Circular economic research

Does the organisation have the welfare of its members or employees as a consideration?

The company has opted for an employee ownership model, giving all staff a voice in the direction of the firm.

According to the firm, the decision to make the move to an employee ownership trust was ‘taken to provide the best option for the sustainable future growth of the practice’. The trust will hold 100 per cent of the shares on behalf of all Hawkins\Brown employees.

'A building is never designed by one person – we always wanted to recognise everyone’s contribution in creating great buildings and spaces, and this move is our way of making sure we capture everyone’s energy and commitment to respond to the seismic climate, cultural and political challenges today.’

Source: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-hands-over-ownership-to-its-employees

Additionally, the design firm is committed to making net zero carbon buildings a normality, but take to this with a realistic approach, breaking the aspiration down into achievable actions for the client and design team, advising focus areas, definitions, likely costs and benchmarking early on in the design. Ultimately, the company is taking into the account the health and well being of workers by not overly pressuring their staff with unrealistic deadlines.

Does the organisation contribute somehow to the country or region where it is based?

The company contributes to the community through good design, creating spaces that activate our streets. One example of this is a project they are working on at Earls Court in partnership with Studio Egret West; 'opening up this former exhibition site, giving back to local communities, addressing the climate emergency, and providing a blueprint for future generations. The architecture firm believes that Earls Court is an amazing opportunity to offer a rich and diverse mixture of accommodation and open spaces, 'from kids play areas and sports pitches, to parks and smaller spaces for quiet relaxation, outdoor dining and allotments'.

Source: https://www.hawkinsbrown.com/conversations/everyone-needs-well-designed-open-space/

Can economic growth be compatible with sustainability?

As long as economic growth isn't fuelled by corruption and the right people with the right aspirations fuel the investment of this money, this can be compatible with sustainability. Money and funds is a necessity in order to reach sustainable solutions as design for sustainability is very expensive. Economic growth also strengthens consumer confidence as said company is being successful and evidently trusted by others. As much as money and fame is often associated with selfishness and corruption, and a company profiting off a sustainable cause may seem unjust to some, as long as a large proportion of these funds are implemented back into sustainable causes, helping society, these two realms can be compatible.

Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/sustainable-inclusive-growth/our-future-lives-and-livelihoods-sustainable-and-inclusive-and-growing

Can companies make a profit without compromising their measures to foster sustainability?

A company needs to be sustainable in itself financially in order to foster sustainability and give back to the community. I would argue that money needs to be implemented into the business for stability and the staff will need money themselves for their personal life's. Also, proving to customers that the business is sustainable can dramatically boost reputation. However, a large proportion of profits should be reinvested into their projects.

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