RSHP’s Environmental, Social and Governance report 2019 - 2020 - 2021 - 2022 This report consists of our policies, our carbon-footprint calculations, our environmental commitments for the Net Zero reduction path, and our dedication to Social Responsibility. ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Contents
Introduction Introducing RSHP's ESG Report
9
Sustainability Manifesto
12
UN Sustainable Development Goals
18
Sustainability Commitments
22
ESG approach — Policies About RSHP
26
Environment
28
Social 30 Governance 36 E: Carbon Accounting — RSHP Carbon Footprint Inventory Boundary
40
Goal and Scope
42
Total Emissions by Scope
52
Baseline 2022
54
Offsetting / Carbon Neutral
58
S: Social Responsibility ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Introduction
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Introducing RSHP's ESG Report
RSHP is fully committed to carrying out honest, ethical and fair business practices across all activities. We pledged to transparency of information and reporting. Publishing this Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report shows our commitment to transparency how we conduct our business – and our approach to assure a better future for following generations. This report consists of our policies, our carbon-footprint calculations, our environmental commitments for the Net Zero reduction path, and our dedication to Social Responsibility. All calculations are developed following industry-approved tools and guidance. The purpose of this report is to outline our environmental, social, and governance policies and our responsibilities for improvement, explaining how we are engaging with our environmental and social impacts, and what our improvement plans and dedication are. RSHP pledged to produce this report annually to include appropriate disclosure of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance data, to report on benchmarking and to research and show progress against our commitments. The measurements and calculations in this report were made following the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard, set out by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Our carbon reduction targets cover emission scopes 1, 2 and 3 (direct, indirect and other sources). ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Graphic 01: Limiting warming to 1.5oC and 2oC involves rapid, deep – and in most cases – immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions. Source: IPCC report 2023 Net global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Net Zero CO2 and Net Zero GHG emissions can be achieved
80 2019 emissions were 12% higher than 2010 Gigatons of CO2 equivalent emissions (GTCO2-eq/yr)
Implemented policies 60 Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) range in 2030
Implemented policies result in projected emissions that lead to warming of 3.2oC, with a range of 2.2oC to 3.5oC (medium confidence)
40
20 Limit warming to 2oC Net Zero Limit warming to 1.5oC
-20 2000
2020
2040
2060
2080
2100
2060
2080
2100
Net global greenhouse CO2 emissions Net Zero CO2 and Net Zero GHG emissions can be achieved 80
GTCO2-eq/yr
60
40
20 Net Zero
0
-20 2000
2020
2040
Key
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Implemented policies (median, with percentiles 25–75% and 5–95%)
Limit warming to 1.5oC (>67%) with no or limited overshoot
Model range for 2015 emissions
Limit warming to 2oC (>67%)
Past emissions (2000–2015)
Past GFG emissions and uncertainty for 2015–2019 (dot indicates median)
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Global methane CH4 emissions
MtCH4/yr
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200 Net Zero
0 2000
2040
2020
2060
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Net global CO2 will be reached before Net Zero GFG emissions
CO2
2OC 1.5OC
Net Zero
2000
GHG
CO2 2040
2020
GHG 2060
2080
2100
Year of Net Zero emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions by sector at the time of Net Zero CO2 compared to 2019 These are different ways to achieve Net Zero CO2
GTCO2-eq/yr
60 Illustrative mitigation pathways (IMPs) 40
20
0 2019 -20
IMPGS
IMPNeg
IMPLD
IMPSP
IMPRen
Non-CO2 emissions
Energy supply (incl. electricity)
Transport, industry and buildings
Land-use change and forestry
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Sustainability Manifesto
Our founding constitution is at the forefront of environmental policy and practice. RSHP are continually aiming to do better and we are setting ourselves ambitious sustainability goals – it is our collective responsibility to respond to the huge challenges posed by climate emergency. We understand our professional responsibility to address climate emergency, and we are working closely with our clients, partners, and project teams to design with a focus on sustainability. Our sustainability strategies are based on the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach, as outlined in the UN Brundtland Commission Report of 1987. Sustainability is defined as a project’s balance of environmental, economic, and social impacts. RSHP believe that to deliver a genuinely sustainable project, all three impacts need to be taken into consideration (Table 01). RSHP works on international multidisciplinary projects at different scales, from masterplanning to smallscale buildings, based on a holistic approach. Our final objective is always to create a sustainable living environment. Therefore, the UN SDGs are relevant to our work – some to a greater or lesser extent, some directly or indirectly. Our design procedures are aligned to comply with UN SDGs. We have identified that nine out of 17 UN SDGs are directly linked to our work. These concepts are applied following the guidance listed in Table 01. 12 RSHP
Working closely and collaboratively with our clients, partners as well as leading industry consultants, we design environmentally responsible buildings, biodiverse public spaces, and cities for the future, that consider the health and well-being of the communities they serve. We develop innovative, practical solutions for our projects to minimize their long-term environmental impact, to improve overall building performance, to sustain rather than to pollute, and to adapt rather than replace. RSHP has a long history developing projects with strong environmental design, biodiversity enhancement, and social value at the core. We are committed to continually improving the way we design buildings. We pledge to raise awareness of enduring climate and biodiversity emergencies, and the urgent need for action from all stakeholders of the construction industry. We believe in advocating faster change in our industry by working closely with sustainability industry organisations and institutions – to enhance and advance industry knowledge. RSHP observes sustainability best practice for all our projects globally: We are members of the UK Green Building Council, Founding Signatories of UK Architects Declare, and committed to RIBA 2030, the Australian Institute of Architects Race to Net Zero and the AIA 2030 commitment. We are involved in knowledge sharing and upskilling within the industry with organisations such as LETI, UKGBC, ACAN and others.
(Right) BBVA: One of the five sky gardens (blue, yellow, orange, pink and green) , located on level 21 – featuring indigenous flora to create relaxing breakout spaces. Bancomer, Mexico City ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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It has always been our aim to ensure that our work is beneficial to society and to exclude work that is knowingly considered directly destructive to our environment and social fabric. We also recognise that work is not an end in itself and that a balanced life must include the enjoyment of leisure and the time to think. To ensure the work we do is of the highest quality, the size of the office and the selection of projects need to be carefully managed. RSHP constitution, 1990
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We regularly evaluate the sustainability approach of our projects against our aspirational targets, ensuring that we contribute positively to mitigating climate change. For our everyday work, we regard these efforts as essential to move forward meaningfully and to continuously increase our environmental performance. Within our practice, we have a dedicated Sustainability Lead steering a sustainability group with 25 members. Additionally, we work with an external Environmental Specialist to independently peerreview our projects and to provide design input. Our team members have a range of relevant professional qualifications, such as Certified Passivhaus Designer, PhD in Whole Life Carbon, Social Responsibility, Retrofit Coordinator, BREEAM and LEED specialists, and MSc in Environmental Design, amongst others. The sustainability group is led by champions who promote sustainability awareness and share knowledge practice-wide, to collectively achieve our 2050 target to reduce our business and project carbon emissions to Net Zero.
