The pace of development in China provides an outstanding opportunity for the implementation of sustainable principles. 

Cambridge Architectural Research has more than a decade’s experience in training for sustainable construction, in consultancy on specific building projects in China, and in participating in masterplanning exercises to ensure that the principles of sustainable design are incorporated into design at the urban scale.

The integration of social, energy and transport strategies was a central aim for our input to the masterplan for a new CBD in Shanghai.  We were involved in assessing the implication of building use mix – fine-tuned to create a lively 24-hour community – on population fluctuations, movement and energy use.  Reducing distances between the various activities aimed to promote cycling and walking.  A judicious mix of compatible uses was zoned to achieve a reduction in overall building energy use and peak demands made on the energy centres.

Our capabilities include the evaluation of carbon emissions from different strategies of urban development and renewal; the assessment of potential for renewable energy installations; and advice on CO2 reduction strategies such as integration of green areas and minimization of embodied energy.  Developing all these areas of expertise, we are uniquely placed to advise on citywide strategic issues in support of carbon reduction policies and carbon trading.

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