Heath Avery has been championing sustainable design for many years and we have an excellent track record. We recognise that the majority of organisations now have more of an issue with existing buildings than with new build, which is increasingly covered by legislation to achieve higher standards. (see our Sustainability section)

Our experts, supplemented by external specialists as required, will appraise your organisation, initially by understanding your business. Sarah Daly is a fully qualified business consultant (approved by DTi) who will carry out the strategic review. This will inform the future context of your buildings and facilities, and our team will provide you with a tailored appraisal of your existing position, an indication of how you can reduce costs, improve your green credentials and prioritise your capital expenditure programmes going forward.

Why carry out a Sustainability Audit?

• To future-proof your organisation.
• Evidence is clear that better buildings create better results - whether you are measuring productivity/profit per employee or educational results in school children. We are challenging the perceived notion that pay-back is measured only in terms of savings on bills. We have the evidence to show that higher performance should be the driver for more sustainable organisations.
• Green organisations have happier, healthier and more loyal people. How can you achieve this?
• To understand how to lower your carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
• To protect against rising energy and utility costs (there is a temporary reprieve as the recession has diminished demand but as we exit the recession energy prices are predicted to rise exponentially)
• Reduce waste and identify potential income streams from recycling
• To mitigate against CO2 taxation. In June 2009 the Government will announce its plans to achieve the CO2 targets. Eventually all homes and organisations will be charged per tonne of CO2 emitted in the form of a new carbon trading scheme. Many organisations with older buildings or estates will find this has a massive effect on their operating costs. It could also take many years to complete the refurbishment programmes, so it is vital to start planning now.
• Continuity of power supply within critical functions can be achieved by having a percentage of renewables on site. It is not just about pay-back of the plant; security of supply will be a key issue for all businesses as we enter the 'energy crunch' from 2012 onwards.
• A proactive attitude to sustainability is an excellent promotional tool. But it will increasingly be sought by clients and through the supply chain.

What it should include (this is just a snapshot):

• A comprehensive review of your organisation's strategy
• Occupancy and usage - people behaviour is a major factor
• Heat loss through building fabric, windows and doors
• Fixed services and plant
• Annual energy consumption
• Waste/recycling
• Lighting & daylighting
• Water consumption
• Heating, cooling and overheating
• Ventilation
• Transport and travel policies
• An informed masterplan with full recommendations

For a free initial consultation and proposal for a Sustainability Audit please contact:

Malcolm Sutton

Technical Director

Contact: malcolm@heath-avery.co.uk