I have been listening to a lot of talks and podcasts about sustainability recently. And I have been thinking a lot about how I can apply sustainable principals to architecture and design, especially on a small scale.

Here is what I have come up with so far. I am planning to bring these principals into all projects going forward.

I hope to expand on this further, as it’s a very important topic. Do you have any other suggestions or ways to reduce our impact during construction?

Reuse materials

This is one of my favourite ways to reduce the impact of material supply and waste, especially with older or period properties. Preserving character in older homes is essential to me. In a recent project, we reused bricks from the back wall for a seamless dormer addition and salvaged rounded bricks for the fireplace when removing an internal wall.

Maximise what you have

Before embarking on a home extension, see if you can achieve your brief within your 4 walls. Sometimes some clever reconfiguration / reuse of space / storage can create the space you need. This is a more cost and time effective way to renovate, but it also cuts down on construction waste.

Extend to create usable space

Extensions don’t need to be big to unlock the required space. A new extension works best when it is planned to have specific and appropriately sized use, without creating a dead space or extra circulation. Remember this is a new space to heat!

Incorporate renewable energy sources

Nowadays, clients have numerous options, thanks to SEAI grant schemes raising awareness. It can be as simple as upgrading your boiler and adding additional insulation. Or you could go a step further by changing your windows, adding solar PV panels or changing to a heat pump. And clients should be mindful about the waste created during this step, only upgrade / replace where it’s needed.

Ask questions of your supply chain

This one is tricky because so many materials are used in each project. As clients, you often can’t control where the construction materials are coming from (insulation / plasterboard etc.). But you can research the items you are specifying, for example, kitchen, tiles, windows, lighting, flooring, paint. As with everything, choose natural products where possible.