Buildings and the built environment play a major role in both the natural environment and our quality of life. Social and environmental sustainability is at the core of all our designs and we are committed to continuous improvement in environmental performance in all of our projects.
At H+H Architects we recognise our responsibility to the environment, and our community, and have made the below commitments within our practice.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND THE COMMUNITY
H+H Architects is committed to sustainable design principles and have an extensive working knowledge of all aspects of passive solar design and product specification to achieve designs which are environmentally responsible. We have the ability to work within the aesthetic preferences of all our clients, whilst also offering new interpretations and creative ideas to achieve the best possible design outcome. We integrate our own sustainable design principles into all projects, with a focus on designs that are durable, built to last, low maintenance, practical, use locally sourced materials and skills as well incorporate ‘green technology’ where appropriate. Locally, we are often asked to present seminars and workshops on all aspects of sustainable design, and our projects have been featured in relevant industry magazines including ‘Sanctuary’, ‘Renew’ and ‘Fire Australia’ magazine. We are financial members of the Alternative Technology Association of Australia (ATA), and are committed to a sustainable design future. We have recently been involved in presenting a range of online webinars focused on sustainability and bushfire resilience, with a national audience. Our commitment to sustainable design has recently been recognised with our appointment as architects for the Kyloring Aged Care Co-Op Housing project in Witchcliffe, which will deliver 25 residences that achieve negative carbon status.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS
• Build to last
• Source local, recycled or sustainable materials
• Choose no or low VOC products
• Design energy efficient heating and cooling
• Select energy efficient hot water systems
• Consider alternative construction methods
• Maximise natural lighting
• Install rainwater tanks for water use in winter
• Recycle greywater for subsoil irrigation or toilets
• Consider a grid connected PV system
• Technology / appliances that reduce energy use
• Project Management
• Construction Management
OUR SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN (SAP)
We are working on an H+H Architects Sustainability Action Plan that will empower us to champion healthier building practices for our business and the communities we care about. We have identified our sustainability values and aspirations to create a set of goals to work towards to reduce our impact on the environment, and respond to our changing climate.
A Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) is a structured strategy developed by our H+H SAP leadership team, aimed at championing environmental, social and economic wellbeing. It is aligned with our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (https://sdgs.un.org/goals) and the principles of Australian Architects Declare, placing them at the very heart of our mission to fortify our operational framework and positively impact the world around us.
To achieve these goals, our SAP will outline actionable strategies, timelines, measurable metrics, resource allocation, education, monitoring and most importantly, our commitment to continually learn, adapt and improve our practices. We believe these plans are crucial for achieving sustainability objectives.
OUR CARBON OFFSET COMMITTMENT
H+H Architects are a certified carbon neutral practice. We undertake annual detailed assessments of our carbon footprint, and are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, and have fully offset all our current emissions within the business. We have achieved this by purchasing carbon offset units that equate to 915 trees being planted in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor every year. We recognise that climate change is the biggest crisis facing our communities, our country and our planet and that urgent action is required.
https://carbonneutral.com.au/product/biodiverse-reforestation-carbon-offsets/
OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP)
H+H undertake many regional projects and a vast majority have direct links with Aboriginal people and their culture. Developing and implementing a RAP is an opportunity to formalise our commitment to reconciliation, show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultural knowledge and country.
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. H+H will positively impact the lives of First Nations people in regional WA by:
