SMALL WAYS ARCHITEAM IS REDUCING OUR OPERATIONAL CARBON IMPACT

SMALL WAYS ARCHITEAM IS REDUCING OUR OPERATIONAL CARBON IMPACT

At ArchiTeam, we recognise the critical role that sustainable practices play in shaping a better future. While many of our members are dedicated to creating sustainable architecture, we are aware that we all need to be prioritising the minimizing of our operational carbon footprint within our office. ArchiTeam recently completed a carbon audit through the free calculator provided by Carbon Positive Australia and by adopting small yet significant actions, we are committed to continuous improvement and actively reducing our impact on the environment.

Transportation & Energy Reduction

Transportation is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and at ArchiTeam, we take conscious steps to mitigate this impact. Our office staff is encouraged to work from home a couple of days a week, reducing the need for commuting and minimising car usage. This approach not only reduces emissions but also supports a better work-life balance for our team. Additionally, we encourage both staff and board members to explore alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, or using public transport, whenever feasible.

Despite the challenges posed by distance, we’re proud to have two directors who consistently walk, cycle or catches public transport to our monthly Director’s meetings. This commitment sets an inspiring example for others, demonstrating that small actions can make a big difference. To further reduce our carbon footprint, we make a concerted effort to consolidate errands and trips, ensuring that the kilometres travelled by car are kept to a minimum. We also leverage technology by holding online meetings when possible, avoiding unnecessary travel and further cutting down on emissions.

In our office, energy efficiency is a top priority. We consciously monitor our utility usage, only turning on lights when absolutely necessary and making sure to switch off all lights, computers, and printers at the end of each day. Our team is also working closely with the building’s body corporate to have an operable window installed. This long-awaited addition will allow us to bring fresh air into the office, reducing our reliance on air-conditioning and creating a more comfortable and COVID-safe environment. We eagerly anticipate the day this window is installed, marking another step toward a greener workspace.

When equipment stops working, and can’t be fixed, we aim to replace these items with more energy-efficient versions choosing energy star-rated appliances and equipment.

Waste Reduction

Waste management is another critical area where we strive to make a difference. We are acutely aware of the environmental impact that office waste can have, and we take proactive steps to minimise our contribution to landfill. In our kitchen, we provide an espresso machine for staff, which not only supports our coffee habits but also helps to reduce the reliance on single-use plastic cups from takeaway coffee. By offering crockery and cutlery for meals, along with recycled napkins and tea towels, we encourage sustainable practices. Our team members take turns doing the dishes and bringing home tea towels to wash, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for reducing waste.

We’re proud to say that our paper consumption is incredibly low—so much so that our office only uses one box of paper per year! This achievement is made possible through our commitment to digital solutions. All membership renewals are sent out via email, eliminating the need for printed letters. We prioritise electronic document signing and ensure that all bills are subscribed to electronically, further reducing our paper usage.

Our office is home to dedicated recyclers. We’ve set up additional bins for recycling, and we take care to properly dispose of e-waste, including old computers, batteries, ink cartridges, and cables. Our commitment to waste reduction extends beyond the office and into our events. For instance, at our annual Conference, we cater based on booking numbers to minimise food waste and seek out sponsors to provide reusable cups in the Conference showbag. We continue to explore and implement new ways to reduce waste at all our events, recognising that there’s always room for improvement.

Consumer Choices & Community Engagement

The products we use and the suppliers we partner with play a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. We believe that consumer choices can have a significant impact, and we are intentional in choosing suppliers that share our commitment to sustainability. This consideration is a central aspect of our Partnerships Policy, ensuring that we align ourselves with businesses that prioritise ethical and environmental responsibility.

Plants are more than just office decor—they contribute to air purification and general well-being. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, our office plants went on a temporary “holiday,” but we’re thrilled to have them returning, adding life and vibrancy to our workspace. To further enhance air quality, we use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for our team.

We also take a mindful approach to the products we use for cleaning. By opting for chemical-free and low-emitting products, we avoid harsh cleaners that can be harmful to both people and the planet. Our efforts extend to the way we manage office supplies as well. We centralise orders for stationery and other supplies to reduce shipment travel, minimising the carbon footprint associated with deliveries. On the rare occasions when we need to post something, we make it a point to reuse boxes and recycle packaging materials, further supporting our waste reduction goals.

Making a Difference, One Step at a Time

At ArchiTeam, we understand that small actions, when consistently applied, can lead to significant change. While some of these initiatives may seem minor or even obvious, we believe that every step counts toward creating a more sustainable future. Whether it’s reducing energy usage, managing waste more effectively, or making thoughtful consumer choices, our collective efforts add up to make a real difference.

We remain committed to finding new ways to reduce our operational carbon impact and to inspire others within our community to do the same.

Some other ideas to consider;

• Maximise Daylight: Arrange workstations to take full advantage of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Use light-colored walls and reflective surfaces to enhance natural brightness.
• Use LED Lighting: Replace all light bulbs with LED options, which use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
• Composting: Set up a composting system or a worm farm for organic waste, such as food scraps from the office kitchen.
• Flexible Hours: Allow flexible work hours to reduce the need for travel during peak traffic times, thus lowering fuel consumption.
• Green Energy Suppliers: Switch to an energy supplier that provides renewable energy or offset options.

Sustainability is not just a goal—it’s an ongoing journey, and we’re proud to be taking that journey together. If you have any further ideas that your studio has undertaken, let us know via an email advocacy@architeam.net.au and we’ll share them on the members’ forum.