In 2025, Architectus is intensifying its focus on sustainability, from revitalising existing buildings to advancing social sustainability initiatives. Principal and Sustainability Leader Nigel Justins outlines the five key priorities for the year ahead.
1. Revitalising Existing Buildings
Adaptive reuse and asset renewal play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact. With two-thirds of the world’s built environment projected to consist of existing structures by 2040, refurbishment is increasingly recognised as a sustainable alternative to new construction, significantly lowering carbon footprints.
Architectus has implemented this approach in projects such as 52 Goulburn Street, where contemporary upgrades enhanced building performance, tenant amenities, and the overall user experience. Similarly, 380 St Kilda Road in Melbourne underwent a transformation, improving the ground floor lobby, retail spaces, and collaborative areas while ensuring long-term viability.
A case study led by Architectus Principal Marko Damic explored the conversion of an outdated Sydney office into a modern mixed-use tower featuring Build-to-Rent apartments. Conducted in collaboration with Arup, the life cycle analysis highlighted the substantial carbon savings associated with urban renewal. In the education sector, the University of Melbourne’s Block D on the Parkville Campus was reconfigured to support its expanding Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, converting office spaces into contemporary laboratories and digital learning environments.
2. Reducing Upfront Carbon
Minimising both embodied and operational carbon remains a core focus, particularly in fitouts. The Architectus Sydney studio exemplifies these efforts, achieving a 119.4-tonne carbon reduction—comparable to 14 return flights from Melbourne to London or the carbon absorption of nearly two million tree seedlings over a decade.
This was accomplished through sustainable practices such as furniture reuse, the selection of low-carbon materials like timber and linoleum, and the integration of tools like One Click LCA to assess and optimise embodied carbon content. These measures collectively resulted in a 60% reduction in upfront embodied carbon compared to an average CBD fitout.
3. Electrification of Buildings
With Australia transitioning towards a net-zero carbon future, the adoption of all-electric buildings is accelerating. Among notable developments, the new Melton Hospital is set to become Victoria’s first all-electric hospital, enabling carbon-neutral power use from day one.
Additionally, Architectus recently completed a comprehensive project to decarbonise an entire university campus, supporting its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
4. Advancing Social Sustainability
Human health and wellbeing are central to all projects, with social sustainability remaining a key priority, particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion.
In recent fitouts for Allianz, design elements were tailored to support neurodiverse individuals, incorporating varied spaces for socialisation and respite, as well as adjustable lighting to accommodate different needs.
The Roma Street Station upgrade—part of Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project—enhances accessibility and inclusivity by transforming Platform 2 and the subway connection to Roma Street Parklands. Designed in consultation with the Cross River Rail Accessibility Reference Group, the project prioritises intuitive wayfinding, tactile paving, accessible furniture, and inclusive infrastructure for passengers of all abilities.
Architectus’ Aviation and Digital teams have also developed the A-UX inclusive design tool, designed to assist individuals with disabilities or neurodiversity in navigating complex environments. The tool is currently being trialled at both Australian and international airports.
Furthering research in inclusive design, Architectus is contributing to a University of Melbourne LEaRN initiative focused on enhancing accessibility in mainstream schools. The findings will provide evidence-based guidance for architects, educators, and policymakers, ensuring greater inclusivity in educational environments.
Additionally, two recent projects—Thomas Dixon Centre and Array at 1 Eden Park Drive—have received International WELL accreditation for their commitment to human health and wellbeing. The Thomas Dixon Centre became the world’s first heritage-listed performing arts institution to achieve Platinum WELL Certification, while Array obtained WELL Core Platinum Certification, the highest level under the WELL Building Standard.
5. Prioritising Sustainable Materials
Architectus continues to refine its approach to material selection, ensuring that specified products align with circular economy principles and minimise environmental impact. As signatories to Australian Architects Declare, the firm is actively contributing to the development of Product Aware—an online platform where suppliers disclose product sustainability credentials, enabling architects to make informed choices.
Internally, a traffic light system has been implemented to assess materials:
- Green for fully assessed products
- Orange for products in progress
- Red for unassessed materials
Additionally, priority is given to materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainability.
By embedding these principles into projects across various sectors, Architectus aims to drive meaningful environmental and social impact throughout 2025 and beyond.
