koru architects Environmental Statement

koru architects, in line with its core values, seeks to minimise and continuously reduce the negative
environmental impacts of its activities. The following policies are intended to achieve that
objective.

- Reduce to a minimum our use of energy (fossil or renewable)
- Reduce our use of water and make more use of waste water and rainwater
- Alter our pattern of transport use to reduce our contribution of greenhouse gas emissions
- Separate our waste streams, re-use, recycle and compost materials wherever possible
- Only purchase products and use suppliers that meet strict environmental and ethical criteria
- Maintain a healthy working environment for staff and avoid products and finishes that are harmful to health

1. Energy policy

koru architects will continuously seek ways to reduce its use of fossil fuels with the objective
of ultimately eliminating their use altogether.

We currently use a condensing gas-fired boiler for our space heating and hot water allied to digital thermostatic controls. We use most electricity for powering computers and lighting. Electricity is supplied by Good Energy on a 100% renewable tariff. However we will seek to reduce our use of
electricity to a minimum.

We will aim to reduce our CO2 emissions by adopting the following strategies:

- during winter maintain a maximum office temperature of 20ºC
- ensure all windows are closed when heating is on
- not heat the office after 18.00 and at weekends
- give a preference to best of class energy performance when ordering electronic equipment
- buy only energy efficient computers and TFT monitors
- ensure all computer equipment is put to ‘sleep’ mode when not in use and turned off at night

2. Water policy

koru architects will continuously seek ways to reduce its use of water.

We have dual flush WC's and low flow taps to our wash hand basins and sinks. We will aim to further reduce our water use by watering office plants with rainwater collected from our office roof.

3. Transport policy

koru architects will continuously seek ways to reduce staff travel by road and will promote walking, cycling and rail / bus travel where possible. We aim to restrict our projects and traveling distance to within a 50 mile radius of Brighton.

Travel to meet with clients and visit sites within Brighton & Hove will generally be undertaken by cycling or walking. The office has secure cycling parking and the directors make 90% of their local journeys by bicycle. Travel to destinations outside Brighton & Hove is by rail if possible or by road if not. The directors use an efficient diesel-engined car with an average fuel consumption of 60mpg. We will aim to reduce our road vehicle CO2 emissions by 30% in the near future when B30 bio diesel fuel becomes readily available.

4. Waste policy

koru architects will continuously seek ways to reduce our waste production by re-use and recycling.

We currently re-use waste paper for rough printing and only recycle paper when both sides have been used. We carefully separate all card, glass, cans, tins and plastic bottles for recycling. Our office benefits from a Council curb-side recycling service. End-of-life computer and electrical equipment is given to local charities for re-use.

5. Purchasing & ethical policy

koru architects is committed to promoting good environmental and ethical practice through its
purchasing policies. For example, we only buy:

- 100% post-consumer recycled paper for stationery, envelopes and printing
- ink refills for inkjet printer cartridges for the life of the cartridge
- Organic food, locally grown where possible
- Non-toxic cleaning products, eg: Ecover

We make every effort to avoid products which contain any toxic substances and continue to source the most environmentally friendly product when available. We aim to purchase mainly from small local companies where possible and to ensure that our suppliers and service providers have good ethical standards. For example:

- we bank with the Cooperative Bank
- our telephone service is provided by the Phone Coop

Additionally the directors are members of Friend of the Earth, The Soil Association, the AECB and the Green Register.

6. Health policy

koru architects will continuously seek ways to improve the health of its office environment for staff and visitors.

The office space is well day-lit and maintained at a comfortable room temperature during working hours. The walls and ceilings are decorated with natural, non-toxic paints and emulsions and the floors are natural solid timber. We will aim to minimise, and ultimately eliminate the use of toxic finishes and furnishings within the office space.