Our commitment goes beyond compliance—we aim to lead the industry in delivering high-performance, future-proofed buildings that balance design excellence with environmental responsibility. Through our dedicated sustainability practice, we provide expert guidance and innovative solutions to help clients achieve ambitious, responsible design goals.

At VHA, we integrate sustainability from the outset of every project, ensuring that low-carbon, circular, and regenerative design principles are embedded in the DNA of our work. Our approach is informed by the latest research, building science, and global best practices. We conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impacts of materials and systems throughout their entire lifespan, ensuring that we make informed, sustainable decisions. We also adhere to the RIAI Sustainable Design Pathways, a framework that guides our projects toward long-term sustainability and environmental performance.

Through our dedicated sustainability practice, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Net-Zero & Low-Carbon Design – Optimising buildings to be energy-efficient, reducing embodied and operational carbon, and aligning with national and EU climate targets.
• Circular & Regenerative Design – Incorporating reuse, material efficiency, and biodiversity enhancements to create buildings that give back more than they take.
• Health & Wellbeing Strategies – Embedding biophilic design, indoor air quality improvements, and occupant well-being metrics into every project.
• Building Certifications – Facilitation and documentation for various certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, etc. to future-proof assets and add value.
• Whole Life Carbon & Climate Resilience – Assessing carbon footprints, lifecycle impacts and strategies to ensure long-term durability and performance.
• Policy and Framework Compliance Roadmaps – Developing strategies to align buildings with directives and policies such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the EU Taxonomy, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency targets, sustainable finance regulations, and broader environmental goals.
• Funding & Grant Applications – Assisting clients in securing financial support through various sustainability funding and grant programmes to aid in the implementation of energy-efficient and low-carbon building solutions.

Beyond delivering sustainable buildings, we actively engage with research, industry partnerships, and advocacy to drive meaningful change. Our team collaborates with leading sustainability organisations and participates in policy discussions that shape the future of the built environment.

At VHA, sustainability is not just a service—it’s our ethos. We believe that by designing smarter, regenerating places and putting people at the centre of sustainability, we can create a built environment that is not only resilient and efficient but also inspiring and enduring.