Sustainability

Holmes Miller recognise the distinct role we play in shaping the built environment and therefore the responsibility we have in responding to the climate emergency.

Considering the construction and operation of buildings account for almost 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK, coupled with the length of time it takes to procure and complete projects, in order to meet the UK government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, we require to act now.

In 2020 Holmes Miller responded by producing our first sustainability charter, laying out the philosophy, principles and working practices that would guide us going forward. Committing to the continual review of the charter, our 2023 update recognises the current climate situation by aiming to go further and faster, creating tangible targets with foreseeable deadlines in the form of our new road map.

Our commitment to sustainability will continue with further annual reviews of the charter, recognising the latest standards, developments and global climate in order to continue to deliver on a zero carbon, sustainable future.

Our Charter

Our sustainability charter is founded upon a detailed roadmap, that will guide our practice towards a zero carbon future, focussing on three key areas;

• The way we work; Assessing the impact of our working practices, studio culture, and the daily impact on the environment through the operation of our business.

• The way we create; Challenging our approach to the design and procurement of buildings, and collaborating with likeminded clients, to achieve a built environment that delivers net zero target emissions.

• The words we speak; Sharing knowledge, investing in research and development, and raising awareness as ambassadors in the advocation of change.

We are addressing each of these key areas through our assessment of Climate, Wellbeing and Resilience, to allow us to focus on the multiple challenges that are faced in creating a sustainable environment for our communities.

Each key theme is outlined within this document, with our commitment to explore, research and address each element to drive continual change through our industry and our business.

The evolution of our practice will be translated through our Business Management Systems, to bring surety and consistency in delivery, positively reinforced and promoted by our architects, designers and directors.

Climate

Collaborating with enlightened clients, designing sustainably, specifying ethically and delivering intelligently.

• Integrate Embodied Carbon assessment tool in all projects.

• Develop Sustainability Checklist as part of our Project Quality/ Environmental Plan (PQEP) project assessments, reviewed at every stage to help monitor progress and development

• Incorporation of PHPP on all projects regardless of PH target.

• Work with clients to obtain and monitor in-use energy across our projects, to allow assessment and continual reduction towards zero carbon and to inform design development to optimise building operation

Wellbeing

Designing uplifting, dynamic + inclusive settings for users and the community, focussed around the creation of spaces that enhance health + wellbeing.

• Integrate RIBA Sustainability Outcomes Guide, Plan for Use and Access Audits into each project to ensure suitable pre, and post-occupancy evaluation services that offers tailored soft-landings / RIBA 7 solutions, and ensures our buildings respond to unique project key performance indicators.

• Implement additional staff reviews and wellbeing programmes to monitor and improve staff development and wellbeing.

Resilience

Every Holmes Miller building is unique, addressing context, community + stakeholders ambitions, and delivering with passion + energy.

• Active tracking of COP outcomes and other industry events, advocating change in the built environment, and providing commentary and commenting on vital events surrounding this summit.

• Review The Living Building Challenge with a view to integrate as many targets as possible into our own targets and projects.