Sustainability

At JGA, it is our belief that we have a responsibility to improve our local environment through exceptionally detailed design. We strive to implement sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of our projects, so there is a future to keep designing for.

As part of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, we as a practice are aware of the impact we can have in reducing the carbon emissions of the built environment. Our qualified carbon literate team members can guide our clients through options for sustainable building solutions.

Lowering the amount of energy associated with building

JGA adopts sustainability from the very outset of each project, from design principles, through to suggesting appropriate renewable energy sources, our sustainable design approaches are at the core of our workflows.

Discover our process

Environmentally conscious building techniques

Our technologists will recommend eco-friendly solutions such as passive design to boost solar gain, going beyond the requirements of the building regulations with regard to insulation thickness and window specifications or ways to increase water efficiencies on site.

Key material selection

Use of recycled, reclaimed or low-emission materials, sourced locally where possible.

Ecology/Biodiversity Enhancements

Having a minimal impact on the local environment of a project is key to our design ethos. Assessing the extent of the existing site ecology to ensure protection and clear enhancement through careful native landscaping design, wildlife friendly features such as living walls and roofs plus provision of bird and bat boxes, all to satisfy the local strategy for nature.

Satisfaction of Planning Policy GP9, which relates to Sustainability

Showing early technical thought to compliance with Part L1 of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and balancing any ‘excessive areas of glazing’ through design and considering U values of floors, Walls, fenestration and roofs.

Renewable energy integration

Collaboration with renewable energy specialists to suggest optimised, future ready solutions such as Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery System (MVHR), solar, energy storage or air/ground source heat pumps.

Heating & Lighting

Consideration will need to be given to the feasibility of heating and/or lighting spaces and the ability of the electrical supply in your area to cope with the increased load. This, amongst the logistics of accessibility to and around your site will all be considered within our stages of work, once Planning Permission for the proposals is established.

If you’d like to find out more about the above technologies and how they could be implemented into your project, we'd be pleased to discuss the various updates with you.