Over 20 local organisations attended the second Winchester Sustainable Design Clinic to learn how to build, maintain and operate more sustainable commercial property.
Two key themes emerged from the discussion, organised by Philip Tutt-Leppard, a Winchester-based sustainability communications consultant at 360 Integrated PR, on 21 November 2024.
- Everything connects – new technologies should not act in competition; they work together. No one product, technique or supplier has all the answers
- Start with the boring detail – both landlords and tenants will have far more impact by acting on the tough stuff than getting side-tracked by the headline-grabbing new ideas
Architect, Martin Andrews from Stride Treglown explained that many clients still look for “new and shiny” when refurbishing. A good architect can rebrand an existing building to look great while ensuring environmental improvements are embedded in the structure.
Mesh Energy’s Doug Johnson gave a framework to undertake measurement and prioritise changes in a structured way. He emphasised the need to identify the building’s weak spots and fix those before getting excited about innovative technologies. Ensuring the fabric is sound gives you more options to incorporate further improvements later.
Sustainably designed building products
However, when landlords and occupiers are ready to implement more eye-catching solutions, an ever-increasing range of excellent products is available. Two of the most interesting were illustrated by Greg Norman from Graphenstone Paints and Richard White from Chandler’s Ford-based Kelda Showers.
Graphenstone’s combination of lime and graphene creates a paint which absorbs CO2 and is breathable while Kelda’s air-powered showers use less than half the water of a normal shower. Interior design specialists Yellow Interiors also displayed a further range of sustainable products at the event.
The final speaker was Winchester lighting designer, James Poore from JPLD. James explained the role light plays in employee health and wellbeing. He stressed that good lighting design is a combination of artificial and natural light. We need to “cherish the natural world” where the only constant is daylight.
One final thought emerged in the question session which followed the sustainable design clinic. It is vital, particularly in a commercial environment, that sustainable products are as convenient as traditional ones. If not, contractors will find any way they can to avoid using them. Greg emphasised that Graphenstone covers just like a normal paint, while Richard’s showers are installed just like any other electric shower.
The evening encouraged the businesses involved to take action where they can and to seek further support if they are unsure where to begin. Philip Tutt-Leppard concluded by stating each business’s responsibility to communicate its action programme. Positive stories will both enthuse its own staff and encourage its more reluctant competitors to improve their environmental performance. To discuss PR opportunities and avoid greenwash, it’s best to talk to a dedicated sustainability communications consultant. Contact 360 Integrated PR for internal and external PR and communications advice for your specific needs.