Environmental Policy

Dublin Design Studio endeavours, with every project undertaken, to save energy through careful consideration of the design, construction, and operation of the building.The ambition of our work is always to minimise our impact on the environment. We have researched and utilised various systems and technologies with the aim of:

• Minimising embodied energy
• Reducing energy use
• Where practical, utilise materials sourced locally
• Where possible, specify materials from sustainable sources

We do, however, have a pragmatic approach to the emerging ‘green’ technologies and work to our clients’ agendas rather than being overly pushy in promoting our own.

We have used a number of ‘active’ systems, such as heat pumps and solar water heating, in a number of recent projects, including residential refurbishments. We have also explored and have working knowledge of other technologies, such as wind turbines, reed bed drainage systems, and wood-fired boilers. We have discovered, however, that these technologies can sometimes be difficult to ‘bolt on’ in existing situations and work best when used as part of a holistic approach. Furthermore, such technologies are best planned into projects at the earliest stages, where the budget allows.

We also believe strongly in ‘passive’ environmental technologies that are ‘built-in’ to our designs. Balancing orientation, solar gain, thermal mass, ventilation, and insulation are the basic tools for creating comfortable environments for building users. We believe that considering these basics early in the development of a project is vital and can reduce the amount of energy resources required over the life cycle of the building.

We are realists when it comes to utilising environmental technology and accept that clients have differing priorities when it comes to building. There is often an opportunity to improve a project's sustainability credentials, even on the most cost-driven projects, and we endeavour to incorporate improvements whenever possible.