Each project is unique, but briefing and strategy are vitally important to successful delivery. There are a number of considerations, and our approach is methodical.

Firstly, the issues that are most relevant to the project are identified. This process starts with a very broad assessment of the project’s environmental, social and economic impacts and rapidly prioritises them.

Quantitative and/or qualitative targets are then developed for each priority to reflect the project’s budget and ambition. The targets form a framework for regular reporting through the design and construction process and, if appropriate, when the building is occupied.

Our increasingly well-known Sustainability Matrix was developed with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios a decade ago. It is a method of structuring sustainability briefing and reporting. It provides an easily understandable overview of a project’s sustainability agenda, the targets that have been agreed and helps to identify where effort should be focussed.

It has proved its worth on numerous projects since, bringing together and communicating potentially complex information in a deceptively simple form. It can be used as a standalone tool or to complement third party environmental assessment methodologies such as BREEAM and LEED.

We are experienced in producing bespoke guides to inform, define and assess sustainability criteria for the built environment at all scales, from individual buildings to masterplans.

For example, we developed a series of guides for the British Council to help improve the sustainability of their property estate worldwide by helping their staff select, commission and upgrade their accommodation using clear and appropriate sustainability criteria tailored to local conditions.

There is general scientific consensus that our climate is changing. The buildings we build today should acknowledge this challenge, incorporating design changes now to deal with issues that would be highly disruptive or costly to modify in the future. Clear strategies for future adaptation as the scale and speed of change becomes evident also need to be incorporated.

Our broad understanding of the potential impacts and risks involved, together with our analytical skills allows us to offer sound advice for an uncertain future.

Property type and location can have a significant impact on the overall sustainability of organisations that own or use a portfolio of facilities. We have developed straightforward guidance to help organisations assess and improve the sustainability credentials of their current stock. We are able to assist organisations to set out relevant criteria for the procurement of new facilities.