Reducing Carbon Emissions: A Guide For Architects

The website has been updated

7 September 2011

In response to comment from our users we have updated the program and revised the case studies.

We now have over 500 registered users, many of whom have completed the Energy Audit which has allowed them to assess and reduce the carbon emissions related to their office activities.

Feedback on both the program and the advice included in the site is positive. "Since the audit we have updated our Environmental Management System, incorporating the tool as part of our ongoing auditing and improvement of environmental goals, and have achieved ISO14001 accreditation. The Environmental Management System combines both our office and project activities, providing a system for both emissions and resource reduction that staff can easily integrate with their daily activities" (Terroir).

We welcome your feedback - add a comment and are happy to publish the story of your journey in our Case Studies Section. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Introduction

Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability are some of the most pressing issues in the world today.

Architects realise that "pursuing sustainable design is not only the ethical and, in the long run, the most economical thing to do, but also the smart thing to do to make buildings look and perform better" (Roger K Lewis, Washington Post "Sustainable Design Can Save More than the Environment", Saturday March 18 2006).

But what about architects' practices - how "green" are they?  Recent research shows that most businesses want to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions but few have the appropriate information to manage the process.

Developed by the New South Wales Architects Registration Board, the guidelines provide a starting point for all small architectural firms wishing to reduce their carbon emissions.

These guidelines are the result of the real experiences and learning of the participating firms who embarked on this journey.  Users will have access to real case studies from the participants, tools, templates and other helpful information.

 

How to use this website

The NSW Architects Registration Board online audit program was developed to enable architects to explore how their practice contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The Program was created to:

  • Measure your current organisation's greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Develop strategies to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Raise awareness of energy efficiency benefits;
  • Assist in transforming your organisation into a carbon neutral operation
Get started by clicking on Step-by-Step Guidelines...
  1. Getting started
  2. Undertake energy audit
  3. Develop an action plan
  4. Review action plan

To use the free online Energy Audit program, you must first register and create an account on this website.