SUSTAINABILITY
scroll down
Sustainability

We believe that biosphere and civilisation can indeed coexist, but only with an integrated approach in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony. That approach will consequently enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations.

Sustain

The intention is to "eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skilful, sensitive design"

Our environmental engineers work alongside the architects and structural engineers to develop fully integrated sustainable solutions.

Low-impact materials
Energy efficiency

Choosing non-toxic, sustainably produced or recycled materials which require little energy to process

Using manufacturing processes and produce products which require less energy

Emotionally durable design
Design for reuse and recycling

Reducing consumption and waste of resources by increasing the durability of relationships between people and products, through design

Products, processes, and systems should be designed for performance in a commercial 'afterlife'

It may be worth quoting the full list of 'The Bill of Rights' known as:

HANNOVER PRINCIPLES

nature1600

1

Insist on the right of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse, and sustainable conditions.

2

Recognise Interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend on the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognizing even distant effects.

3

Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement including community, dwelling, industry, and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual and material consciousness.

4

Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability of natural systems, and their right to co-exist.

5

Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creations of products, processes, or standards.

6

Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems in which there is no waste.

7

Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporating this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.

8

Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever, and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practise humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and mentor, not an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.

9

Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human activity.