Cayas + Ward ESD Charter

Sustainability in architecture and design becomes a more pressing requirement every year, and can no longer be implemented as an afterthought. At Cayas + Ward we accept the challenge of ecologically-considered-architecture and take an active approach to sustainable building practices.

Energy efficiency:

Each project undertaken is an opportunity to audit and improve the electrical efficiency of a building through design. On each project we aim to:

  • Install energy efficient lighting fixtures, Audio Visual systems and other equipment

  • Install energy efficient cooling and heating systems, and passively ventilated areas where possible

  • Install and implement smart lighting control systems that are programmed to reduce energy consumption by turning lights off when buildings aren't occupied, and reduce lighting requirements where possible. Automating this in each venue ensures that this occurs every day of the year.

  • Installation of solar panel systems where possible to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

  • Increase the use of natural light available in venues during the day to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and energy.

Water saving systems:

Each project undertaken is an opportunity to remove and replace old and outdated plumbing fixtures with high water usage. On each project we aim to:

  • Remove and replace old toilets and urinals, replacing them with highly efficient fixtures that reduce water consumption

  • Install landscaping and gardens that are both drought tolerant, and suitable for their regional climate to reduce water consumption and maintenance requirements

  • Remove and replace older commercial dishwashers with newer models that use less water per cycle

Source and support locally:

We have a locals-first supply approach for building materials and Interior Design selections for the following reasons:

  • To reduce the environmental impact of shipping emissions, reducing the carbon footprint created by building and development

  • To support local materials suppliers, businesses and artisans in an effort to build local economy and create more meaningful connections for each venue with their local community

Examples of this include:

  • Sourcing locally manufactured masonry, sustainably sourced timbers, glass and steelwork

  • Specifying locally manufactured light fixtures, joinery, tiles and artwork

Re-use, retain and re-purpose:

Renovating existing buildings allows us the unique opportunity to re-purpose and retain existing building materials, and we have been working toward making this standard practice across all projects. This involves designing projects that re-use existing spaces more efficiently in lieu of building new spaces, and retaining building structure, fabric and finishes to highlight the history of a building, or re-use elements in new designs to reduce the need for new materials and finishes - thereby minimising the environmental impact of construction works.

Examples of this include:

  • Uncovering and celebrating original timbers, concrete surfaces, brickwork and steelwork in new designs

  • Retaining and re-using timber cladding and flooring in new ways either as finishes or linings again

  • Better using underutilised areas of a building as a preference rather than building new areas

Source sustainable and safe products:

When designing, specifying and sourcing construction materials, finishes and products, we assess our options with the aim to use products and materials that:

  • Have the ability to be reclaimed or recycled once they have reached the end of their useful life

  • Are manufactured in a sustainable way with as little an environmental impact as possible

  • Can be produced, handled and used in a way that is safe to health and wellbeing

Examples of this include:

  • Interior finishes that are sustainably produced (floor and wall coverings, tiles, timbers and fabrics)

  • Minimisation of silica based products (such as engineered stone)

  • Materials with low VOC's (volatile organic compounds)

Maintenance reduction:

When designing and building projects we aim to create venues that are low in maintenance, thereby reducing reliance on future energy and material usage. This may cost a little more initially, but over the lifecycle of a building will cost less both financially and to the environment.

Examples of this include:

  • Surfaces that are prefinished and do not require ongoing maintenance such as painting and cleaning

  • Equipment and materials that are robust that will last in a high impact environment with less frequency of replacement