Privacy Policy

Introduction

At MOST Architecture, sustainability is integral to our ethos. As a carbon-neutral practice with a Carbon Neutral Certificate from Carbon Neutral Britain, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and making a meaningful contribution to the fight against climate change. We have taken significant steps to mitigate our carbon emissions, and our goal is to not only remain carbon neutral but to go further by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes managing all relevant greenhouse gases (GHGs), beyond just carbon dioxide (CO2), to ensure we are addressing the full spectrum of climate impact.
This Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our current carbon-neutral status, the steps we are taking to manage all GHG emissions—such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—and the environmental management measures we continue to implement. We will track and report on emissions over a 24-month reporting period to ensure transparency and accountability, with ongoing efforts aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

 

1. Carbon Neutral Commitment

We are proud to be a carbon-neutral practice, having already reduced and offset our carbon emissions to net-zero, achieving carbon neutrality in accordance with the UK’s carbon reduction targets. As part of our ongoing commitment, we will manage and mitigate not only our CO2 emissions but also other potent greenhouse gases, including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which contribute to global warming even at low concentrations.

• Managing Greenhouse Gases: In our efforts to achieve net-zero by 2050, we will extend our carbon management strategies to include all relevant GHGs. While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas associated with the built environment, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also emitted during various activities, including the use of fertilizers, construction waste management, and the energy-intensive manufacturing of building materials. Additionally, HFCs, which are often used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, will be considered in our emissions management framework.

• Commitment to Net-Zero by 2050: As part of our carbon-neutral operations, we will continue to offset any residual emissions while developing a comprehensive roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This will include addressing all sources of emissions—CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, and others—across all scopes (1, 2, and 3).

• Interim Targets for 2025, 2030, and 2040: We have set clear milestones to track our progress towards net-zero emissions by 2050. These interim targets will help us ensure that we remain on course and allow us to adjust our strategy as new data and technologies emerge.

2. Emissions Reporting and Scope
Our approach to emissions reporting follows the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, categorising emissions into three main areas:

• Scope 1 (Direct emissions):
– Company Fleet: All company vehicles are fully electric, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions. We are continuously working to reduce indirect emissions related to vehicle manufacturing and battery production, but we are committed to maintaining a fully electric fleet to prevent further CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.

• Scope 2 (Indirect emissions):o Purchased Electricity: Our electricity is sourced from 100% renewable energy, and our Scope 2 emissions total 580 kgCO2e annually. These emissions result from the generation and distribution of electricity, and while our renewable energy sources reduce these emissions, we are actively exploring options to further reduce the energy intensity of our operations.

• Scope 3 (Other indirect emissions):

– Business Travel: All staff use public transport, bikes, or travel on foot, ensuring that travel-related emissions remain minimal.
– Materials and Supply Chain: In our material sourcing, we favour sustainable and low-carbon materials, prioritising products that minimise the potential release of greenhouse gases, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), during their lifecycle.
– Waste and Carbon Sequestration: We aim to minimise the emission of methane from construction and office waste by promoting waste diversion from landfills and supporting composting and recycling.
For the first 24-month reporting period, we will continue monitoring our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, identifying opportunities for reduction, and ensuring that all relevant greenhouse gases are accounted for in our emission-reduction strategies.

 

3. Environmental Management Measures
We continue to apply various environmental management measures that address the full range of greenhouse gases emitted from our operations:

Office and Workplace Sustainability

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

– As a carbon-neutral practice, we maintain our office energy usage at a minimum, using energy-efficient LED lighting and smart thermostats to reduce electricity demand. Our electricity consumption is sourced from 100% renewable energy, effectively mitigating CO2 emissions from purchased electricity. We aim to invest in further energy-efficient office equipment, such as low-energy printers and computers, to further reduce Scope 2 emissions.

• Reducing HFC Emissions:
– Our office is equipped with energy-efficient cooling systems that use minimal amounts of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. We are working with suppliers to ensure that any future upgrades to our building’s HVAC systems avoid HFCs in favour of natural refrigerants, such as CO2 or ammonia.

Sustainable Travel and Commuting

• Electric Vehicle Fleet and Public Transport:
– As a practice, we have transitioned to an entirely electric vehicle fleet to eliminate CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-powered cars. Our staff members are encouraged to use public transport, cycling, or walking for commuting to and from work, which helps prevent indirect emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a byproduct of transportation and fuel combustion.

 

Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy

• Low-Carbon Materials and Lifecycle Emissions:
– In every project, we carefully select low-carbon materials that have a minimal environmental impact, not only in terms of CO2 but also methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which can arise during production or waste decomposition.
– We conduct life-cycle carbon assessments to understand the full environmental impact of materials and aim to reduce emissions associated with material transport, production, and disposal.

• Waste and Carbon Sequestration:
– We will continue to promote waste diversion strategies, ensuring that materials do not end up in landfills where they may release methane. Our office implements a robust recycling program, and we support tree-planting initiatives to offset emissions from unavoidable activities.

 

Tree Planting and Carbon Offsetting Initiatives

• Tree Planting Initiatives:
– While we have already achieved carbon neutrality, we continue to support tree planting projects that help offset emissions from residual activities that are difficult to eliminate. These projects not only capture CO2 but also promote biodiversity and restore ecosystems.
– We are committed to working with reputable carbon offset providers who focus on projects that manage all greenhouse gases, including those that address CH4 and N2O emissions from agriculture and waste management.

 

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Quarterly Emissions Review: We will continue to track emissions on a quarterly basis and use this data to identify new opportunities for reduction. Our Scope 2 emissions (580 kgCO2e) will be monitored closely, alongside any indirect emissions from business travel, materials, and waste.
• Annual Carbon Neutral Report: At the end of each reporting period, we will publish an Annual Sustainability Report, detailing our emissions from all sources—CO2, CH4, N2O, and HFCs—and the actions we’ve taken to reduce or offset them.
• Continuous Improvement: We will actively research and implement new technologies and strategies to reduce emissions of all greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons, ensuring we are continually evolving and contributing to the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

 

Conclusion
MOST Architecture is committed to maintaining carbon neutrality while working towards net-zero emissions by 2050. By managing all greenhouse gases—CO2, CH4, N2O, and HFCs—and implementing comprehensive environmental management practices across our office operations, business travel, materials sourcing, and waste management, we aim to set an example in the architectural sector. We are proud of our progress so far and will continue to work diligently to achieve our ambitious goals, ensuring that our practice contributes positively to both the built environment and the planet.