We assess the possibility of upgrading existing buildings with a whole-life carbon approach to maximize value, reduce embodied carbon and extend the existing building’s lifespan. We review and revise our specification procedures to ensure that we adopt sustainable procurement programmes, reduce construction waste, and specify lowcarbon materials whenever possible. Our design approach also integrates biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, and regenerative design. We assess the social impact our projects may have. We want our buildings to be inclusive, culturally diverse spaces that serve the local communities. We believe that the social value of our projects should be considered with a holistic approach, not onlytaking into account added social gains but also looking at the health and well-being benefits provided to the users. We encourage community involvement in all our projects from the initial stages to assure that the buildings we design serve local communities and endusers in the best way possible.
RSHP is committed to deeply embedding sustainability into our design approach. As a business, we are committed to estimate and appraise our carbon footprint on an annual basis, and to endeavour to achieve Net Zero by 2050, supported by RSHP’s ISO 14001 certification and following the Science Based Targets reduction plan. We are strongly encouraged by the changes the construction industry has shown over the past years, and we would like to support all our clients, consultants, and communities we work with to create a path to a sustainable future together.
Campus Palmas Altas: Public space within the shaded campus. Sevilla, Spain 16 RSHP
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Graphic 02: Sustainability Triple Bottom Line – RSHP design approach With this graphic, we want to explain all the design criteria that we take into consideration, aligned with the Sustainability Triple Bottom Line approach.
Modular and prefabricated systems Sustainable procurement Adaptive reuse Retrofit and/or rebuilt Deconstruction instead of demolition Pre-demolition audit
Nature-based solutions Compacting the built environment Planet-compatible urban utilities Nature as infrastructure
Climate risk assessment Nature-based solutions Adaptability and flexibility
Operational and Embodied carbon reduction Natural based materials Material optimization Adaptive reuse Retrofit and/or rebuilt Energy efficiency Fabric first Passive design Post-occupancy Evaluations
Environmental impact
Biodiversity
Climate resilience
Circular Economy Water conservation opportunities Community engagement
Health and well-being Daylight Overheating mitigation Acoustic comfort Thermal comfort Outdoor space Visual comfort
Quality assurance
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Social Impact Equity, diversity, inclusion Social value
Decarbonization: Net Zero targets / Whole life carbon
Economic impact Community
Payback period Cost-effective design
Placemaking Generate employment opportunities Community engagement
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UN Sustainable Development Goals Target 3.9 Ensure that buildings and environments are good for people’s health and well-being.
Target 6.4 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Targets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Targets 8.2, 8.3 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Targets 9.1, 9.4 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Targets 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.6, 11.7 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Targets 12.2, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Targets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Targets 15.2, 15.5, 15.8, 15.9 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and stop biodiversity loss.
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Table 01: Our design procedures are aligned to comply with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). We have identified that nine out of 17 UN SDGs are directly linked to our work. This table shows how we align our day-today work with these goals. Notes: Targets are based on the UNSG 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; KPI – Key Performance Indicators
Good health and well-being Through simulations and local climate analysis we can ensure good daylight and comfort levels. We provide spaces with strong visual connections to the external space, good indoor air quality and outstanding levels of thermal and acoustic comfort. We prioritise access to outdoor spaces, active circulation, and inclusive design. KPI: Daylight, air quality, thermal comfort, noise and/or damp
Sustainable water cycle We believe that water conservation is a priority to reduce the environmental impact of our buildings. We specify low-flow fittings and appliances. We establish rainwater and grey water recycling, and sustainable urban drainage systems whenever feasible. KPI: Water consumption, predicted potable water, water management systems
Net Zero operational carbon emissions We have extensive experience designing energy-efficient buildings with low environmental impact and on-site renewable energy generation. We design with a fabric-first approach, adding passive design measurements to avoid overheating and energy loss. We work closely with the design team to provide a fine-tuned internal environment with efficient mechanical systems. KPI: Predicted regulated and unregulated energy use, energy use intensity (EUI), predicted on-site renewable output
Sustainable life-cycle cost We take a holistic approach, considering both economic and environmental impacts, aligning design proposals with cost plans and payback periods. KPI: Life-cycle cost assessment
Sustainable connectivity and transport / sustainable procurement We insist on comprehensive green transport plans for masterplan projects, prioritize locations near public transport, and emphasize sustainable procurement for circular economy material specifications. KPI: Sustainable specification, sustainable procurement plan, climate resilience and adaptation
Sustainable communities and social value We engage all stakeholders for a holistic approach, considering social, environmental, and economic impacts to meet everyone’s needs, especially local communities. KPI: Predicted energy use, EUI, on-site renewable, embodied carbon, and life-cycle assessments
Net Zero embodied carbon emissions, life-cycle assessment We focus on whole building retrofit and adaptive reuse when it’s the best whole-life carbon option, revitalizing existing spaces and emphasizing low-carbon materials and circular economy principles. KPI: Predicted energy use, EUI, on-site renewable, embodied carbon, and life-cycle assessments
Whole-life carbon emissions, climate resilience and adaptability to climate change We collaborate with the design team to ensure our project adapts to climate change by using low-carbon materials and energy-efficient measures, following circular economy principles and whole-life carbon reduction targets. KPI: Predicted energy use, renewable output, embodied carbon, life-cycle assessments, and comfort analysis
Sustainable land-useand ecology We prioritize biodiversity in all our projects, leverage our expertise to free up land in urban areas. Our designs emphasize nature-friendly solutions, using infrastructure to connect and boost biodiversity. KPI: Biodiversity net-gain, urban greening factor
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The undulating internal bamboo roof is formed from a repetitive sequence of waves, supported by steel columns, Madrid Barajas, Terminal 4, Madrid, Spain. 20 RSHP ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Sustainability Commitments
RSHP has committed to UK Architects Declare Founding Signatories of Architects Declare Australian Architects Declare Signatories of Architects Declare US Architects Declare Signatories of Architects Declare RIBA 2030 Challenge Net Zero Operational Carbon and targeted Embodied Carbon reductions
RSHP are signatories of Architects Declare and believe we have a duty to try and make a positive difference when and where we can. To this end, we believe it’s more important to be sitting at the table and influencing the shape of infrastructure that is likely to be with us for generations, ensuring this is built and operated to the highest possible environmental standards. The practice is committed to contributing positively to developing sustainable forms of mobility. The future of air travel raises fundamental technological, environmental, and societal questions for all of us. On all our projects we strive to be part of the solution.
