Submission by Building Design Partnership (BDP).
Being a good ancestor
Practice
1. Do you have a clearly stated purpose aligned with the planetary emergency? We’re looking for a bold ambition here, and a culture which recognises the need for long-term thinking.
Our practice is guided by a purpose to design a world built for good, placing sustainability, resilience and social value at the core of our multidisciplinary work. Sustainability is embedded through our Climate Action Design Framework, which aligns projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supports Whole Life Net Zero Carbon ambitions. The framework sets measurable targets from early design through post-occupancy across biodiversity, health and wellbeing, circular economy, resilience, mobility and operational energy. We measure Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, advocate regenerative and climate-positive design, and incorporate climate adaptation into projects. This is reinforced by our wider group strategy, where ‘Be Sustainable’ is one of six golden threads and ‘Planet’ is a key measure of design quality.
2. Do you have a clearly stated purpose aligned with the planetary emergency? We’re looking for a bold ambition here, and a culture which recognises the need for long-term thinking.
No.
3. Do you share research and knowledge for the benefit of society and the wider world?
Through projects such as the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory, our practice contributes to research environments that support collaboration and innovation in plant genetics and sustainable agriculture. The project was selected as a pilot for the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, helping inform Version 1 for the science and technology typology. Lessons from operational and embodied carbon analysis contributed to wider industry knowledge on achieving net zero carbon in complex laboratory environments. The work also informed an internal low-carbon materials library and embodied carbon tool for future developments. We regularly undertake sustainability research, host internal knowledge-sharing sessions, and develop guidance on regenerative design, resilience and nature-based solutions to support wider industry learning.
Project
1. Do you advocate for long-term thinking at the outset of work? Do you initiate work with long-term thinking and challenge clients? Also, can the organisation demonstrate that this approach has worked?
Our practice promotes long-term sustainability through the Climate Action Design Framework and by encouraging clients to prioritise retrofit, adaptive reuse, circular economy principles and net zero carbon strategies. We set measurable sustainability targets and KPIs at early design stages and monitor performance through post-occupancy evaluation. The John Innes Centre Next Generation Infrastructure Project is a strong example. During early design, we carried out embodied and operational carbon analysis to compare design and material options, guiding decisions on resilience, energy performance and carbon reduction. The project also became a UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard pilot, informing Version 1 guidance for the science and technology sector.
2. Does your work take account of the future climate and the need for resilience?
Our practice integrates climate resilience into project planning and design by assessing risks such as overheating, flooding, extreme weather and future climate scenarios. We establish design parameters that enhance resilience and futureproof buildings and estates. For the University of Cambridge Stirling Building, our team used building physics modelling and future weather files to test overheating risks and develop passive ventilation strategies. Projects such as West Gorton Community Park also use nature-based drainage systems and flood mitigation measures to improve resilience to climate change impacts
3. Does the majority of your work go beyond mitigating negatives and towards optimising positives?
The JIC Next Generation Infrastructure Project demonstrates how our practice seeks positive environmental and social outcomes beyond impact reduction. The project supports world-leading interdisciplinary research focused on sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition and human health. In addition to targeting net zero carbon, the scheme integrates renewable energy generation, low-carbon materials and biodiversity-focused landscape design to create a healthier, more sustainable campus environment. The project also contributed to our internal library of low-carbon approaches, materials and processes, enabling knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across future projects.
Co-evolving with nature
Practice
1. Do you use biophilia within your premises and/or do you regularly gather in natural settings?
Our practice regularly incorporates biophilic and nature-based design principles to improve wellbeing, biodiversity and climate resilience. Our sustainability strategy promotes green roofs, indoor planting, wildlife-friendly landscapes, sustainable drainage systems and access to nature. We have also established a nature-based solutions working group focused on urban green infrastructure, biodiversity net gain, rewilding, sustainable drainage systems and climate-resilient landscapes. Projects such as the Royal College of Physicians at The Spine, West Gorton Community Park and Beckenham Place Park demonstrate how natural systems and biodiversity can be integrated into design to support environmental and social outcomes.
