% of the lifetime emissions of a new building, even in exceptionally low carbon projects,' - RIBA. We aim to select ethically and responsibly sourced materials, whilst prioritising local renewable and recycled materials where available - reducing extraction and transport emissions.
[C] EFFICIENT DESIGN
Creating buildings that are efficient in their size and construction allows us to limit unnecessary wastage of materials whilst reducing the size of spaces that need to be heated - creating both energy and cost savings.
[D] – ROBUST DETAILING
Well-considered and robust detailing is required to allow passive building designs to function as intended well into the future, reducing the need for future replacements and alterations. This can also allow redundant buildings to be easily disassembled in the future and their materials re-used within the construction industry.
Sustainable
Water Cycle
'Target less than 75 litres/person/day (domestic)' - RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge
The current UK average is around twice this amount. We aim to help reduce potable water use and to be more resilient to future extreme weather events, as periods of drought and heavy rainfall are predicted to become more common and more intense.
[A] LOW FLOW FITTINGS
We can achieve water savings by using plumbing fixtures that have a lower flow rate or flush volume of water. Low-flow fixtures can reduce water usage by over 50% compared to standard fixtures, saving money on your water bills whilst preventing water wastage.
[B] WATER MONITORING METERS
Smart water monitoring meters can be added to the mains water supply of buildings to keep track of real time consumption and to detect leaks. The meters can detect unusual water flow that is outside of your typical day-to-day usage and can automatically stop the supply, also preventing potential water damage to buildings.
[C] RAINWATER RECYCLING
We can minimise mains water demand by harvesting rainwater for use in gardens or in toilets. A water butt can be a simple solution to save water for garden use. This can also help to prevent localised flooding as rainwater is diverted from overloaded drainage systems during periods of heavy rainfall.
[D] SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE
An increase in impermeable surfaces within developments has led to areas prone to flooding, as rainwater quickly reaches overloaded existing drainage systems. Sustainable drainage systems can allow rainwater to slowly percolate to the natural water table, rather than being channeled directly down a typical drain which can quickly reach capacity and overflow.
Sustainable drainage systems can also support natural aquatic habitats and create new community amenities. Green roofs can also be used in a similar way as they soak up water during rainfall and slowly release the water through evaporation and plant use.
[E] GREY WATER RECYCLING
Water from laundry machines, bathroom sinks, showers, baths and dishwashers can be recycled and re-used in toilets, washing machines and garden taps.
Sustainable Connectivity
& Transport
'Net zero carbon emissions per person per day by 2050' - RIBA
This currently accounts for a quarter of total UK emissions, the second highest after construction emissions. Focus should be on reducing the need for local travel and its duration by promoting alternative transport, together with a mixed-use sustainable development approach.
[A] DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY
Reducing unnecessary travel is one of the most efficient ways to reduce travel related emissions. The ability to work from home is becoming increasingly common and providing spaces at home, with sufficient digital connectivity, can reduce the need to commute to work. This also provides flexibility for workers and can allow people to start businesses up from home with fewer overheads.
[B] CYCLE FACILITIES
By making cycling a positive experience for users we can encourage the movement of people using non-polluting forms of transport, reducing the reliance on forms of travel with the highest environmental impacts. An increase in active travel can also have many direct health benefits that daily exercise provides and can lead to the development of more pleasant urban environments.
[C] ELECTRIC CAR INFRASTRUCTURE
Provisions for electric car charging can be made to reduce reliance on combustion vehicles, reducing local ground level ozone pollutants and contributing to a global shift to renewable energy transportation.
Sustainable
Land-Use & Ecology
'To achieve net positive species impact' - RIBA
Construction works often place an immense pressure on sensitive landscapes. Guernsey can be seen as a microcosm of the current global crisis where constant pressure is being placed on habitats and wildlife, leading to a rapid decline in species diversity. Considered construction works have the potential to be part of the solution by re-integrating wildlife into developments - providing pocket habitats and important green corridors between protected sites.
[A] CREATE GREEN SPACES
We can maximise the surface area of greening on site by creating a range of species diverse spaces, including using green roofs and walls. We are continuing to develop green walls systems that incorporate native species to support local wildlife.
[B] PRIORITSE BROWNFIELD SITES
By prioritising building and site re-use we can reduce pressure on local green spaces, aiming to leave sites in better regenerative ecological condition than before development, whilst encouraging clients to create habitats that enhance biodiversity.
[C] SUPPORT NATURE EDUCATION
An important aspect of Guernsey’s 2020 Strategy for Nature is to ensure that we connect the island community with our natural landscapes and wildlife, so that we can have a shared understanding of why they are important to us all. We aim to continue to support local community projects that connect the community with nature, to ensure that care is taken to protect it and allow it to flourish.
Good Health
& Well-Being
The design of our built environment has profound affects on our health and well-being. A well designed environment can improve people's physical and mental well-being - in-turn improving their quality of life. Natural ventilation and lighting; noise control; natural materials and colours all play a role in creating a healthy environment.
[A] STRONG VISUAL CONNECTION TO OUTSIDE
Providing views outside to natural landscapes and access to sufficient day-lighting has been proven to increase occupant health and well-being. A building doesn't have to have expansive views of a coastline or over fields for this to be successful. Views into a tranquil internal courtyard with planting can still have the same affect.
[B] DESIGN SPACES THAT ARE INCLUSIVE
We aim to design spaces that are universally accessible, safe and secure to use. Lifetime home design can address the requirements of disabled residents or support the changing needs of ageing occupants. By utilising level access, lifts, clear entrances, sight-lines and good way-finding, we're able to create environments that are easy to navigate and inclusive to all.
[C] INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLANTING
In combination with the use of natural materials, patterns, shapes and colours, access to both indoor and outdoor planted spaces can have significant physical and mental benefits to occupants.
Sustainable
Communities
& Social Value
This outcome aims to measure the social impact of a development on the end user and the wider general public. High quality design can enhance individual well-being and community identity. Creating mixed-use developments with external social spaces can also provide important places for interaction.
[A] EXPRESS LOCAL IDENTITY & TERRITORY
Design that is contemporary yet familiar - using local precedents, scales, materials and forms. Building upon vernacular styles with a contemporary edge can provide an important continuation of a local distinctiveness and contribute to a shared identity, giving people a sense of place and community. It can be important to consider that even some currently unlisted buildings have architectural merit as styles and tastes change over time.
[B] INCLUSIVE SPACES FOR COMMUNITY INTERACTION
Community and mixed-use projects should contribute to a socially cohesive public realm that is accessible to all, providing vibrant places for social interaction. Public squares; pockets of public space and accessible furniture can all contribute to this.
Sustainable Life
Cycle Cost
There is plentiful evidence of the economic benefit of low carbon and healthy buildings. The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge aims to assess whether energy and potable water use targets are being reached in completed projects, by encouraging clients to disclose in-use performance data.
[A] MEASURE OVERALL RUNNING COSTS
This can allow the operational running costs of a building to be compared to the return-on-investment value created by the project in its performance, longevity, disaster resilience and ultimately its sustainability.
[B] MEASURE ENERGY COSTS
Energy costs can be used to assess the success of a building’s design, detailing and construction - for informing the design of future projects, and to check that energy-use targets are being met. We are aiming to remain connected with clients and projects after competition to ensure the success of the design intent.
