SJB Urban
Briefly describe your workplace and business.
SJB Urban is a small, independent Urban Design consultancy, affiliated with the established SJB practices in Architecture, Planning and Interiors. We share office premises with SJB Architects and SJB Interiors, in a two-storey open-plan building at 25 Coventry Street, Southbank, Victoria.
What have you done to reduce your CO2 emissions?
- Office premises - Together with SJB Architects and SJB Interiors, we have carried out an energy and water audit (through EcoVantage) of our offices, and commenced implementing the recommendations.
- Transport - SJB Urban staff gets to work by walking, cycling and public transport.We use Flexi-car share cars when required for some meetings and site visits. Where possible, we use public transport. We minimise flights taken, and take steps to offset the resultant emissions.
- Printing - We minimise energy consumption and waste production by controlling our document printing processes, and always prepare documents for double-sided printing.
How has your organisation worked together to reduce carbon emissions?
The wider SJB premises has commenced various programs, information sessions, seminars and initiatives, in which SJB Urban participate strongly. We are part of the SJB ESD Group, which leads this program of initiatives. They have included monitor switch-off reminders, revising our use of dishes/dishwashers, promoting cycling and public transport, and new, efficient light fittings and sensors. The ESD Group's work is based on a core program of three key focus areas - green projects, green office, and green training.
What plans do you have for future reductions?
Being Climate Positive is a very important aspect of our work and business development. Urban Design practice has a strong sustainability focus, and it is essential that we demonstrate our commitment to these principles through the way we conduct our practice. The importance of sustainability expertise and commitment is ever increasing in the property and development sector, and SJB Urban is eager to remain at the forefront of this movement towards more sustainable cities and urban environments.