How to Cut Carbon Without Compromising Your Workplace

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

PROJECT POSITIVE

We challenge the wasteful “new is better” mindset with Project Positive, our definitive blueprint for responsible construction driven by the circular economy. We execute this through a strict sequence:

• Phase A – Mine the Asset:
  We treat your existing space as a resource. Through a comprehensive pre-demolition audit, we identify what can be repaired or reused. Retaining an existing glass partition saves up to 90% of the embodied carbon associated with buying new.
• Phase B – Throttle Efficiency:
  We deploy Variable Air Volume systems and intelligent DALI lighting controls that harvest natural daylight, drastically reducing energy waste without compromising thermal comfort.
• Phase C – Promote Biological Health:
  We go beyond carbon metrics to human health. By integrating advanced biophilic features and non-toxic, low-VOC materials, we create sensory experiences that actively nourish the physical and mental wellbeing of the workforce.

THE CFO’S CORNER:

RISK MITIGATION AND CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

For the Chief Financial Officer, the business case for a sustainable fit-out is rooted entirely in risk mitigation and long-term cost reduction. The tightening of environmental legislation means that ignoring energy performance is a profound financial liability. Buildings lacking green credentials face severe devaluation. Conversely investing in high performance mechanical systems yields immediate operational savings.

Investing in green technology often qualifies for significant tax relief. Under current UK tax law through the Full Expensing regime companies can often claim 100% first-year tax relief on qualifying plant and machinery. Capital expenditure on integral features such as modern lighting and high efficiency heating systems attracts this relief. We work directly with your finance team to code invoices to capture this benefit effectively allowing the tax shield to subsidise the green premium.

Furthermore, managing dilapidations effectively is crucial. A sustainable fit-out that utilises demountable partitioning and loose-lay flooring reduces these exit liabilities drastically. A sustainable fit-out therefore protects the corporate balance sheet while simultaneously satisfying the ethical demands of modern investors and elite talent.

MARIS TOOLS:

THE CIRCULARITY SEQUENCE

Sustainability is an active, sequential process. We guide you through the green transition by treating the fit-out as a closed loop:

Phase 1. Assess:
We begin with The Pre-Demolition Audit, an inventory assessment categorising existing assets into keep, repair or donate to quantify circular economy savings before anything goes to landfill.

Phase 2. Benchmark:
During design, we use the SKA Rating Evaluation, an environmental assessment method specifically for non-domestic fit-outs to benchmark your sustainability performance objectively.

Phase 3. Forecast:
For long-term ROI, we deploy The Lifecycle Cost Model, tracking the long-term energy savings generated by high efficiency mechanical upgrades over the duration of your lease.