Environmental Policy

Dublin Design Studio endeavours, with every project undertaken, to save energy through careful consideration of the building's design, construction, and operation. The ambition of our work is always to minimise our environmental impact. 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 range of ‘active’ systems, such as heat pumps and solar water heating, in 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, however, discovered 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 a project's development is vital and can reduce the energy resources required over the building's life cycle.

We are realists when it comes to utilising environmental technology and accept that clients have differing priorities in 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.