SUSTAINABILITY
Our Commitment to Sustainable Architecture
At Cumulus Studio, sustainability is not just a design consideration – it's a fundamental principle that guides everything we do. We believe that great architecture can and should contribute positively to our environment and communities.
Our approach to sustainable design encompasses the entire lifecycle of a building, from initial concept through to long-term operation. We consider embodied carbon, operational energy, water usage, biodiversity, and the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
Certified B Corporation
Cumulus Studio is proud to be a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
B Corp certification recognises our commitment to using business as a force for good. It holds us accountable for our impact on all stakeholders – our employees, clients, communities, and the environment.
The rigorous B Impact Assessment evaluated our practices across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Achieving certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
Our Sustainability Principles
Climate Responsive Design
We design buildings that work with their local climate, maximising natural light and ventilation while minimising the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Our passive design strategies reduce operational energy use and create more comfortable, healthier spaces.
Material Selection
We carefully consider the environmental impact of every material we specify. We prioritise locally sourced, renewable, and recycled materials, and work to minimise construction waste. We consider both the embodied carbon of materials and their durability and maintenance requirements.
Biodiversity and Landscape
Our designs seek to enhance rather than diminish the natural environment. We incorporate native planting, green roofs, and habitat corridors where possible, and design buildings that sit lightly on the land.
Community and Culture
Sustainable architecture must also sustain communities. We design spaces that foster connection, support local economies, and respect cultural heritage. We engage meaningfully with Traditional Owners and incorporate Indigenous design principles in our work.
Our Targets
We have set ambitious targets to drive our sustainability performance:
- Net zero operational carbon for all new projects by 2030
- 50% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030
- Zero waste to landfill from our offices by 2025
- 100% renewable energy for studio operations
- Climate positive operations by 2035
Sustainable Projects
Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our work. Here are some projects that showcase our sustainable design approach:
