sustainable architecture - sunshine coast

Quality Policy

WD Architects is committed to delivering design excellence in an environmentally sustainable manner. We take a holistic approach to our work by striving towards cradle-to-cradle systems and specifications, energy- and resource-efficient outcomes and by meeting each client's needs according to site, budget, climate and construction procurement method. We are committed to providing technically appropriate and cost effective solutions tailored to each client's needs. We actively advocate and promote solutions that minimise the impact of the built environment on natural environment.

We operate our policy system in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9001-2008 requirements. Our office systems incorporate procedures, checklists and proforma designed to control and demonstrate that we provide consistent quality services to all clients.

We recognise the benefits of continuing professional development for all staff and we encourage and support knowledge seeking and sharing amongst all staff members as well as clients, consultants, suppliers and builders.

We will only undertake commissions that are compatible with our environmentally- and socially-responsible principles.

ESD Policy

We specialise in environmentally sustainable design and are committed to delivering design excellence in the following ways:

Land Use and Ecology
  • Avoiding development on ecologically valuable land.
  • Minimising development impacts by designing with a minimal footprint.
  • Blurring the boundaries between architecture, landscape and infrastructure that positively enhance the natural environment.
  • Reusing land that is contaminated or has been previously developed.
  • Maintaining and enhancing the ecological integrity and value of a site.
Transport
  • Encouraging the selection of sites that are accessible to public transport and infrastructure.
  • Reducing on site car parking.
  • Designing for cyclist and exercise facilities
  • Designing for fuel efficient and alternate fuel transport, and carpooling facilities.
Materials
  • Reducing the volume of construction materials used.
  • Designing for disassembly and future reuse.
  • Encouraging building and material reuse, and recycled content in new materials.
  • Specify only certified sustainable timber.
  • Eliminating use of PVC and other toxic materials.
  • Delivering shell and core in speculative developments.
  • Designing on site recycled waste storage.
  • Specifying local, low embodied energy materials.
  • Avoiding toxic high emission materials.
  • Considering the life cycle impacts of materials.
  • Design for future modifications or customisation of buildings.
Water
  • Designing for the on site collection and storage of potable water.
  • Designing no or low irrigation landscapes.
  • Designing for the storage and reuse of fire system water
  • Employing grey and black water recycling systems and technologies
  • Reducing or eliminating the use of water for heat rejection systems.
  • Employing water metering and monitoring.
  • Reducing peak storm water inundation with vegetation and including collection and storage for reuse on site.
Energy
  • Reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Reducing peak energy demand with on site generation.
  • Employing alternative energy generation and usage.
  • Providing artificial lighting with controlled zoning and energy consumption
  • Providing monitoring and metering of energy consumption.
  • Maximising passive design through solar penetration and control, the use of thermal mass and insulation, and vegetation cover.
Indoor Air Quality
  • Maximising the design of naturally ventilated space.
  • Designing for maximum thermal comfort with user control.
  • Minimising dependence on air conditioning and mechanical ventilation.
  • Avoiding the specification and introduction of toxic materials in internal fitouts.
  • Designing for daylighting and external views, while controlling daylight glare.
Building Management
  • Commissioning and tuning developments so they operate to their optimum design potential.
  • Employing building users guides for owners and users to achieve optimum building performance.
  • Managing the construction process to minimise the amount of construction waste going to disposal.
Emissions
  • Reducing the use of refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.
  • Reduce the discharge of storm water and sewerage to off site facilities by employing recycling systems and technologies.
  • Reduce light pollution that disrupts surrounding ecosystems.
Innovation
  • Designing with innovative strategies and technologies that reduce the environmental impact of building developments.