AIA 2030 Challenge Net Zero Operational Carbon Australian Institute of Architects Race to Net Zero Net Zero Operational Carbon by 2030 Net Zero Embodied Carbon by 2040 Net Zero by 2050
RSHP is targeting UN Race to Zero Campaign Business Ambition for 1.5°C World GBC Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment Advancing to Net Zero Built Environment – Sector Decarbonization by 2050 Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront – Net Zero embodied carbon by 2050
RSHP is an active member of LETI Low energy transformation initiative UKGBC UK Green Building Council ACAN Architects Climate Action Network
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NLA New London Architecture
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Table 02: Architects Declare With this table we are explaining how we have been complying with Architects Declare so far, and our plans of improvements until 2030. Commitments
2019 to 2023
2023 to 2030
Raise awareness
Continue involvement with industry events and initiatives
Continue the work that we are doing by getting more industry involvement, educating stakeholders on climate emergency, and using all our public channels to upscale knowledge on these issues
Advocate for faster change
Continue involvement with industry collectives that are advocating for change
Continue the work we are doing by engaging and supporting industry collectives that advocate for change
Establish climate and biodiversity mitigation principles
Have sustainability embedded into design procedures
Establish a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and compare project performance targets
Share knowledge
Continue involvement with industry collectives, education and community programmes
Set up an open source section on the website to publish design guidances that are part of our internal design procedures
Evaluate projects
Evaluations run in collaboration with sustainability consultants
Initiate an in-house assessment methodology to run environmental, energy and carbon assessments in-house
Upgrade existing buildings
Working closely with clients and consultants to retrofit existing buildings after a positive whole-life carbon validation
Continue the work that we are doing by advocating retrofit options for projects after a positive whole-life carbon assessment indicating retrofit as the most valid option
Whole-life approach
Pushing clients to add whole-life carbon targets to projects, running full life-cycle assessments and costings
Collaborate with consultants, running internal whole-life carbon assessments to ensure compliance with industry targets
Regenerative design principles
Embrace regenerative and natural-based design solutions wherever possible
Continue exploring regenerative and natural-based design solutions for all projects
Collaborate / waste reduction
Push all stakeholders to work collaboratively, pushing sustainable strategies of projects, especially waste reduction
Continue the work that we are doing, and add circular economy and embodied carbon design principles to our design procedures; not only to reduce waste, but also the amount of materials used throughout the building project
Low carbon materials
Explore specifying low carbon materials wherever possible
Add embodied carbon reduction targets that allow to push for the specification of low carbon materials
Minimize waste
Collaborate with stakeholders to minimize waste
Push for waste reduction targets to be added to tender information and client brief
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ESG approach — Policies
About RSHP
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RSHP is a practice comprising over 180 staff, working globally across studios in London, Melbourne, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and New York. We have a wealth of varied architectural experience, working across multiple sectors and diverse project scales. RSHP designs a wide range of building types including office, residential, transport, education, culture, leisure, retail, civic, and healthcare as well as masterplanning and urban design. At the heart of our work is the commitment to create and inspire meaningful change. This proposition is anchored in creativity, usability, durability and infused with three core values: sustainability, innovation, and putting people at the centre of everything the practice does. The firm was founded as the Richard Rogers Partnership in 1977 and renamed Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in 2007 to reflect the vital contributions of Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour. To mark the next step in the continuous evolution of a studio that has earned a reputation for innovation throughout its 40-year history, it was renamed RSHP in 2022. ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Environment Environmental Policy
Introduction The climate emergency poses huge challenges, and we have a collective responsibility to address these. Mitigating climate change requires a collaborative and science-based approach. The UK construction industry is responsible for 40% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the WBCSD Annual Report 2018. RSHP believes that we not only have a responsibility to lower the carbon footprint of the buildings and masterplans we design – but also a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint of the RSHP business. We are committed to annual carbon accounting, following a carbonreduction path to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Our Workplace RSHP is an international company with offices in London (HQ), Melbourne, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and New York. Working on a global scale as an international company proves challenging with regards to lowering our carbon footprint. Nevertheless, as professionals we are committed to minimising the impact of our business.
From its very origins and the drafting of our constitution by Richard Rogers in 1990 , sustainability has been a central driver of our work. RSHP have led architectural and urban innovation, developing principles of adaptable, long-life buildings and efficient low energy construction. Today the need for environmental action is more urgent than ever and our commitment to making a positive difference across a broad spectrum deeply embedded within the ethos of the practice.
We strive to embed our environmental commitments as a fundamental part of our day-today work. Our goal is to increase the sustainability knowledge of all our staff with the aim that all our employees understand the RSHP policy, to implement the relevant schemes ensuring the reduction of our carbon foot print on an annual basis, with the goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050. We have collected carbon data to calculate our scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Our carbon accounting has a 2019 baseline year to verify the assessment of our footprint pre and post pandemic. RSHP is actively aware of the economic, social, and environmental responsibilities of the practice in all business areas, and when making business decisions. Through supporting and promoting sustainable practice, it is our policy to:
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Manage our business in a sensitive manner through:
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Improving the procedures for recording and collecting carbonrelated data to make it easier to track and calculate our footprint
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Maintaining involvement with industry collectives that promote sustainability values
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Maintaining a database of sustainable design resources and project information
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Purchasing and use of environmentally responsible products and services
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Encouraging staff to take part in industry-wide sustainability forums and research initiatives
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Reducing waste, where possible, through reuse and recycling of equipment and products
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Encouraging staff to identify opportunities for the improvement of our environmental impacts
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Encouraging the responsible use of energy, materials, resources, equipment, and products throughout the business
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Communicating the practice’s environmental objectives internally and externally
Considering energy efficiency when purchasing new equipment and products
Our design
•
•
Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and the public
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A continuous aim to improving the environmental footprint of our premises
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Providing first-class benefits to all employees to promote staff wellbeing
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Promoting sustainable travel to work to all our staff
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Developing a strong travel policy to give priority to low-carbon travel and transport options
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Developing a strong relationship with the community
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Tracking and reducing the paper consumption related to printing information
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Reviewing our suppliers list to make sure that our supply chain is sustainable. Valuing green delivery and zero-waste options
Maintain and promote awareness and understanding amongst our employees: •
•
Providing in-house and external training for all staff focusing on environmental issues Encouraging sustainable initiatives amongst staff
At RSHP, we understand that the greatest positive impact we can have regarding the climate emergency is by designing low-carbon buildings. We collaborate extensively with our clients, partners, and top industry consultants to create environmentally responsible buildings, diverse public areas, and forward-thinking urban environments. These endeavours prioritize the health and wellness of the communities they cater to. Our approach involves crafting inventive and pragmatic solutions for each project, aiming to reduce their lasting environmental footprint, enhance overall building efficiency, promote sustainability over pollution, and foster adaptability rather than replacement. RSHP is committed to improving the way we design buildings. We have a strong history of embedding sustainability, environmental design, and biodiversity-enhancing principles into our design process. We integrate sustainable design solutions within our design process through: •
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Encouraging clients, contractors, and consultants to integrate sustainable design in the design and construction of the project as part of a collaborative process
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For active environmental control measures, reducing the need for mechanical or other energy consuming systems and consider on-site renewable energy sources
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Ensuring all regulatory requirements are met and, where feasible, exceed government targets with a whole-life carbon approach to design
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Implementing, where possible, new technologies and systems with potential whole-life carbon and lifetime-cost benefits to the project
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Where possible, making use of local materials, suppliers, and workforces to deliver our projects
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Considering low embodied carbon materials, including recycled materials, wherever possible
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Researching and specifying environmentally responsible products
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Considering deconstruction, recycling, and circular economy principles in our designs
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Considering retrofitting and adaptive reuse as a first strategy for all existing buildings
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Designing to minimise impact on existing flora and fauna and aiming to increase biodiversity and ecology in our designs
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Using water responsibly to reduce use of treated water
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Consulting with local communities and considering the impacts a project has beyond the site boundaries
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Designing to optimise use of public transport and active travel
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Designing for healthy internal environments including daylight and suitable ventilation
Signed
Working with local climatic conditions and prioritising passive environmental design
Stephen Barrett — Partner 20/10/2023
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Social Social Responsibility Policy
Introduction Our distinct composition makes us different. Social responsibility is at the heart of RSHP, with our professional beliefs enshrined in our Constitution since 1990. Our Constitution has guided our unique practice model for over three decades, empowering our practice and people to constantly evolve and develop. This includes ownership of our practice by a charitable trust not individuals, and an ongoing philanthropic commitment determined by our employees. Architectural practice is inseparable from the social and economic values of the individuals who practise it and the society which sustains it. As individuals, we are responsible for contributing to the welfare of mankind, the society in which we practise, and the team we work with. At RSHP, we define Corporate Social Responsibility as follows: •
Conducting business in a socially responsible and ethical manner
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Protecting the environment and the safety of people
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Engaging, learning, respecting, and supporting the communities and cultures we are working for/ with
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Having a holistic approach towards user-centric, climateresponsive design – and adding social value to everything we do
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Giving back to our community with charity contributions, and outreach/education programmes
Our greatest strength as a practice is our diversity of lived experiences; this allows us to better understand and design for a diverse group of clients. The more we can attract and include diverse talent into the practice, and reduce the rate of attrition amongst under-represented groups in the built environment, the better we can make our architecture. Bridget Munro, Associate 30 RSHP
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Our Workplace
•
Mentoring programme
People grow with us, and we grow with them. We are committed to opening the profession of architecture to a world of talent, developing long-term RSHP careers.
