Environmental Policy
Introduction
At studio ATARA, environmental stewardship is not an add-on – it’s embedded in the heart of everything we do. Transitioning from private residential to B2B, our holistic interior design services are driven by the principles of sustainable, circular, and regenerative design. Our studio creates human-centered commercial spaces that actively contribute to the health and well-being of both people and the planet.
This Environmental Policy outlines our studio’s commitment to environmental protection,
sustainable operations, and the principles of biophilic, circular, and regenerative design. It covers both our direct and indirect impacts, including our internal practices, project delivery, transportation, supplier engagement, and procurement. We review it annually to ensure it remains dynamic and relevant to the evolving sustainability landscape.
Environmental Impact & Scope
While our studio operates with a relatively small physical footprint, we recognise our influence extends beyond the direct impact of our office to the indirect effects of client and supplier engagement:
• Studio Operations: Energy and water use, digital infrastructure, business travel, waste generation, and material consumption (including paper, packaging, and obsolete samples).
• Project Design & Delivery: Specifying materials and finishes, influencing construction and manufacturing methods, and shaping post-occupancy environmental performance.
• Supply Chain: Partnerships with product and material suppliers, fabricators, consultants, and subcontractors, whose practices affect resource extraction, emissions, and waste.
Environmental Regulations
We are committed to complying with, and where possible, exceeding, all relevant UK
environmental regulations, including but not limited to:
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990
• The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
• The Climate Change Act 2008
• Construction and Design Management (CDM) Regulations, where applicable
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) for any studio-held materials
Environmental Policy Objectives
We are committed to achieving the following 10 environmental objectives:
1. Achieve net-zero operational carbon by 2030.
2. Implementing circular design strategies on 90% of projects by 2027.
3. Ensuring 90% of specified materials meet sustainable sourcing standards by 2027.
4. Reduce emissions from travel by 50% and support sustainable transport options by 2027
5. Send no waste to landfill from our studio by 2026.
6. Reduce paper and other office resource consumption by 80%
7. Advocating for and applying biophilic and regenerative design principles in every project.⎷
8. Complying with, and exceeding where practicable, all relevant legislation, standards, and codes of practice.
9. Maintain and grow alignment with recognised environmental standards such as Green Mark, WELL, FSC ⎷
10. Ensuring all team members and collaborators are engaged in our environmental strategy and empowered to take action.⎷
How We Plan to Achieve These Objectives
The following measures outline how studio ATARA will achieve these objectives, building upon our ongoing sustainability commitments.
1. Net-Zero Operational Carbon by 2030
• Purchase electricity from 100% renewable sources.⎷
• Monitor energy and water use quarterly and set reduction targets.
• Select energy-efficient office and IT equipment.⎷
• Prioritise virtual collaboration to minimise travel.⎷
• Group site visits geographically to reduce unnecessary travel ⎷
• Offset unavoidable emissions through credible carbon removal schemes.
• Minimise digital energy consumption through green hosting and optimised file storage.
2. 100% Sustainably-Sourced Materials by 2027
• Specify recycled, reclaimed, FSC or equivalent certified timber and natural materials.
• Work with suppliers that hold recognised environmental accreditations (e.g. Green Mark, Cradle to Cradle, Declare, B Corp, SKA Rating, EPD’s, PCDS’s, DPP’s, Positive Luxury).
• Avoid materials containing harmful VOCs or those with limited end-of-life value.⎷
• Promote reclaimed, recycled, and rapidly renewable materials.⎷
• Track embodied carbon for all major materials specified.
• Engage suppliers to adopt sustainable practices, including low-emission fabrication and responsible resource management.⎷
3. Circular Design Strategies on All Projects by 2027
• Design for disassembly, adaptability, and material re-use.
• Develop circular procurement plans for each project.
• Track and document material lifecycles and end-of-life plans.
• Engage clients in circular value creation (e.g. take-back schemes, reclaimed materials, leasing models).
4. Zero Waste to Landfill from the studio by 2026
• Implement comprehensive waste sorting and recycling systems.⎷
• Use non-plastic, compostable or reusable packaging for all studio supplies.⎷
• Source office consumables from closed-loop suppliers
• Remove single use plastic from all operations ⎷
• Go paper-light through digital tools for documentation, invoicing, and presentations.⎷
• Partner with certified zero-to-landfill waste providers.
5. Advocate for Biophilic & Regenerative Design
• Include nature-based strategies in every design proposal (e.g. green walls and plants to improve filtration and air quality, natural daylight and circadian lighting strategies, views of nature, natural materials).⎷
• Partner with landscape and ecology consultants where possible.
• Prioritise site-sensitive, climate-responsive solutions.⎷
• Measure project outcomes using sustainable design frameworks such as WELL Building Standard
6. Team & Stakeholder Engagement • Provide regular training on environmental best practices.
• Invite team input on sustainability strategy updates • Share our policy with all clients and collaborators at project outset
• Encourage our supply chain to improve sustainability standards
Policy Review & Approval
This policy has been reviewed and approved by studio leadership. It will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains ambitious, effective, and reflective of our values and impact goals.
Reviews will be taken annually, or sooner in response to changes in legislation, changes in studio operations, location, or services.
Signed by: Timna Rose, Founder | Creative Director | WELL AP
Reviewed: 20th June 2025
Next Review: 20th June 2026