environmental policy statement
archid is an environmentally aware practice; while the global warming issue is hotly debated, fossil fuel reserves are limited, fuel costs are rising and material resources are often limited, making it sensible on a purely pragmatic level to reduce heat loss and energy usage in the operation and construction of our built environment.
We try with every project undertaken to save energy in use and minimise its impact on the environment. We have researched and utilised various systems and technologies with the aim of minimising embodied energy, reducing energy use and where practical, use materials from local, sustainable sources. We do, however, have a pragmatic approach to the emerging ‘green’ technologies and work to our clients’ agenda rather than being overly pushy in promoting our own.
We have used various ‘active’ systems such as heat pumps and solar water heating in projects such as the Reid house. We have also explored and have a working knowledge of other technologies such as wind turbines, reed bed drainage systems and wood fired boilers. We have discovered, however, that these technologies can sometimes be difficult to ‘bolt on’ in existing situations and work best when used as part of a holistic approach and are planned in to projects at the earliest stage where the budget allows.
archid also believe strongly in ‘passive’ environmental technologies that are ‘built in’ to our designs. Balancing orientation, solar gain, thermal mass, ventilation and insulation are the basic tools for creating comfortable environments for building users. We believe that considering these basics early in the development of a project is vital and can reduce the amount of heating, electric lighting etc. required on any given job. We recently used materials such as the ‘Thermoplan block system’; an extruded breathable clay block, wood fibre, hemp/cotton and recycled newspaper insulation types to exceed mandatory U-values and our clients have found the costs acceptable when balanced against improved performance and comfort.
We are also realists when it comes to utilising environmental technology and accept that clients have differing priorities when it comes to building. There is often an opportunity to improve a projects sustainability credentials even on the most cost driven projects and we endeavour to incorporate improvements where possible.