Affiliations/pledges
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Office charity cycle rides for Alzheimer’s Research & Cancer Research UK
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Women in Architecture
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HD5K runs for Motor Neurone Disease Association
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Gold sponsors of Architecture LGBTQ+
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Leadenhall Building abseils for Maggie’s Cancer Centre
London School of Architecture Design Think Tank
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Staff running and fundraising for the London Marathon
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Bake-offs for MacMillan Trust, Cancer Research, and WWF
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in-house group
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The equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) Group was formed by a diverse cross-section of employees to enhance and support RSHP’s core values, which have always stood out as exemplary within the industry. The aim is to create a support structure that addresses several areas identified as EDI key components.
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RIBA Architecture Ambassadors
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Architecture LGBTQ+
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Mayor's Fund for London Diversity Pledge
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Article 25 Humanitarian Architecture 10 x 10 Art Auction
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ARB Architects Engagement Group
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Donations to the Architects’ Benevolent Society
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Decolonise Architecture •
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Architecture Race Forum
Staff have supported more than 2,000 charities via their donations
Mission statement •
Improve our culture and sense of community for all, in line with our design ethos ‘places for all people’
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Ensure that our design approach is enriched by a diversity of ideas
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Demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, aligning our values with clients who have strong environmental and social governance policies
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Win work in regions where demonstrating diversity is a fundamental requirement
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Remain competitive in an industry that increasingly calls for inclusion, and to lead change across the built environment sector as a whole
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Represent the wider cross-section of communities that we design for and consult with
Workstreams •
Recruitment
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Education + opportunity
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Women in architecture
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Encouraging inclusivity
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LGBTQ+
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Protected characteristics
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Neurodiversity support
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Outreach programmes
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Communications
Charity
Education
Contributing to society through charitable donation is fundamental to the practice. When Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners was set up, the beneficial ownership of the group was given to a charity company which is now called the Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Charitable Foundation (company registration 02548804 and charity 1000796). Every year the group is profitable, under the rules of our constitution, RSHP allocates 20% of pre-distribution profit to the charity. The amount is available to be distributed to charities and other worthy causes. To foster a culture of charitable giving within the group, each member of staff and partners is allocated a portion of this amount which they can to donate to a charity or good cause close to their hearts.
A strong commitment to education is one of our core values, and we provide future generations with the knowledge and experience of architecture and the built environment. The practice has created several bursaries around the country to try and help broaden the range of people joining the profession – and was also one of the founding partners of the London School of Architecture (LSA), established to offer an alternative route into the profession. We work closely with a variety of organisations to offer a rich programme of learning experiences.
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Archimake workshops
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Sorrel Foundation National Art & Design Saturday Club with the RSHP model shop
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20% of pre-distribution profit allocated to charity
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Over £3 million given to the charity in the past 6 years
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Summer work experience programme
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Staff can allocate a portion of this amount to charities of choice
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Scale Rule
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Inspiring the Future – careers mentoring
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Modelmaking workshops at the V&A and RA
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School visits to the RSHP studio
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School visits to RSHP building sites to learn about sustainability
Charitable activities •
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Schools programmes
All staff are encouraged to participate in charitable activities and fundraising, and over the years they have raised money in a wide variety of ways, including:
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I champion charity awareness throughout the office, represent RSHP employees on the board of trustees and facilitate the nomination and distribution of the charitable allocation. Kelly Darlington, Modelshop Manager and Charity Trustee
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Broadening access to the profession of architecture is a major challenge facing our industry. It is imperative to establish a wide diversity of those shaping the future of our buildings and our cities. RSHP is proud to fund seven bursaries across the UK at various schools of architecture aimed at supporting students through their education. John McElgunn, Senior Partner 34 RSHP
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Pre-university architecture programmes
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Establishing and enforcing safe methods of work
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Open City Accelerate Programme
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List of schools:
Recruiting and appointing personnel who have the skills, abilities, and competence commensurate with their role and level of responsibility
*
University of Bath
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University of Nottingham
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University of Edinburgh
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Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL)
*
University of Sheffield
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University of Newcastle
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Oxford Brookes University
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Building Futures Programme – Blueprint for All
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Design Think Tank at London School of Architecture
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Staff tutoring at UCL, Oxford Brookes, Nottingham and Sheffield
•
Identifying opportunities and needs for continual improvements
•
Open House – opening the RSHP studio and giving architect-led tours to buildings we designed
•
Furnishing sufficient funds needed to meet these objectives
•
Ensuring that health and safety will not be compromised for other objectives
•
•
•
Post-university/workplace •
RIBA Part 1 post-graduate employment
•
Level 7 apprenticeship programme
•
Part 3 workplace mentoring
•
Wider industry-mentoring such as Women in Architecture
•
RSHP Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) group
Ensuring that tasks given to employees are within their skills, knowledge, and ability to perform Ensuring that technical competence is maintained throughout the provision of refresher training as appropriate Promoting awareness of health and safety, and of good practice through effective communications of relevant information, ensuring all persons within the organization are made aware of their individual H&S responsibilities
Health and safety RSHP is committed to protecting the health and safety of all individuals affected by our activities, including employees, contractors, and the communities that we work with. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment by:
RSHP aims to design its buildings and masterplans humanely and sustainably, concentrating on good design, the public realm, and environmental measures. This is reflected in our constitution and the way we work.
