Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be familiar with the Architects Declare movement. Declaring a “climate and biodiverse emergency” and moving the industry towards net-zero emissions - Australian architecture firms have pledged their commitment to becoming carbon neutral en masse.  We sat down with Matt in our Growth team to talk about the power of the Architects Declare initiative and why sustainability should be at the top of an Architecture firm’s priorities.

1. Compliance with regulatory landscape: There are various regulations and standards that architects in Australia must adhere to when designing and constructing buildings. These regulations include requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and more. By incorporating sustainable design principles into their work, architecture firms can meet these standards and ensure that their operations and output are compliance.
2. Meeting client demand: In recent years, there has been a growing demand from clients for sustainable buildings - with Australia leading the way on many fronts. Existing and future clients of architecture firms are interested in reducing their environmental footprint and want to live and work in buildings that reflect those values. By offering sustainable design solutions, architecture firms can attract and retain clients who prioritise sustainability.
3. Long-term economic benefits: It’s critical for architecture firms to understand that climate is a business risk - especially for the built environment. By designing buildings that are energy-efficient and use renewable energy sources, firms can help their clients save money on utility bills over time. Additionally, sustainable buildings often have higher resale values and can attract tenants willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly features.
4. Employer brand: With the intersection of creative and technical skills, architecture firms are dependent on great talent to drive great business. The data continues to show that the talent market is driven by values alignment with their employer. It follows that architecture firms stand to recruit and retain the best talent when their values are demonstrated with clear action.

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