Buro Happold’s Sustainability and Alternative Technologies (SAT) group delivers environmentally sustainable solutions that harness low and zero carbon (LZC) energy sources. These include renewables and combined heat and power (CHP) systems which mitigate the environmental impact of buildings, as well as adding value through energy security, whole life cost savings and positive publicity.

Growing environmental concerns and European, national and local government policies are driving the increased use of renewable energy and LZC technologies in the built environment. Enforcement of the Kyoto Agreement and the need to reduce carbon emissions has put the focus firmly on energy conservation and recycling.

Buro Happold is at the leading edge of sustainable, low-energy design for the built environment. Our SAT consultants offer expert strategic advice on energy planning and policy, regulatory requirements, energy procurement, alternative energy options and meeting sustainability targets. Our expertise also covers masterplanning, environmental impact assessments and water conservation strategies.

The successful integration of LZC energy requires detailed knowledge of traditional building services as well as the alternative technologies themselves. Buro Happold believes in a holistic approach to carbon mitigation based on passive environmental design, low energy building services and LZC energy sources. 

By utilising natural ventilation and daylighting we are able to reduce dependence on ‘active’ systems and make buildings more user-friendly, low energy and low maintenance. Other innovative green systems include wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, biomass boilers, CHP units and rainwater collection tanks.