2. Can you share examples of where you have considered nature in decision making?
Our practice regularly integrates ecology and biodiversity into project decisions. In-house ecologists are engaged early to protect habitats and maximise biodiversity net gain. At Beckenham Place Park, habitats were restored through a large lake, wet woodland, wildflower meadows and sustainable drainage systems. At West Gorton Community Park, swales, infiltration ponds and tree planting were used to reduce flooding, improve biodiversity and combat urban heat effects. We also incorporate green infrastructure and biophilic design principles into buildings and masterplans to improve environmental outcomes and user wellbeing.
3. Are you supporting nature locally and nationally?
Our practice supports nature at both local and national levels through a targeted carbon and biodiversity strategy. In partnership with Ecologi, a bespoke carbon portfolio combines the purchase of Verified Carbon Units (supporting both avoidance and removal projects) with investment in the UK Climate and Nature Fund, driving habitat restoration and biodiversity gains across the UK. Projects are selected, where possible, for their proximity to operational locations to maximise local impact. This year’s portfolio split was 45% carbon avoidance and 55% carbon removals, with a planned transition to 100% removals by FY2045. Key initiatives include the Carbon Hill WoodTek project in Wales and support for the UK Climate and Nature Impact Fund, benefiting areas where many staff live and work. Internationally, the India Biochar project supports carbon removal near the New Delhi office, further strengthening the shift toward long-term climate solutions.
Project
1. Can you demonstrate work that strives to match the performance of a mature ecosystem?
Our practice integrates regenerative and ecological thinking through biodiversity enhancement, nature-based solutions, passive environmental design and long-term resilience. At Beckenham Place Park East, 17 hectares of underused and flood-prone parkland were transformed into a climate-resilient landscape using wetlands, native meadows, habitat creation, sustainable drainage and natural flood management, reducing flood risk to more than 400 properties. Excavated soils were reused on site to create landforms and habitats, supporting circular construction and reducing embodied carbon. At Grosvenor Square Gardens, extensive tree planting, biodiverse landscapes, rain gardens and sustainable drainage improved ecological performance, water management, canopy cover, climate resilience and public wellbeing.
2. Are you working on material stewardship?
Material stewardship and circular economy thinking are embedded within our sustainability approach. On the JIC project, our team carried out embodied carbon analysis and explored low-carbon design routes to reduce material impacts and improve long-term performance. The final design includes a hybrid timber and concrete structural frame to reduce embodied carbon while maintaining durability and flexibility. The project also supported development of our Carbon Flow tool, which assesses and visualises embodied carbon impacts across materials, systems and stages. Insights informed an internal library of low-carbon materials, approaches and processes to support responsible material selection and knowledge sharing across future projects.
3. Does the majority of your work demonstrate the use of biologically-inspired approaches such as Bioregionalism, Biophilia or Biomimicry?
Our practice actively explores nature-based solutions, biodiversity enhancement, sustainable drainage systems, passive environmental design and climate-resilient landscapes. In 2024, we launched a new Architectural Sustainable Design Strategy focused on embedding sustainability into every aspect of design and generating positive environmental change. A dedicated working group is also developing approaches around urban green infrastructure, biodiversity net gain, natural play spaces, circular resource use and resilient landscapes. These principles are reflected in projects such as Beckenham Place Park, West Gorton Community Park and biophilic workplace and healthcare environments.
Creating a just space for people
Practice
1. Do you have a progressive EDI policy and can you evidence many forms of diversity, which are welcomed and acknowledged, within your company/organisation?
Our commitment to EDI is set out in our EDI Strategy, owned by our Chief Executive and reviewed annually by our People Team for industry and legislative compliance. It is supported by tools and policies including an Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit, flexible and hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits. Delivery is led through a belonging group of directors and employees working with local ally groups focused on gender, race, LGBTQ+ inclusion and social mobility. Groups meet quarterly to review performance and set actions. We take a data-led approach, publishing annual Gender Pay Gap data and using a Gender Equity Action Plan developed with external expertise. Ethnicity pay gap reporting is being introduced from FY2026.
