Environmental policy

Gilling Dod Architects is an Architecture Practice registered under the Chartered Practice Scheme of the Royal Institute of British Architects and has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on BS EN ISO 14001:2015.

The system supports the Practice’s Business Plan, strategy and aspirations and will assist the Practice to deliver professional services of the highest standards.

It is the policy of the Practice to “Behave in a socially responsible manner concerning the impact of its offices and its work upon the natural environment, the existing built environment and the public at large”. Prior to commencing work on any project the Directors will ascertain any specific environmental standards to be applied to the project by the Client. The Practice has developed an Environmental Management System in compliance with ISO 14001: 2015 to satisfy the requirements of this Environmental Policy Statement.

For our design activities, the Practice will:

• Design to reduce energy consumption of buildings in operation and utilise appropriate control and management systems. Consider on site reusable energy systems.
• Design to reduce vehicle movements and optimise usage of public transport systems. Design features to encourage cycle usage and walking.
• Design to utilise materials with low embodied energy and to minimise waste and pollution. Consider deconstruction, re-cycling and promote brownfield sites.
• Design to reduce usage of treated water and consider rainwater/grey water/black water re-cycling.
• Design to minimise the effect of development on flora and all forms of wildlife and maintain their habitat, including protection of ground water and natural water courses.
• Design to provide a healthy internal environment with suitable ventilation, fresh air, daylight, user friendly controls and low noise levels.

The Practice has incorporated environmental requirements and guidance within its Quality Management System in order to comply with the above objectives.

For our workplace/business activities, the Practice will:

• Maintain environmental awareness amongst our staff, provide suitable environmental training, and encourage them to work in a responsible and an environmentally friendly manner.
• Where possible reduce waste through re-use and recycling of equipment and products.
• Ensure responsible disposal of remaining waste.
• Promote efficient use of energy, materials, resources, equipment and products, particularly those which are non-renewable.
• Ensure compliance with or improvement upon relevant environmental legislation requirements.
• Consider energy efficiency when purchasing new equipment and purchase and use environmentally friendly products accordingly.
• Avoid use of hazardous materials and products, and take all responsible care when such materials must be used, stored and disposed of and take a proactive approach in seeking methods that prevent unnecessary pollution.
• Aim to continually improve environmental performance and minimise any associated impact by maintaining an Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register.
• Where required develop and maintain appropriate emergency response procedures.

General responsibilities:

• The Environmental Management Director (Tom Gilbert-Rule) is ultimately responsible for environmental issues but co-ordination/operation within the Practice is delegated to the Environmental Managers (Adam Richardson & Aimie Griffiths).
• All members of staff are required to follow the requirements and guidance of this Policy. External specialist advice will be sought by the Practice in respect of any matter where adequate in-house expertise is not available

Directors responsibilities:

• Prepare the Environmental Policy, review periodically, and evaluate its effectiveness utilising feedback from the staff.
• Ensure the objectives of the Policy are met.
• Ensure suitable staff training is provided.
• Ensure all members of staff are familiar with this Policy.
• Put in place and review systems for reducing waste and re-cycling waste materials.

Staff responsibilities:

• Comply with this Policy and implement the requirements both when designing and when undertaking activities within the office.
• Identify opportunities for the improvement of our environmental impacts.