Sustainability

In MCA we understand that as industry leaders we play a crucial role in promoting sustainable design practices and ensuring that all our completed projects are environmentally responsible.

Our strength lies in understanding a client’s unique ESG requirements and providing informed recommendations that fulfill all of their ESG asset needs. Moreover, we can demonstrate to our clients that MCA has a high standard ESG Office policy in place that undergoes an annual review to ensure that we are achieving our objectives.

Our record in delivering LEED, BREEAM and WELL projects is flawless. Over the past 12 years MCA have delivered numerous projects with sustainable building certification including certified LEED and BREEAM projects along with certified WELL projects. Our team also includes certified Passivhaus designers and we maintain an active membership in the Irish Green Building Council.

We continue to implement ISO 14001, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems. By incorporating ISO 14001 into our sustainability policy, MCA can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental management to clients and stakeholders.

As a result, MCA create buildings that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally sustainable, promoting a healthier planet for future generations.

Accredited Buildings

Some MCA Green Accredited Buildings

DocklineLEED Platinum

Cumberland Place Phase 1LEED Platinum

Exo BuildingLEED Platinum nZEB

Lidl HQBREEM Excellent

Iconic Offices, The Lennox BuildingWELL Gold V2

Cumberland Place Phase 2LEED Platinum

MCA 2030 Sustainable Policy

As sustainability can be a broad and confusing subject for clients, stakeholders and contractors, MCA have committed to clearly communicating our sustainability policy and outlining in detail our sustainability objectives and targets.

MCA’s 3 key policy directives are:

DESIGN

MCA are committed to delivering “Best in Class” Sustainable design projects with low embodied carbon along with assisting clients to understand and achieve their ESG targets.

DELIVER

MCA’s Sustainability Policy has been developed to ensure that both practice and projects follow the principles of our four pillars of Sustainability, Environment, Wellness, Equity and Social.

PROGRESS

MCA are committed to the “MCA-2030 Roadmap” which outlines the steps towards alignment with all MCA Sustainability Targets for both Practice and Projects.

DESIGN

MCA’s “MCA-2030” Sustainability Policy has been developed to ensure that both practice and projects follow the principles of our four pillars of Sustainability.

The Four Pillars of Sustainability

Our projects are driven by a clear framework rooted in our Four Pillars of Sustainability: Environment, Wellness, Social, and Equity. Using our sustainability toolkit, we provide clients with a holistic approach that seamlessly aligns with top sustainability standards and certifications.

Environment

Our design approach aims to minimize the negative impact of buildings on the environment by using sustainable materials and techniques, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing embodied carbon.

Wellness

We create spaces that prioritize natural light, air quality, access to nature, and incorporate features that promote physical activity, relaxation, and social connection.

Social

Our design philosophy is to design buildings and urban spaces that promote social equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Equity

We aim to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, ability and neurodivergence, have equal access to quality design and architecture.

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Equity

ESG

Experience in translating Client’s ESG Equity goals into tangible designs.

Equitable Building Design

Design for Neurodiversity: Visual incl Lighting , Décor and Signage.
Design for Neurodiversity: Auditory, Olfactory and Tactile.
Accessible Design for people of all ages and needs beyond regulatory requirements.
Design for gender inclusivity in terms of facilities, security and signage.

Equitable Processes

Equitable Design for the surrounding community.
Equity in the Development Team incl. Good Governance, diversity, hiring local and direct community engagement skills.
Equity for Construction Workers incl Diversity, hiring local workers, education and safety.
Equity for Supply Chain and impact on communities.
Equity for Workers in the Supply Chain incl. human rights and abuses.

Environment

ESG + Certification

Delivering “Best in Class” LEED and BREEAM Projects for over 13 years.
Experience in translating Client’s ESG Environmental goals into tangible designs.
Signatory and supporter of RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge Operational and Embodied Carbon Targets.

Low Operational Carbon

Producing Concept Design Environmental Site/Building studies to ensure alignment with Sustainable Brief.
Optimising building orientation, glazing ratio and façade shading to achieve target EUI.
Designing with efficient “Form Factor” to minimise heat loss.
Utilising Fabric first approach with high levels of insulation, improved airtightness and minimised thermal bridges.

Low Embodied Carbon

Extensive experience in delivery of “Carbon Conscious” Refurbishments for existing buildings.
Producing Concept Design Embodied Carbon Studies to ensure alignment with brief targets.
Expertise in specification of low carbon materials.

Social

ESG

Experience in translating Client’s ESG Social goals into tangible designs.

Social Design

Maximise client benefit from relationships with local community.
Design buildings and urban spaces that promote social equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
Create environments that support social interactions and empower communities to thrive.
Create measurable positive differences that a business can make by improving the experience of the people and communities it impacts upon

Local Inclusion

Designs that promote use of local labour, services and sourcing of materials.
Designs that provide knowledge spaces for local education and skill uplift opportunities.
Designs which allow opportunities for local artists to showcase their unique skills.

Wellness

ESG + Certification

Extensive experience in delivery of “Best in Class” WELL Projects.
Experience in translating Client’s ESG Wellbeing goals into tangible designs.
Signatory and supporter of RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge Wellness Targets.

Design for Health and Well-Being

Ensure interiors are designed with ample natural daylight to support mental and physical well-being.
Allow user control over lighting, ventilation, and heating for enhanced comfort.
Encourage Active Travel through design that promotes walking and cycling.
Employ biophilic design principles, utilizing natural materials, finishes, and forms.
Improve air quality by optimising intake locations, using appropriate filters, and selecting low VOC products.

Low Impact Materials

Evaluate the ethical and ecological impact of product selection, in addition to considering embodied carbon.

DELIVER

MCA are committed to delivering “Best in Class” Sustainable design projects with low embodied and operational carbon. Over the past 10 Years MCA have excelled in the design of LEED BREEAM and WELL certified projects. Since the delivery of our first LEED Gold building, Eaton House in Dublin in 2011, MCA have design / delivered over 4 million Square feet of accredited projects.

Our holistic design approach addresses sustainability, from efficient use of natural resources, circular economy strategies and biophilia to thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In cases where certification is unnecessary, the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge serves as the baseline target for MCA’s projects.

PROGRESS

MCA-2030 Roadmap

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Central to this Policy is the “MCA-2030 Roadmap” which outlines the steps towards alignment with all MCA Sustainability Targets for both Practice and Projects. These goals now form part of the MCA ISO 14001 internal Management system. A core tenant of this system is to set targets and continually review and evaluate progress.

MCA Roadmap Vertical3