Designing for Postive Change

How does this translate to you?

We have created a checklist based on our chosen six SDG goals which we consider at the start of a project and as the project completes.

The checklist enables us to ask the right questions whether the project is an individual home or a mixeduse placemaking scheme. Some questions are very simple and some require a more considered thought process, but all are clearly defined to help shape a responsible, commercial, positive and balanced scheme.

We highlight a selection of these questions and our possible considerations below against the six goals.

SDG: 3. Health and Wellbeing

Q. Whether landscape is considered from outset, integrating trees, food growing, ecology and a sense of delight into public realm/landscape design?

A. This might mean that we focus on enhancing biodiversity, integrating sustainable drainage strategies and look at opportunities for food growing.

SDG: 10. Reduced Inequalities

Q. Are local jobs created for disadvantaged groups?

A. We would ask contractors about their apprenticeship schemes to see if there are opportunities for long-term unemployed, homeless, armed forces veterans, returning mothers, disabled people or women to be on their workforce.

SDG: 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Q. Has ethical and responsible sourcing of all materials been considered?

A. We would prioritise selection of low embodied carbon and healthy materials, minimise materials with high embodied energy impacts and promote use of local natural materials.

SDG: 7. Affordable/Clean Energy

Q. Is the use of renewables maximised on-site or within area/ neighbourhood appropriate to context?

A. We would consider optimum locations and orientation for photovoltaics, air or ground source heat pumps, or opportunities for local energy networks.

SDG: 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Q. Does the placemaking reflect identity and local character?

A. This is naturally in the Nash DNA but we would look to re-use existing buildings where possible, respect the character of the local area, incorporate key local features, retain key cultural facilities and or provide new ones.

SDG: 15. Life on Land

Q. Is the site left in a better ‘regenerative’ ecological condition than before development?

A. Mindful of the need for Biodiversity Net Gain we would seek to significantly enhance local flora and fauna, and ensure the development is ‘nutrient neutral’ if required.