We view sustainability as an opportunity, not an obligation. Through clever, creative design, we always seek to reduce the environmental impact of projects – but it doesn’t end there. The most powerful way for us to make a difference is to design structures that last longer, are more adaptable, are less susceptible to damage, and ultimately provide better environments for the people that use them. When we sit down at project meetings, we’re always looking for ways to:

• Support and influence architects, clients and other partners to consider and pursue more sustainable avenues

• Design for longevity and adaptability, so that buildings last longer and can be easily and effectively re-purposed as needs change

• Design for reduced damage over time to preserve embodied energy, and to reduce the environmental, economic and social cost of remedial work

• Promote efficient use of materials, including using recycled materials where feasible

• Maximise the use of natural elements, including light and thermal flow, to design structures that minimise energy use and wastage

• Create healthy, functional structures for people to live, work and play.

Sustainability isn’t a box-ticking exercise: it’s an engineer’s opportunity to make a difference. We’ve got Green Star accredited people on board, but our commitment doesn’t start and stop with those individuals. As a team, we aim to bring sustainability-led thinking to each and every Holmes Consulting project.

SUSTAINABILITY & THE ENVIRONMENT

While we’re focused on making positive social, environmental and economic contributions through our designs, we’re also committed to reducing our direct environmental impact as a business:

• We’re fully CEMARS certified, with a 5-year plan to reduce our carbon emissions year-on-year

• We’ve invested in our own Holmes Consulting Green Team, tasked with promoting and monitoring sustainability and emissions reduction across all of our projects, offices, and sites

• We’re active members of the Green Building Council, contributing time and resources to their initiatives and activities

• We’re proud participants in environmental projects, like the design and construction of the Welcome Shelter at the Longbush Sanctuary near Gisborne, where we offer our skills and time free of charge.