•
Complying with local regulations
Adding Social Value is embedded into our design process:
•
Identifying hazards in the workplace, assessing the risk related to them, and implementing appropriate preventative and protective measures Providing and maintaining safe work equipment
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
Access to outdoor spaces
•
Roofs and terraces available for gardens
•
Good indoor air quality and thermal comfort
•
Control of indoor ambient noise level
•
High-quality public realm
•
Places that take into consideration the communities they serve
•
Inclusive spaces that can adapt to everyone’s needs
•
Safe, attractive, universally accessible
•
Buildings that contribute to their local economies throughout their lifespans
Signed
John McElgunn — Senior Partner 03/11/2023
Our designs A building has a footprint that goes far beyond its site boundaries. Architecture has the potential to positively influence life around it. Engaging with communities, public consultation, and collaborative dialogue inform our solutions. They are a springboard to challenge commonly accepted norms and create unique, bold, and meaningful responses that elevate urban quality.
•
•
•
Good daylight and visual comfort levels
•
View and connection to the exterior
•
Active buildings RSHP 35
Governance Corporate Responsibilities
Our belief We are RSHP, an architectural practice creating sustainable places for a better future. We believe that the world we build should be transformative, joyful to experience and continually adaptable. The field of architecture is inherently tied to the social and economic principles embraced by those engaged in it, as well as the broader society that supports it. Each practitioner bears the responsibility of actively contributing to the wellbeing of humanity, the specific community in which they operate, and the collaborative team they are a part of.
Our aim We endeavour to produce work which is beneficial to society. We aim to be unified, but never uniform; we bring uncommon thinking to building projects of all types and scales.
How we work In order to do work of the highest quality, we carefully control the size of the office and the selection of our projects. No site is too constrained nor any project too challenging to unlock the social and commercial value hidden within it. At RSHP, difficult converts into beautiful, with solutions rooted in pragmatism and elevated by a shared passion for design putting the experiences of people first. Globally, our team ethos is guided by our design approach, constantly evolving over decades to deliver impactful and uplifting architecture that leaves our cities and built environments better than we found them.
There is more to architecture than simply making buildings, our work can change cities and impacts culture, society, and individuals. Always placing people first, we give to those less fortunate when we can, helping make the world a more equitable place. Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner 36 RSHP
Designing for the future is in our DNA. We advocate design emerging from thoughtfulness, problem-solving and ingenuity. Our ‘people places’ respond to the human need for interaction and self-expression, and make use of update, upgrade, and reuse. Beyond sustainable, we aim for regenerative.
Our charitable ownership Our unique composition sets us apart. RSHP places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
with our professional principles embedded in our Constitution since 1990. This foundation document has steered our distinctive practice model for more than three decades, enabling continuous growth and development for both our practice and our individuals. This involves the practice being owned by a charitable trust rather than individuals, with an ongoing philanthropic commitment determined by our employees. This unique constitution has enshrined our commitment to ethical practice and social good since the 1990s, foreshadowing what is known as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) today.
How we are organised We believe in an equitable and transparent sharing of the rewards of our work. The earnings of the partners are fixed in proportion to those of the lowest-paid fullyqualified architect. After reserves and tax, any profits are divided between all staff and charities according to publicly declared principles. We believe that these arrangements nurture an ethos of collective responsibility, satisfaction in the work we produce and a sense of wider social engagement.
Profit-sharing and charity Contributing to society through charitable donation is fundamental to the practice. 75% of our profits are distributed to partners and staff who have completed their probationary period, and additional 20% are donated to charitable causes every year, with the remainder being paid to reserves. Each partner and employee direct their share to charities of their own choice. Since our charity began operation in 1993, we have distributed £20.2 million to more than 2,000 registered charities.
The partners from left to right. Top row: Stephen Barrett, Tracy Meller, Ian Birtles, Simon Smithson. Bottom row: Graham Stirk, Andrew Tyley, Lennart Grut, John McElgunn, Richard Paul, Ivan Harbour.
Signed
Ivan Harbour — Senior Partner 30/10/2023
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E: Carbon Accounting — RSHP Carbon Footprint
Inventory Boundary RSHP ESG Report
Constitution Our distinctive makeup distinguishes us. RSHP prioritizes social responsibility, with our professional principles integrated into our Constitution since 1990. This foundation document has guided our unique practice model for over three decades, facilitating ongoing progress and advancement for both our practice and our members. Ownership of our practice is entrusted to a charitable trust rather than individuals, and a continuous philanthropic dedication is determined by our employees. Our unwavering dedication to ethical conduct and societal welfare has been firmly established since the 1990s, anticipating the current acknowledgment of principles encompassing environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
Time frame The calculations and data collected shown in this report are for the years of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The selected baseline for future improvement is the year 2022. The decision to make this calculation by collecting data from this time frame is because of the need to understand how the different offices were run in the time periods pre, during and post Covid.
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The operational boundaries and business context
Graphic 03: Calculations inventory boundary based on the 2022 business model.
RSHP is working within the building industry, the nature of our activities is designing buildings. Being an international architecture practice, we have offices located in different regions of the world, depending on live projects and future business. During the time frame of this report's focus, RSHP had offices located in London/UK (HQ), Paris/France, Shanghai/China, and Melbourne/ Australia.
With this graphic, we want to explain the 2022 business model, and how many offices we had around the world at that time that affected of carbon footprint.
To make sure that the carbon footprint of the business is as accurate as possible, a decision was made to include all offices that were conducting business during the time period of this report.
London HQ
Differences from office to office that had to be considered: •
•
London HQ: The London office operation has been consistent during the four-year time frame accounted for in this report. One difference during 2020 and 2021 was that less people came into the office because of government lockdown policies. Paris: The Paris office operations were based mainly on remote home-working during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The physical RSHP office was opened in 2022.
•
Shanghai: One operational difference for this office was an increased need for business travel across Asia.
•
Melbourne: The office is located on a construction site, which resulted in the carbon emissions associated with scope 1, 2 and some of scope 3 to be outside our influence, and consequently the calculations.
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
Melbourne
Shanghai
Paris
RSHP 41
Goal and Scope RSHP ESG Report
The goal of this report is to measure and report against environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. The environmental impact will be compared with the latest Carbon Neutral Company report issued in 2017, to review our performance. This calculation is based on the Green House Gas Protocol Corporate Standard set out by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), dividing the emissions in three scopes: •
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company, for example: company facilities or company vehicles using fossil fuels to operate.
•
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from energy purchases and uses, for example: emissions caused through generating the electricity we use in our buildings would fall into this category.
•
Scope 3: Emissions that are not produced by the company itself and are not the result of activities from assets owned or controlled by us, but by those that are indirectly responsible up and down the value chain, for example buying, using, and disposing of products from suppliers. Scope 3 emissions include all sources not within the scope 1 and 2 boundaries.
To assess the environmental impact, we work with a tool called Climate Essentials that helps us calculate the impact for each of our offices, and for the organization as a whole.
Data collection process During the data collection, RSHP has made a good faith effort to provide a complete, accurate and consistent accounting of our green house gas emissions. The KPIs we are measuring are:
42 RSHP
•
Energy and carbon – energy consumption
•
Transport – business travel, staff commuting
•
Products and services – expenses, water consumption, homeworking, events
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
•
Waste management – waste production by type
Calculation units: Carbon footprint – Tonnes of carbon emission (tCO2)
and to keep track of any reductions. We explain our steps in more detail in the future improvements and commitments for reduction section of this report.
