Leading architect and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton, have just been granted the premier environmental award. The ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) international standard has only been gained by a small number of design practices in the UK and comes at the same time as the practice has revealed a 100% growth their hospitality sector, Sustainable Heritage Hotels (Shh!).
The ISO 14001 is the international accreditation for a Management System which illustrates an organisation’s commitment to the highest possible environmental standards. Few architectural practices have been certified with ISO 14001 which therefore demonstrates Purcell Miller Tritton’s dedication to the environment and issues surrounding sustainability, thus endorsing their ‘green’ credentials to current and prospective clients.
Well known for heritage and conservation projects, Purcell Miller Tritton aim to help preserve the landmarks of the past for the benefit of future generations. Environmental management considerations are key in their design processes when preserving these resources.
In order to achieve ISO14001 certification Purcell Miller Tritton developed their existing ISO 9001 Quality management system. Adaptations included the identification of the environmental impact of designs whilst establishing objectives aimed at reducing elements that influence the environment negatively and maximising those with a positive environmental impact. New initiatives also set measurable benchmarks and internal reviews ensure the practice’s compliance with all applicable aspects of environmental legislation.
The complex audit process carried out by the SGS Group was achieved on the first attempt with positive results. Senior Auditor, Nicola Riglesford, of SGS United Kingdom Ltd said: “Purcell Miller Tritton has clearly shown how certification to ISO14001 can form an important part of its business and marketing strategy. In order to gain the award, the team has made great strides to improve its environmental impact, demonstrating their commitment to develop ‘excellence’ in sustainable business practice, with a variety of ideas moving forward. Purcell Miller Tritton are very enthusiastic and it’s encouraging to find that everyone has the same attitude from Principal to trainee.”
Although still at an early stage, Purcell Miller Tritton aims to demonstrate that through the proactive development of sustainable architecture they will be able to achieve CO2 savings in projects and substantially reduce the carbon footprint on behalf of their clients, something that is already being achieved in their hospitality sector.
Jeremy Blake, Senior Principal at Purcell Miller Tritton said:”We are delighted to have been awarded the ISO 14001 certification, something not easily accomplished. With the help and passion of our team at Purcell Miller Tritton, we have developed a process that will create designs which minimise the negative impact on the environment. The award is a key achievement and will help drive our dedication and focus to this ever important area during daily operations.”