ARCHITECTS

Since the 1980s there has been a growing realisation that the current model of development is unsustainable. In other words, we are living beyond our means. Our way of life is placing an increasing burden on the planet. 

The increasing stress we put on resources and environmental systems such as water, land and air cannot go on forever. A widely-used and accepted international definition of sustainable development is: 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Globally we are not even meeting the needs of the present let alone considering the needs of the future.

We need to make real progress towards reconciling these contradictions or we face a future that is less certain and less secure. We all need to make different choices if we are to achieve the vision of sustainable development. This is particularly true for our everyday actions in and around the home.

As designers, we have to look at the three main areas of sustainability in the built environment: energy, water and recycling of waste. For all our projects, we carry out a sustainability checklist, and make recommendations to the client with the various options available for their particular site. Economic pressures often dictate the client’s choice; however, we believe that as designers and architects we are in a unique position to influence the future of the built environment. Whether at school, in the home or at work, we all have a part to play. Our small everyday actions add up to make a big difference.