At Scene Architects, our expertise in Architecture, Urban Design, and Interior Design is driven by an adventurous outlook and a commitment to creative design, innovation, and sustainability. With a dedicated team of Chartered Architects, our ambition is to push the boundaries of what’s possible, maintaining the highest standards of quality while maintaining a holistic picture of sustainability on each project. In response to evolving industry demands and our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, we are excited to introduce new services that align with these values.
Driven by People
Our work is built on the creativity and individual skills of our exceptional team, each with specialist knowledge. We are continually evolving, collaborating across our studios to develop our imagination and deliver forward-thinking solutions. We work closely with clients, consultants, contractors, stakeholders, and end users to create distinct built environments that support future communities.
Addressing Sustainability in the Built Environment
With around 40% of UK carbon emissions linked to the built environment, the construction industry plays a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. The UK is committed to achieving NetZero carbon targets by 2050, making it imperative for the construction sector to tackle carbon emissions to limit global warming. At Scene Architects, we are dedicated to ensuring our projects incorporate innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit not only the building users but also the wider environment.
Shifting Paradigms in the Construction Industry
As we approach 2030, several significant shifts are shaping the construction industry:
- Decarbonisation Schemes: Driven by the cost of living and energy consumption, there is a growing emphasis on decarbonisation schemes and retrofit/refurbishment projects.
- Planning Requirements: Most local authorities are recognis
zing the need to decarbonise towards 2030 targets, setting evidence requirements within Supplementary Planning Documents and enforcing these through planning processes.
- Biodiversity Net Gain: A requirement for a 10% biodiversity net gain across most projects nationally is becoming a standard practice.
- Whole Life-Cycle Assessment (WLCA): The RICS version 2 WLCA standard, effective from July 2024, will standardise assessments of a building’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.Required on all projects that are targeting NetZero credentials, including LETI in London.
- Building Regulations ‘Part Z’: Drafted UK carbon legislation will require all construction projects to demonstrate efforts towards Net Zero 2030 targets, in alignment with the Paris Agreement (COP21), through Approved Document Part Z to be introduced within Building Regulations. Part Z will introduce two new requirements:
- Part Z1: Whole-life carbon emissions must be assessed and reported for buildings and any other parts of a project where Building Regulations apply. This will include all projects with a gross internal area of more than 1,000m² or those that create more than 10 dwellings.
- Part Z2: Reasonable provision shall be made for the minimisation of carbon emissions. This requirement will apply to all buildings.
Our Enhanced Capabilities
With these evolving industry requirements, Scene Architects is expanding our service offerings to include specialised sustainability services:
- Lifecycle Carbon Assessments (LCA): As trained and certified professionals, we conduct comprehensive carbon assessments throughout all project stages. Our expertise supports planning applications and validation of Net
- Ska Rating Assessor: Our Ska Rating services offer a holistic sustainability assessment that focuses on refurbishments and retrofit projects. SKA Rating is a second-generation sustainability assessment methodology, reviewing a range of categories across a building project, to improve environment, economy and wellbeing.
- Sustainability Consulting: Our role as Sustainability Consultants involves advising both internal and external design teams on optimised carbon design principles for new builds and retrofit projects. We advise on specifications and on design principals, including a fabric first approach and thermal efficiency, leveraging our architectural background to work effectively with Clients, design teams and contractors.
Integrated and Flexible Services
Benefits to Clients
Our expanded sustainability services offer a range of advantages to clients across various sectors, including schools, universities, care homes, large housing developments, commercial developments, and public procurement schemes. Key benefits include:
- Reduced energy costs and carbon footprint
- Clear methodology for achieving NetZero credentials and/or sustainability assessment requirements
- Alignment with planning requirements and national carbon commitments
- Potential access to additional funding associated with NetZero credentials, particularly for public procurement projects
These benefits ensure that all projects can achieve greater sustainability outcomes, adding long-term value and aligning with both regulatory and societal expectations.
Meet Eleanor Lee
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’re thrilled to introduce Eleanor Lee, our new Architectural Designer and Sustainability Consultant. Eleanor brings over five years of industry experience across various sectors, including education, residential, care, leisure, and master planning. Her qualifications include:
- Trained SKA Assessor
- Certified in Life Cycle (Carbon) Assessments
- Currently completing Part 3 studies at the University of Cambridge, to become a Chartered Architect
Eleanor is a passionate advocate for sustainability in the construction industry. She is eager to champion sustainable practices at Scene Architects and looks forward to collaborating with clients to create impactful, eco-friendly projects.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Eleanor , our new Architectural Designer and Sustainability Consultant, has extensive experience applying these capabilities in real-world projects. For instance:
- University and School Projects: Eleanor has successfully developed sustainability strategies for educational institutions, focusing on energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and meeting stringent sustainability criteria.
- The Confluence Building: A university STEM building refurbishment that achieved SKA Rating Silver, demonstrating how targeted sustainability measures can enhance the performance and credentials of existing buildings.
- The Skylight Centre: A primary support facility for Special Educational Needs, which aims to be Net Zero 2030 and has been positively received by the council at pre-application.
- Residential Refurbishments: Working alongside local authorities, Eleanor has also been involved with decarbonisation projects to improve the energy performance of residential buildings, introducing more efficient heating and ventilation systems, alongside fabric first approach to refurbishing homes.
For more information or to discuss how our services can benefit your project, please contact us.