7 minute read
Net-Zero Now: Hospitality
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―Sustainability
— Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality
Net-Zero Now: Hospitality
Our Pledge
When we launched our Net-Zero Now pledge for interiors in October 2020, we set ambitious targets for ourselves to reach our net-zero carbon goals. The targets we have set for net-zero hospitality projects aligns with our interiors pledge, while taking into account the progress we have made and challenges that lie ahead.
We pledge that:
> In Q3 2021 we will launch a consultation process with our key contractors, subcontractors and supplier partners to ensure that our supply chain will meet our netzero targets.
> By September 2022 half of our projects will be designed to be 100% Circular. By 2025 all of our projects will be designed to be 100% Circular.
> By 2030 all of our projects will be net-zero embodied carbon as demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon Assessment
1. Supply chain engagement
Engage hospitality suppliers to be part of the NOW Database 3. LCA on every project
All projects will have a Whole Life Carbon Assessment and a Carbon Budget 5. Half of hospitality projects will be 100% recyclable
Half of our projects will be designed to be 100% recyclable
NOW
Current
Q1 2022 Q2 2022
Q3 2022
2. Strategy document
Provide a net-zero embodied carbon or circular design strategy at RIBA Stage 2 for all new projects, at no cost to the client 4. Hospitality Circular Design Guidelines
Publish Circular Design Guidelines internally for use on all hospitality interiors projects
5. Half of hospitality projects will be 100% recyclable 7. All projects will be net-zero embodied carbon
All hospitality projects will be net-zero embodied carbon, demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon Assessment based on a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from baseline
2025
6. 100% recyclable and 75% recycled
All new materials specified will be 100% recyclable and 75% recycled or reclaimed by weight
2030
2030
Net-Zero Now: Hospitality
Project Process
Approaching projects with the aim to design and specify in an environmentally sensitive manner is a start, but in order to reach our net-zero targets and monitor progress, we have developed a process that will be applied to all projects and runs
alongside the RIBA workstages.
This process extracts and analyses our key deliverables at each stage and will be used to internally audit our projects for compliance against our pledge. As we learn from each project, this process can be further refined.
We will also include a new ghost ‘RIBA Stage 8: Post-Use’ to ensure that important considerations, including planning for use of products and materials post installed life, are allowed for in procurement, and construction of materials specified.
Client/Agent Monitoring
Contractor Handover material passports for projects
Deliverable: Full inventory and materials database
Deliverable: Whole Life Carbon Assessment
Architect/Designer/MEP Whole Life Carbon and Material Health assessment
Contractor Full inventory of materials and energy used
Contractor Regular carbon reporting
Cost Manager Net-Zero Carbon focussed contractor prelims
Client Handover material passports on exit
Client/Hotel Brand Define internal carbon goals
Post Use
NEW
Use
7
Strategic Def nition0
RIBA STAGES 1
Preparati on and B ri ef
4
Technical Design
2
3
Spatial Coordination Concep t Des ign Client/Hotel Brand Understand fully requirements at site selection stage
Client/Hotel Brand Appoint design team and cost manager with Carbon targets
Architect/Designer/MEP Sustainability and carbon workshop to establish goals, scope and intent
Cost Manager Net-Zero Carbon cost assessment
Architect/Designer/MEP Material and energy inventory
Architect/Designer/MEP Full inventory of materials and energy used Architect/Designer Supply chain engagement and buy in
Architect/Designer Environmental impact assessment
Deliverable: Stage Report Deliverable: Carbon Brief
Deliverable: Stage 2 Net-Zero / Circular Design Report
Net-Zero Now: Hospitality
A New World of Materials
One way to slow down the increasing carbon footprint that the construction industry has on the planet is to recognize that all of the man-made materials we require already exist, and look to recycle these rather than producing more. A wealth of new recycled materials are emerging and as designers we must use these where possible in order to encourage all suppliers to take this route.
There are an increasing amount of ingenious products based on natural materials, such as algae-based products, or processed biomass that can be also be used, or compassionate materials such as vegan leathers.
At Perkins&Will we have launched the ‘Now’ Database, which is an open-source platform for environmentally conscious products. Supplier are welcome to provide their EPDs, and following assessment our added to the list.
1. 9.
10.
2. 3.
Guestroom 2035
Sustainable Finishes Materials Palette 4.
1. Rug colour tufts 2. Seagrass panel 3. Spent botanicals 4. Cork flooring 5. Clear recycled glass 6. Mycelium leather 7. Mohair velvet upholstery fabric 8. Satin brass metal 9. Bamboo wall panel 10. Air puriflying paint finish 7.
5.5.
6.
11. Honext wall finish 12. Natural stone 13. Biophilia 14. Recycled terrazzo 15. Rug colour tufts 8. 11. 13.
12. 14.
Furniture Approaches
Currently, the average renovation of a hospitality property is between three to five years, and we must look to increase that number by using the high quality and durable finishes.
The four Rs:
Resell - Repurpose - Recycle - Recover
At the commencement of renovation it is important to review the existing furniture inventory and review whether refurbishment is possible. If not, then items should be sold to a second hand furniture supplier for re-use within another project. If purchasing furniture for a property consider buying second hand pieces or investigate leasing the items from suppliers.
Built-in casegoods and joinery items should be designed to be robust and modular, in order for it to be easily dismantled and reused in another project.
Net-Zero Now: Hospitality
Purpose Over Profit
One of the greatest challenges we face is perception: the idea that a sustainable approach will cost more and compromise good design. But it doesn’t have to be a trade-off.
At the moment, choosing environmentally friendly processes and materials can have a higher up front cost, but we want to reinforce the fact that, over time, these costs will be paid back, as less money will have to be spent in the long term. If we lead the way, others will follow, and in the years to come this choice will be the norm, not the exception.
And, we can’t forget the role that our guests play in this, namely the next generation of travellers.
Millennials and Gen Z have a lot of spending power, which will continue to grow. What is important to understand about these groups is their decision making behaviours. Research confirms that Millenials and Gen Zers choose to spend their money on brands that align with their values, which are focussed on environmental and social issues. If brands are not authentically responding to these issues, this key client group will go elsewhere.
It is important that we change our mindset to long term thinking, not only for the bottom line, but also for the planet.
83% of millenials say it’s important for the companies they buy from to align with their beliefs and values.
-Mark Roddy, SmithGroupJRR
Cost Benefits
It is important when considering a more circular approach to design, to fully analyse capital expenditure costs against operational expenditure costs along with potential material resell value.
It is often assumed that net-zero design is more expensive for clients, however it offers many potential savings:
— A leaner approach to design can also be a cheaper solution. — Grants, tax-breaks, and rebates are available for net-zero designs. — Net-zero design offers efficiency during operation. — Spaces will be more flexible, and future adaptations will be easier. — Value can be recouped from reselling materials. — Cost premiums have gone down over the past ten years.
The White Chapel Building 10 Whitechapel High Street London, E1 8QS