Table 03 within this document shows the emissions that have been accounted for and explains any data gaps to provide transparency in the accounting procedures.
Stakeholders:
RSHP is committed to tracking and comparing these KPIs consistently since 2019, using 2022 as a baseline for future improvements and reductions. This gives us the opportunity to keep track of any reduction with a consistent and comparable approach over time. During the data collection process, the carbon accounting team realized that there are issues regarding the data collection: This report accounts for a longer, regressive time frame of four years, and retrograde collecting data after many years can be challenging. Also, at this point of time there are no existing systems for data collection in place. The carbon accounting team is looking into resolving these issues to ensure a simplified data collection process for the future, and to enable any RSHP employee to review the information
•
RSHP LLP
•
Clients
•
Employees
Tools for collecting data and running the carbon footprint calculation: RSHP use Climate Essentials dashboarding to collate and communicate our carbon emissions internally via the company intranet. Climate Essentials is an online carbon management system that simplifies the carbon accounting process through having one platform with accurate carbon factors by region, allowing the data to be calculated through the scopes mentioned earlier, and through generating a reduction path to support our efforts to achieve Net Zero in operations by 2030 and Net Zero as a business by 2050.
Graphic 04: This image covers the definition of the three scopes and the accounting of emissions for each. Source: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
CO2
SF6
CH4
N 2O
NF3
HFC5
PFC5
Direct emissions
Other indirect emissions
Indirect emissions from purchased energy
Purchase of electricty, heat, or steam
Treatment of purchased materials and services
Combustion of fossil fuels
Processed products Company vehicles
Scope 2
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
Business trips
Scope 1
Waste management
Renting or leasing vehicles Outsources activites
Scope 3
RSHP 43
This table presents the origins of the data collected for the carbon footprint calculation and details our efforts to improve the data collection progress and to increase accuracy. 44 RSHP
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
Table 03: Data gap analysis Type
Data collected from
Missing data/estimations
Improvements to the collection process
Electricity
Energy meter and bills
None
No
Gas
Energy meter and bills
None
No
Employee commuting
Employee questionnaires
We requested data for four years (2019–2020–2021–2022), consequently data from employees that have left the practice cannot be accounted for. Instead, we made estimates based on office tendencies and characteristics.
Simplification of the questionnaire: Requesting data for one year only, avoiding any missing information.
Business travel
Travel agency database, employee questionnaires
Currently, business travel bookings are handled via travel agent or individually (logging a purchase order through the RSHP Intranet). This creates issues to locate, collect and analyse the information. We requested data for four years (2019– 2020–2021–2022), consequently data from employees that have left the practice cannot be accounted for whilst data from individually booked business travel remained difficult to track down.
Collaborative efforts between the finance and information management teams to add additional information fields to the existing purchase orders to enable tracking down the information from a reliable source.
Energy
Transport
Products and services Water
Water bills
Missing 2022 data for the London office because landlord did not provide the information. Most RSHP offices do not have a specific water meter for the office space. Payments are based on the building consumption, divided by square metres of the office spaces.
Conversations with landlords to get water meters installed within the office spaces to collect accurate data.
Other expenses
Invoices
We requested data for four years (2019–2020–2021–2022), consequently data remained difficult to track down.
Simplification of the process: Requesting data for one year only, avoiding any missing information.
Home working
Employee questionnaires
We requested data for four years (2019–2020–2021–2022), consequently data from employees that have left the practice cannot be accounted for. Instead, we made estimates based on office tendencies and characteristics.
Simplification of the questionnaire: Requesting data for one year only, avoiding any missing information.
Landlord and waste collection company’s information
Depending on RSHP office and waste collection company, information was more or less accurate.
Review how to receive more accurate data from RSHP offices that don’t relay on private waste companies.
Waste Waste
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RSHP 45
As mentioned before, the exercise to calculate the carbon footprint of the RSHP, business following the Green House Gas Protocol Corporate Standard set out by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), divides emissions into three scopes. RSHP decided to calculate the last four years for this report: RSHP's last carbon footprint calculations were assembled in 2017. Additionally, we wanted to track carbon emissions pre, during, and post Covid. Consequently, calculations were done in the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 calendar years. This report will describe the total carbon emissions for each of these years. We also decided to include not only our London HQ, but also all other offices located in Paris, Melbourne, and Shanghai. Graphic 05 shows the changes and developments of the RSHP total carbon footprint of for each year evaluated in this report. It becomes obvious that the two Covid years (2020 and 2021) affected the business, generating a tangible carbon reduction because of global travel bans and transportation limitations. There is also a noticeable reduction of 12% in our carbon footprint in comparison with 2019 and 2022. Graphic 06 shows the total amount of carbon emissions associated with RSHP as a whole, divided by offices. This graphic details how the majority of carbon emissions in 2019 were associated with the London office, whilst RSHP was still growing business in the overseas offices. In 2022, it is visible that the total amount of carbon emissions is more balanced between the offices. The next pages show graphics dividing the total carbon footprint by scope and by sector – to better understand where we need to concentrate our efforts in terms of the reduction plan. The graphics on page 43 show the carbon footprint divided by scope, clearly identifying that most emissions are covered by scope 3 because of the emissions associated with business travel (more detail can be found in the report section Business Travel).
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The graphics 07 and 08 show the carbon footprint divided by sector, clearly identifying that in 2019 and 2022 the sector generating the most carbon emissions was Transport. In 2020 and 2021, the sector generating most carbon emissions was Product and Services, because of Covidrelated global travel bans. The conclusion of an analysis of the two sets of graphics by year is the requirement to focus on the following two issues: 1.
Decarbonization: It is RSHP's understanding that without decarbonization there will be no path to Net Zero. Three of our four offices are based on 100% electricity; the London office being the only one depending on natural gas.
2. A Reduction plan: RSHP will need
to establish the reduction plan to tackle carbon emissions related to business travel.
Graphic 05: Summary of total carbon emissions by year
2,000.00 1,800.00 1,600.00 1,400.00 1,200.00 1,000.00 800.00 600.00 400.00 200.00 0.00
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total carbon footprint
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Graphic 06: Summary of total carbon emissions by year and by office In tCO2e = Tons of CO2 emissions
2,000.00
1,765.06
1,800.00
1,600.00
1,487.04
1,400.00
1,200.00
1,000.00
800.00
600.00
521.55 360.06
400.00
210.39 126.83
200.00
10.83
56.80
2.60
32.07
0.00
2019
London
48 RSHP
Paris
2020
Melbourne
Shanghai
RSHP total carbon footprint
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1,538.23
812.73 771.60
426.92
380.67
342.47
321.02
86.39 18.69
3.21
2021
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2022
RSHP 49
Senedd Cymru, National Assembly For Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK 50 RSHP
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Total Emissions by Scope Carbon accounting
Graphic 07: Summary of total carbon emissions by year and by scope tCO2e = Tons of CO2 emissions
2019 Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
3% 0% 97%
Total: 58.86 tCO2e Total: 0.00 tCO2e Total: 1,706.19 tCO2e
RSHP total carbon footprint
1,706.19 tCO2e
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Total: 58.18 tCO2e Total: 0.00 tCO2e Total: 463.37 tCO2e
2020 11% 0% 89%
RSHP total carbon footprint
551.55 tCO2e
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Total: 56.01 tCO2e Total: 0.00 tCO2e Total: 756.73 tCO2e
2021 7% 0% 93%
RSHP total carbon footprint
812.73 tCO2e
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Total: 84.60 tCO2e Total: 0.32 tCO2e Total: 1,453.31 tCO2e
2022 6% 0% 94%
RSHP total carbon footprint
52 RSHP
1,538.23 tCO2e
ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
Graphic 08: Summary of total carbon emissions by year and by sector
2019 Products and Services 12.30% Energy 4.10% Waste 0% Transport 83.60%
2020 Products and Services 48.90 % Energy 13.40 % Waste 0.10 % Transport 37.60 %
2021 Products and Services 68.30 % Energy 8.10 % Waste 0.10 % Transport 23.50 %
2022 Products and Services 15.50 % Energy 6.20 % Waste 0.10 % Transport 78.20 %
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Baseline 2022 Carbon accounting
RSHP decided to make 2022 the baseline for further reduction plans and for a path to Net Zero by 2050. In this section of the report, the carbon emissions associated with 2022 are explained in more detail.
Scope 1: Direct emissions Total emissions were assessed using a market-based methodology. Consequently, scope 1 gas consumption was measured using energy attribute certificates, power purchase agreements, or supplier emissions. Three out of four RSHP offices do not use gas or any other fossil fuel. The London HQ ist the only office using gas. This results in a limited amount of carbon emissions associated with scope 1 is limited, and related to the London office only. We are looking at alternative paths to decarbonization and carbon reduction (more in the Reduction Plan section of this report)
Scope 3: Other sources
Baseline year — 2022
Taking into account the impact of RSHP staff working from home, we improved our emissions measurement by conducting a carbon footprint survey in 2021. The survey collected data on modes of commuter transport to the studio, and number of months and days per week spent working from home. Business travel data collection was done by analysing purchase orders, travel agency reports, and employee data.
Scope 1 — 84.60 tCO2e The main source is natural gas is used for heating and/or cooling at the London office
At RSHP, scope 3 covers the biggest section of the total amount of carbon emissions, representing almost 95%. We have done further calculations and a deeper investigation into the source of these emissions, and we are looking into different strategies for reduction.
Scope 2 — 0.32 tCO2e The main source is electricity used for heating and/or cooling, lighting, IT equipment, kitchen appliances, etc London and Shanghai used 100% of electricity purchased under a green tariff Paris has a mixed electricity tariff Melbourne scope 1 and 2 are out of our influence
Scope 3 — 1453.31 tCO2e The main source is business travel, especially air travel
Scope 2: Indirect emissions Total emissions were assessed using a market-based methodology. Consequently, scope 2 electricity consumption was measured using energy attribute certificates, power purchase agreements, or supplier emissions. This is relevant for RSHP offices purchasing renewable energy.
Carbon footprint per employee — 8.59 tCO2e The total amount of employees in 2022 is 179
tCO2e = Tons of CO2 emissions
Three out of four RSHP offices operate on 100% electricity, and these three out of our four offices buy electricity from renewable sources. Only the London does not operate on 100% electricity. The Paris office does not purchase electricity from renewable sources, but from a range of sources. We are looking at alternative paths to decarbonization: to purchase renewable energy only and to reduce carbon (more in the Reduction Plan section of this report)
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Table 07: Detailed summary of total carbon emissions by scope related to the baseline year 2022.
Scope 1
Direct emissions
Emissions caused directly from sources of combustion owned or controlled by the company: boilers, furnaces, company vehicles and refrigerant leakage Use of fossil fuels at premises: Gas Company owned vehicles: None Refrigerant leakage: 0 TCO2e Use of fossil fuels (gas)
84.60
Scope 2
Direct emissions
Emissions caused by the generation of electricity, which the company purchases company: boilers, furnaces, company vehicles and refrigerant leakage Energy use taken from meter readings within the offices CO2e emissions are calculated using the location-based method – using the average emission factors for the regional electricity grid TCO2e Electricity
0.32
Scope 3
Indirect emissions
Emissions caused by the generation of electricity, which the company purchases. Everything else (employee commuting, business travel, hotel stays, water use, waste, working from home, purchased goods and services) Amount of employees
179
Energy use taken from meter readings within the offices CO2e emissions are calculated using the location-based method – using the average emission factors for the regional electricity grid TCO2e Employee commuting (km)
19.63
Total impact train and car
0.80
Total impact air travel
1,182.90
Waste (tonnes)
1.33
Expenses
158.35
Working from home
77.52
Water
2.79
Transmission and distribution
10.00
Total scope 3
1,453.31
tCO2e = Tons of CO2 emissions ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022
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Chiswick 56 RSHPPark
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Offsetting / Carbon Neutral Carbon accounting
RSHP is committed to continuing offsetting the entirety of our marketbased greenhouse gas footprint in line with our commitment to the UN scheme Climate Neutral Now. This year, we have offset our emissions for 2022 following the Oxford ramp-up pathway by investing in carbon removal. We are committed to offsetting 10% of our carbon emissions this year, and to increase 10% every year until we level our reduction and our offsetting pathway. In 2022, the 10% of the total carbon footprint represents 154 tCO2e. This will be invested in carbon removal projects, following the UKGBC carbon offsetting and pricing guidance, with a budget of £250 per tCO2e. We will invest in a diverse portfolio to ensure our investments are lasting and permanent, and support the vital R&D projects delivered worldwide to mitigate climate change. We are
58 RSHP
transparent about what we get involved in, because we see the need for greater transparency to support the market for high-quality carbon offsets to reach Net Zero. The projects RSHP has invested in are supported by a third-party verification system like UN-Gold Standard, Climate Action Reserve, and Verra, among others. We are partnering with Supercritical, a platform exclusively selling highquality carbon removal to create a legitimate path to Net Zero. The portfolio will be divided into: •
Biochar 40%
•
Enhanced weathering 40&
•
Bio oil 10%
•
Direct air capture 10%
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Graphic 11: Carbon removal vs conventional offsetting
Conventional offsets
+
1 tonne of CO2 emitted
1 tonne of CO2 avoided elsewhere
Conventional offsets like clean cookstove projects pay others not to emit ...
=
1 tonne of CO2 emitted
... but your tonne of carbon is still in the atmosphere
Carbon removal offsets
= 1 tonne of CO2 emitted 1 tonne of CO2 removed
+
0 Net Zero CO2
Carbon removal offsets actually removes carbon from the atmosphere, so you can get to Net Zero.
Graphic 12: The indicative cost of carbon credits and carbon cost models (2023 values) Source the UKGBC carbon offsetting and pricing guidance showing budget alternatives
The greater the price, the more attainable it becomes to restrict the global temperature increase to 1.5°C
£10
£50
£150
£252
£900
£?
