In June 2019, along with hundreds of architectural practices across the UK, MSMR signed up to Architects Declare, a commitment to an 11-point manifesto to, 'strengthen our working practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us'. Although many of the statements on the declaration were part of MSMR's existing commitment to the environment, for the practice to make a significant and timely shift to truly sustainable design, we knew it would be essential to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the subject, and adapt our current training strategy for all employees.
To kick-start our internal educative process, in March 2020, MSMR appointed sustainability consultants, Greengage. Their enthusiasm and clear understanding of how to encourage clients and consultants to embrace the changes that are coming, (including their involvement in the LETI Design Guide), really impressed us.
Our partnership with Greengage began this week with the first in a series of CPD webinars, attended by the entire practice. From here, despite the current pandemic logistics, we hope our ongoing partnership will result in the shaping of an informed and clear approach to sustainable design that will be of high value for MSMR, our clients and fellow industry collaborators.
Tom Gwilliam, Associate at Greengage says,
‘Public concern about the climate emergency has substantially increased the urgency to create sustainable places. This will only happen if we take a collaborative approach and all members of the design team step-up and take responsibility for improvement.
Working with MSMR is therefore a great opportunity to collaborate and share ideas on mitigating climate change, as well as adapting to its impacts whilst still creating high quality spaces. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience around net zero, circular economy, green infrastructure, and social value, and working with MSMR to embed and test sustainable design concepts early on in schemes where it can dramatically improve outcomes.’
