SUSTAINABILITY

Any type of construction has an impact on our environment.  Therefore sustainability is at the heart of every Michael Carr project.  I believe that minimising the environmental impact of a project has to start at the initial design and be carried all the way through to the end user.  

 The UN's definition is, 'Sustainability calls for a decent standard of living for everyone today without compromising the needs of future generations'

(from http://www.un.org/en/sustainablefuture/sustainability.shtml)

The correct design and choice of construction materials will ensure that any construction project will not only have minimal impact during construction but throughout it’s life and beyond.

During all stages, the triple bottom line (social, economic and environmental impact) will be fully considered by Michael Carr.    

This may include:

• Orientation and assessing solar gains and shading requirements
• Amount of light, both natural and artificial
• Adaptable or flexible design
• Thermal mass and adequate levels of correctly placed insulation
• Minimising materials and waste
• Correct choice of materials with re-cycled, local and ethical sourcing
• The building in use and any routine maintenance requirements
• Modern methods of construction
• Protecting the surrounding eco-system