Studio Prineas is certified carbon neutral
Director, Eva-Marie describes the rewarding process of taking her studio carbon neutral and how it represents a key step in providing care and respect for Country.
Attaining our carbon neutral certification through The Carbon Reduction Institute of Australia was a simple but interesting exercise for every member in our team. The process provided us with an opportunity to carefully consider and quantify our environmental footprint – waste creation, recycling quantities, car usage, and energy provider choices, as well as other everyday things that impact carbon production. As a studio, we aim to tread lightly on Country, and undertaking a carbon audit helped us understand the impact of our efforts to date, as well as provide a framework for continuing to set new targets that will further reduce our footprint into the future.
Being certified carbon neutral has been a really positive experience for our practice. It represents a continuation of our values – we take pride in leading by example and playing an active role in creating the change we want to see in our industry.
We are concurrently embarking on a journey of learning in regard to working on and connecting to Country, with deep respect for our First Nations people. A key step in connecting to Country is caring for Country and becoming a carbon neutral studio is one simple way that we are able to help mitigate the effects of climate change and practice in a way that respects the land on which we live and work.
As architects, we have a responsibility to act as leaders within the building industry, which we know is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Architects have an opportunity to make tangible change through the buildings we design and the products we specify. Leading by example, beginning with how we conduct our own practices is the logical first step. We found taking our practice carbon neutral to be entirely manageable, constructive and rewarding and we encourage our peers to do the same.
Our commitment to climate action
The Australian Institute of Architects is supporting all members in their shift to becoming carbon neutral – it’s the simplest step towards reaching zero.
More from Reading Architecture
A home to be nude in
Architecture as a system: Designing for regenerative development
