1.1 “Thrive Architects” (Thrive Architects Limited, Thrive Architects (South West) Limited and Thrive Architects (Thames Valley) Limited) recognises that environmental issues to be of concern to its employees, clients and the community as a whole.
1.2 We will work in partnership with them; our suppliers and regulatory authorities to address the environmental impact of our activities and services and aim for a sustainable environment.
2.1 We are committed to:
2.2 This policy is documented, implemented, maintained and communicated to all staff and interested parties and is available to the public.
2.3 In the architectural service industry vast amounts of paper, ink and electricity are consumed during the working day, with other service sectors such as couriers and stationery deliveries adding to the carbon footprint of a company.
2.4 However, over the past eight years Thrive Architects has reduced paper usage and waste by the education of staff members, and the installation of several refuse bins provided by Suez UK Limited for Thrive Architects limited and Biffa for the Thrive Architects (South West) Limited offices. Over the past year the capacity for recycling waste via Suez UK Limited for Thrive Architects limited and Biffa for the Thrive Architects (South West) Limited offices Sita UK Limited, has increased.
2.5 Recycling
2.5.1 Thrive Architects can now separate 90% of its waste to recycle such as all ink cartridges are of a low hazardous level, and all are recycled where possible; a battery recycle scheme has been put in place.
2.5.2 All waste disposals are monitored by The Company and the waste holder Suez UK Limited for Thrive Architects limited and Biffa for the Thrive Architects (South West) Limited offices.
2.6 Reducing Usage and Energy
2.6.1 Although Planning/Building authorities still require paper copies of drawings, Thrive Architects actively strives towards reducing the current levels through electronically sharing copies where possible.
2.6.2 Through the reduction of outgoing post and hard copies of drawings, and with stationery supplies less frequent and locally sourced, Thrive Architects has achieved a reduction in its carbon footprint while also reducing costs. However, it is recognised that Thrive Architects, clients, and authorities will need to work together to achieve a significant reduction.
2.6.3 Due to the level of technology used in our service sector, a high level of electricity had previously been consumed, however during the past 7 to 8 years, Thrive Architects has taken a very proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint.
2.6.4 Light bulbs have been replaced by energy efficient ones and only used when the rooms are in use as many of the offices in the building use motion sensors to be activated. All computers and monitors are shut down and switched off at the end of each day and monitored by Directors and Associates and all printers/plotting machines now have sleep mode facilities to reduce output when not in use. We have all PCs, monitors and consumables ethically recycled to help schools, colleges and the homeless.
2.6.5 The air conditioning/heater units have been turned down to a lower heat temperature and reset to only come on when needed. They have been programmed to not operate during the weekends and evenings.
2.6.6 Employees have the opportunity to work from home on 2 days per week, which not only reduces energy costs for the company, but it also reduces CO2 emissions due to the reduction in travelling to the office for work.
2.6.7 Every employee has access to the government salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, which encourages them to travel to work in a more environmentally way while saving money and getting exercise; Eligible senior management has the opportunity to purchase an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme.
2.7 Staff Communication and Ongoing Assessment
2.7.1 All staff, when they join the company, are briefed as part of their induction on waste reduction and recycling; Our internal SharePoint intranet platform has a dedicated page covering all aspects of reducing waste, recycling and the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. All staff have access to this platform and any updates are cascaded via email.
2.7.2 Our admin team have regular meetings and part of the agenda discusses ethical procurement and sustainability matters. This includes:
2.8 Reducing our Carbon Footprint – Our Commitment
2.8.1 We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and are scheduled to have a professional survey assessment and plan developed for all offices.
2.8.2 We have already started the replacement of fluorescent light fittings to LED units, with PIR censors in communal areas such as corridors, kitchens and toilets.
2.8.3 In early 2023, installation of solar panels of the office roof structures in both the Portishead and Romsey offices is planned to be completed.
2.8.4 The Net Zero Plan will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated before publishing to staff and to external stakeholders.