2. Do you operate a no overtime culture, meet the living wage consistently, and stipulate a fair salary ratio between staff of all levels?
As an accredited Living Wage employer and holder of the Good Work Standard, we ensure all staff, including subcontractors, are paid fairly. We do not use zero-hour contracts, providing guaranteed hours and stable employment. Flexible, family-friendly working benefits are available from day one, supported by clear policies on shifts, parental leave and employee wellbeing. These standards also apply across our supply chain, with Living Wage and fair work compliance monitored through ISO 9001-accredited procedures and regular check-ins.
3. Do you support charities, community groups, social enterprises, action groups and others through pro-bono work, charitable giving or in-kind donations?
Our practice takes a structured, partnership-led approach to volunteering, ensuring opportunities align with local community needs, are well supported and deliver measurable benefit. We work with VCSE organisations, education providers and industry bodies to identify meaningful opportunities aligned to community priorities and staff expertise. Through established partnerships, we connect our people with targeted initiatives supporting underrepresented groups. Opportunities are coordinated by Social Value and People teams, who match volunteers based on skills, experience and interest. Volunteers are briefed and supported throughout delivery to ensure consistency and quality. Activity is recorded through internal tracking, including hours, activity type and beneficiary groups, supporting verification against commitments.
4. Do you use an ethical framework to assess opportunities and/or supply chain partners and is them team consulted on these decisions?
We are committed to minimising the social, environmental and ethical impacts of our supply chain through our Responsible Procurement and Ethical Trading Policy. This addresses environmental impacts, ethical sourcing, and opportunities to foster supplier diversity through market engagement, procurement and management. Supplier and sub-consultancy questionnaires help ensure organisations share our focus on quality, EDI and social value. Potential suppliers provide information through selection and due diligence on community impact, equality of treatment, employment terms, Living Wage, working hours and supplier management. Performance is monitored through ISO 9001-accredited procedures, regular check-ins and a supply chain onboarding platform that helps evaluate how ethical commitments are reflected across the supply chain.
Project
1. Does your work demonstrate deep engagement with local stakeholders and end users?
We understand that clear communication and coordination are central to project success. By fostering early collaboration with stakeholders and building trust, we create conditions for open dialogue, creative problem-solving and co-design. Our commitment begins with active listening, ensuring ideas and contributions are heard and valued. Our approach empowers people to share knowledge, explore concepts and develop robust plans in a supportive setting. We extend this inclusive ethos to stakeholders and partners, giving every voice a platform throughout delivery. We value end-user feedback and are experienced in public and private consultations. Engagement tools include in-person and online workshops, surveys, physical 3D models and virtual model scenario testing.
2. Does your work create connected and resilient communities which positively contribute to neighbourhoods and allow equality of access?
Our expertise combines multidisciplinary design skills and specialist inclusive design consultancy. We recognise and respond to the individual experiences that shape interactions with the built environment, and have delivered more than 200 inclusive design projects over the past decade across healthcare, housing, education, public realm and masterplanning. For Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, the team liaised with a local disability group during planning pre-application and presented designs using accessible resources, including plans and drawings printed in braille, enabling all attendees to participate and share views. Our work supports variations in mobility, hearing, vision, strength, stature and cognition, alongside wider considerations such as gender expression, race, origin and socioeconomic status.
3. Does the majority of your work promote equity in society, and consider all people, not only building inhabitants
Our practice is committed to inclusion and wellbeing in the built environment and believes inclusive design is fundamental to creating spaces for everyone. Our UK Social Value Strategy sets key social impact areas and shapes how we approach project delivery. We recognise that our most impactful social value contribution is through design thinking and ensuring spaces and assets support long-term benefits. Our teams use bespoke tools, such as the Climate and Social Action Design Framework, to balance environmental and social wellbeing criteria alongside economic value in design decisions. This keeps people at the heart of design outputs, creating accessible, inclusive solutions that support users, residents, project teams and wider communities.