Sustainability Action Plan
At Andrew Noonan Architect, sustainability is not an aesthetic—it is a fundamental responsibility. In alignment with Australian Architects Declare, we are committed to regenerative design, carbon reduction, and ecological stewardship. This Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) sets out our framework for embedding sustainability into our practice, projects, and operations.
1. Our Commitment
We acknowledge the climate and biodiversity emergency and commit to:
Creating architecture that is net-positive for people and the planet.
Reducing embodied and operational carbon in all our projects.
Prioritising regenerative, circular, and low-impact materials.
Designing for resilience and long-term adaptability.
Advocating for industry-wide change towards a regenerative built environment.
2. Sustainable Design Strategies
We integrate the following principles into every project:
2.1 Passive Design & Energy Efficiency
Prioritise passive heating, cooling, and ventilation to reduce energy demand.
Optimise solar orientation, shading, and natural daylighting.
Use high-performance building envelopes and airtight construction.
Incorporate low-energy systems, including LED lighting and high-efficiency appliances.
2.2 Low-Carbon & Regenerative Materials
Specify low-embodied carbon materials, such as responsibly sourced timber, recycled metals, and geopolymer concrete.
Reduce reliance on high-impact materials like cement and virgin plastics.
Support local supply chains and manufacturers to reduce transport emissions.
Design for deconstruction and material reuse.
2.3 Water Stewardship & Biodiversity
Integrate rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and water-sensitive urban design.
Promote landscape-led solutions that enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Minimise impervious surfaces to support natural water cycles.
2.4 Circular Economy & Adaptive Design
Prioritise modular, flexible, and adaptive spaces to extend building lifespan.
Encourage design for disassembly, reducing construction and demolition waste.
Incorporate salvaged, upcycled, and recycled materials wherever possible.
3. Practice & Operations
We apply sustainability principles beyond our projects, embedding them into our studio’s daily operations.
3.1 Carbon Reduction & Renewable Energy
Measure and reduce our studio’s operational carbon footprint.
Operate on 100% renewable energy, primarily generated on-site.
Promote carbon-neutral suppliers and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Offset unavoidable emissions through certified carbon sequestration projects.
3.2 Sustainable Procurement & Ethical Partnerships
Engage with suppliers, consultants, and contractors who align with our sustainability values.
Select office materials and equipment based on circular economy principles.
3.3 Advocacy, Education & Industry Leadership
Share knowledge and advocate for sustainable policies within the industry.
Support ongoing education in sustainable design for all team members.
Actively participate in Australian Architects Declare initiatives and working groups.
4. Accountability & Continuous Improvement
To ensure real impact, we will:
Conduct annual sustainability reviews and report on our progress.
Set measurable KPIs and targets for carbon reduction, material use, biodiversity, and operational efficiency in all projects.
Develop a sustainability checklist to embed key environmental and regenerative design principles into the project briefing and design phases.
Continuously refine our processes in response to emerging best practices and innovations.
Sustainability is at the core of our work at Andrew Noonan Architect. By embedding regenerative design, responsible material choices, and industry advocacy into our practice, we aim to contribute to a built environment that is not just sustainable, but truly restorative.
This Sustainability Action Plan will evolve as we refine our approach, always striving for better outcomes for both people and the planet.