Sustainability is nothing new to Hudson Architects. Low energy buildings have been a life-long commitment of Anthony Hudson and sustainable principles have formed a cornerstone of the practice since he founded it 20 years ago. However, the world we find ourselves in is a different one to the one it was when the practice was born at the start of the century: the climate emergency has become a tangible phenomena and the world is, at last, waking up to the harsh realities of a changing climate and the desperate need to do something about it.
Architects Have A Responsibility To Help Fight Climate Change
Around 40% of UK carbon emissions are thanks to the built environment, through the construction of new buildings and the operation of existing ones. As architects we have a vital role to play in addressing this. The practice has committed to change: in 2019 we signed up to Architects Declare and the RIBA Climate Challenge 2030 which sets ambitious targets for the operational energy use, embodied carbon and water use of all buildings. These are huge challenges for us as a practice and the whole construction industry which must find radical new ways of working.
A New Role For Hudson Architects: Head of Sustainability
To help meet these huge challenges and recognise the renewed importance of sustainability to the practice, we have created a new role: Head of Sustainability. This senior management position will be charged with driving forward the practice’s approach to sustainable design and embedding new ways of working to ensure that our designs meet the ambitious goals we have set ourselves. It will also mean greater engagement on sustainable issues with those outside of the practice; be they other architects, consultants, contractors, research groups or action networks.
This important role has been awarded to Jack Spencer Ashworth, who has been a key member of the practice since he joined in 2017. Jack, who comes from a Norfolk farming family, is deeply concerned about the climate and passionate about sustainable architecture. In 2019, Jack led the practice in a day’s strike to join the youth climate movement – an event designed to coincide with an in-house exhibition he coordinated to highlight the climate emergency and the role of the construction industry. In 2020, Jack was appointed as sustainability champion; creating our internal sustainability group which he continues to lead.
Of the new position Jack has said:
“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Head of Sustainability. The role reflects my own passion for the environment and Hudson Architect’s pledge to play a leading role in addressing the climate emergency. Climate change can feel scary at times and the next few years present huge challenges but it is also an exciting moment – the world is changing fast and we have a huge opportunity to make a difference”
We are delighted that Jack has accepted the position!