Avoidance credit
Naturebased removal credit
IWG Social cost of carbon
UK Government marginal abatement cost
Technical removal credit
True cost of 1 tonne of carbon
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Graphic 13: Carbon removal options
Natural
Technological
Enhancing weathering
Biochar
Tree planting
Less costly Closer to deployment Less permanent
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Bio-oil
Direct air capture
More costly Greater R&D needs More permanent
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Graphic 14: Oxford ramp-up strategy. Oxford off-setting example / ramp-up pathway
10,000
7,500
5,000
2,500
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2040
2038
2036
2034
2032
2030
2028
2026
2024
2022
0
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S: Social Responsibility
1
No site is too constrained or project too challenging, to unlock the social and commercial value hidden within it. Difficult is made beautiful at RSHP, with solutions rooted in pragmatism and elevated by a shared passion for design that places the experiences of people first. Across the world, our team ethos is guided by our approach, constantly evolving over decades to deliver impactful and uplifting architecture that leaves our cities and built environments better than we found them.
Designing for the future is in our DNA We advocate design that is rooted in thoughtfulness, problem-solving and ingenuity. Our ‘people places’ respond to human needs for interaction and self-expression, and make for ease of update, upgrade and reuse. Beyond sustainable, we aim for regenerative.
2
A strong social vision Our unique composition sets us apart. RSHP places a strong emphasis on social responsibility, with our professional principles embedded in our Constitution since 1990. This foundational document has steered our distinctive practice model for more than three decades, fostering continuous progress and development for both our practice and our members. 64 RSHP
3
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4 1. John McElgunn, Senior Partner, shows children from Hoxton Garden primary school the model of the Leadenhall Building during their tour of L14, 2016 2. Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner, talks to the Disability Rights Team, during their visit at the Leadenhall Building, 2021 3. Virginia Moreno, Associate, points at a render at Hammersmith Town Hall Public Consultation, 2017 4. From the Ground Up Family Workshop, Richard Rogers’ ‘Inside Out’ exhibition at the Royal Academy/London, 2013 5. Aspire Bridges Workshop, Richard Rogers’ ‘Inside Out’ exhibition at the Royal Academy/London, 2013 5
6. Mossbourne Academy Architecture Club sketch ideas in the workshop, 2012
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Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in-house group The equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) group was formed by a diverse cross-section of employees to enhance and support RSHP’s core values, which have always stood out as exemplary within the industry. Mission statement •
Improve our culture and sense of community for all, in line with our design ethos ‘places for all people’
•
Ensure that our design approach is enriched by a diversity of ideas
•
Demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, aligning our values with clients who have strong environmental and social governance policies
•
Win work in regions where demonstrating diversity is a fundamental requirement
•
Remain competitive in an industry that increasingly calls for inclusion, and to lead change across the built environment sector as a whole
•
Represent the wider cross-section of communities that we design for and consult with
1
2
3
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1. John McElgunn, Senior Partner, talks at the 9th edition of National Meeting of Design Students in Guimaraes, Portugal, 2023 2. Lorna Edwards, Associate Partner, presents one of the winners of the Drawing the Future competition for primary schools, 2019 3. Lorna Jackson, Architect, working with students at Brampton Manor Academy participating in a RIBA Schools Workshop, 2018 4. Tudor Jutariu, Graduate, shows Mossbourne Community Academy students RSHP models after a talk about MCA and being an architect, 2019 5. Bridget Monro, Associate, with students from the Open City Accelerate Programme, 2017
4
5
Workstreams
•
Mentoring Programme
•
Decolonise Architecture
•
Recruitment
•
Affiliations/Pledges
•
Architecture Race Forum
•
Education + Opportunity / Outreach
•
Women in Architecture
•
Made by Dyslexia
•
Inspiring the Future
Women in Architecture
Gold sponsors of Architecture LGBTQ+
•
• •
Encouraging Inclusivity
•
London School of Architecture Design Think Tank
•
LGBTQ+ •
RIBA Architecture Ambassadors
•
Protected Characteristics •
Architecture LGBTQ+
•
Neurodiversity Support •
•
Outreach Programmes
Mayor's Fund for London Diversity Pledge
•
Communications
•
ARB Architects Engagement Group
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Our design solutions are never the same because we analyse every aspect of the site, looking at both the physical and the socio-economic contexts, to create a building that is an original, but entirely fitting, response. Graham Stirk, Senior Partner 68 RSHP
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Prototype 3 at the Living with Buildings Health and Architecture Exhibition the Wellcome Institute, October 2018 ESG Reportat2019-2020-2021-2022
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Group Charity Contributing to society through charitable donation is fundamental to the practice. When RSHP was set up, the beneficial ownership of the group was given to a charity which is now called the Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Charitable Foundation (company registration number 02548804 and charity number 1000796). Every year that the group is profitable, under the rules our constitution, RSHP allocates 20% of pre-distribution profit to the charity. The amount is available to be distributed to charities and other good causes. To nurture a culture of philanthropy within the organization, each staff member and partner is assigned a portion of this fund, empowering them to contribute to a charity or cause that holds personal significance to them. We support a multitude of charities, including DEC, (Disasters Emergency Committee), Médecins Sans Frontières, Shelter, Trees for Cities and the Architects’ Benevolent Society, which provides financial assistance, pastoral care and advice to the architectural profession. Since our charity began operation in 1993, we have distributed £20.2million to more than 2,000 registered charities. 70 RSHP
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Staff Charity All staff are also encouraged to participate in other charitable activities and fundraising – and in recent years they have raised money in a wide variety of ways, including participating in the VeloVeni and MacVelo charity cycle rides which have raised money for Alzheimer’s Research and Cancer Research UK; organising in house bake-offs for Macmillan Cancer Support; participating in charity cycle rides to MIPIM in Cannes and running the London Marathon for various charities. We are Gold Sponsors of Architecture LGBT+, and support HomeGrown+. 3
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Education A strong commitment to education is one of our core values and RSHP was one of the founding partners of the London School of Architecture (LSA) which was established to offer an alternative route into the profession.
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RSHP supports the work of Open City and its Accelerate programme which assists disadvantaged young people in gaining entry to the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), Central Saint Martins, UAL and Kingston University. The practice has also created bursaries at University of Bath, University of Nottingham, Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), University of Edinburgh, University of Sheffield, University of Newcastle and Oxford Brookes University to try and help broaden the range of people joining the profession. Staff members are ‘Architecture Ambassadors’ for the RIBA National Schools Programme which seeks to provide future generations with the knowledge and experience of architecture and the built environment. They also run architectural drawing workshops for children and young people, as well as welcoming local schools into the studio for architectled tours. Our modelmakers work with the Sorrell Foundation, hosting masterclasses for its National Art & Design Saturday Club.
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1. The Great Architectural Bake Off, 2018 2. HD5K Charity race, 2022 back row left to right: Adam Lampon, Nandi Han, Mariana Garza. Front row: Edward Walker, Simon Smithson and Ivan Harbour, 2022 3. Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner, running in HD5K charity run, 2018 4. RSHP Staff Cycle Trip to Lille setting off the The Leadenhall Building, 2022 5. Erica Reeve preparing to abseil off The Leadenhall Building in aid of Maggie's, 2023 6. Rex the dog with Poochchair RSHP's entry for Goodwoof Barkitecture, designed by Simon Tonks,Associate Partners, 2023
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Charity Cycle ride from Leadenhall Building to Venice for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimers Research UK, 201673 ESG Report 2019-2020-2021-2022 RSHP
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