Environmental Statement
   

grant thorp Ltd is an independent design consultancy providing interior design and specification services to clients predominantly in the office market. We are mindful that the work spaces we design have an environmental impact, both in terms of the manufacture and specification of sustainable products, and the environmental impact and cost of the ongoing ‘life’ of the office or workspace. We believe that there is a strong link between the comfort and wellbeing of any workforce, the productivity and effectiveness of the organisation or company and the environmental impact and sustainability of the ‘built’ work environment.

1. Manufacturing process

In our work we are always mindful of the source of the materials we specify and the manufacturing processes that take place to produce the end­ product. We take care to ensure that the products we specify are produced by environmental and sustainable methods, and where possible produced from raw materials that are ecologically managed in their own right. To ascertain this, we ask suppliers to detail their own environmental standards, and such information is an important factor in our specification decisions and recommendations to clients.

2. Lifespan

With relation to products and their ongoing usage in the workplace environment, we aim to specify products and finishes that have a long lifespan that will not deteriorate or need replacing in the short term. For example we try to ensure that carpeting and flooring products have a manufactured lifespan of 10­15 years, and a similar lifespan is required for office seating and furniture products.

3. Recycling

During the design and specification process we also research the materials that products are manufactured from, to ascertain whether, and to what extent, they can be re­cycled at the end of their natural useful life in the workplace environment. Where possible we will source products and materials from manufacturers who build this quality into their products. For example, 85% of the materials used in an office chair should, with today’s technology, be totally re­useable at the end of its natural life. Kitchen worktops can be made from fully recyclable materials such as glass, and where practicable we will specify such products.

4. The workplace environment

We are aware of the impact on the workplace environmental concerns. Issues such as fuel efficiency, heating, lighting, sound and air conditioning all have major implications for the environment – as well as for the wellbeing of the people working there – as have issues like the ‘paper­free’ office and the way in which ICT is installed and operated. Wherever practicable we will incorporate the most environmentally friendly and sustainable options in our designs and specifications, keeping up­to­date with research on the environmental and wellbeing issues in the built environment in relation to the interior design of workspace.

5. Advice to clients

As a consultancy we provide advice and information to our clients on the design and operation of their buildings and workspaces. During this process as a matter of course, we will discuss with them the environmental proposals of their plans and specifications. While we are aware that the final decision with regard to such issues lies with the client, we will always strongly advise clients to implement environmentally friendly and sustainable policies and practices in the development of their buildings and workplaces. We are clear that the basis for such advice must be based on good research and on the best environmental practice and legal requirements, in order to: Provide sustainable workplaces that have the minimal environmental impact over time; Provide healthy workplaces that are pleasant and safe to work in and enhance peoples’ sense of motivation and wellbeing in their work; Provide economic benefits to organisations, based on sound environmental investment that will conserve resources and provide efficiencies over the short and long term.

6. Conclusion

In our own business practices grant thorp strives to meet the best environmental practices and standards. Our main office address is based in a converted stable block, and our directors and associates work from home offices. In our work practices we have utilised technology to ensure that much of our design work and communication is done ‘virtually’ – thus cutting down the need for ‘travel to work’.