Sustainability & ESG

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

CIRCULARITY FIRST

At Maris, we challenge the “new is better” mindset. Our methodology is based on circular economy principles. Before we order a single new item, we ask: What can we keep?

1. The Pre-Demolition Audit
We audit the existing space. Can the carpet tiles be cleaned? Can the glazed partitions be re-sprayed and moved?

• The Impact: Reusing a glass partition saves 90% of the carbon compared to buying new.

2. Low-Carbon Specification
When we must buy new, we look for EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations).

• FSC Timber: Ensuring wood comes from managed forests.
• Low-VOC Paints: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) release toxins. We specify paints that protect indoor air quality.
• Cradle-to-Cradle Carpets: Flooring designed to be recycled back into raw materials, not dumped.

3. Operational Efficiency (The Long Game)
We design the M&E systems to sip energy, not gulp it. This involves zoning control.

• The Problem: In many offices, the lights are on in the boardroom even when it’s empty.
• The Solution: PIR sensors and daylight dimming that automatically reduce output when the sun shines or the room is vacant.

DEEP DIVE:

CERTIFICATIONS (BREEAM, SKA, WELL)

Navigating the alphabet soup of green certifications can be confusing. Here is the CFO’s guide to what matters:

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): The heavyweight champion. It assesses the entire building’s performance (Energy, Water, Waste). Usually applied to the base build or major refurbishments.
• SKA Rating: Designed specifically for fit-outs. It is flexible and targets specific measures (e.g., “Gold,” “Silver,” “Bronze”). It is excellent for benchmarking interior projects without the heavy admin cost of BREEAM.
• WELL Building Standard: Focuses on Human Health (Air, Light, Mind, Comfort). While BREEAM protects the planet, WELL protects the people. Strategy: We often apply the principles of SKA and WELL to every project, even if the client chooses not to pay for the formal certificate. This delivers the benefit without the badge cost.

MARIS TOOLS:

THE “GREEN WASH” DETECTOR

Use this checklist to ensure your sustainability strategy is real.

• The Landfill Question: “What percentage of the strip-out waste is being diverted from landfill?” (Maris targets 95%+).
• The Mileage Check: “Where is the furniture manufactured?” (Buying a chair from the UK saves massive transport carbon compared to one shipped from China).
• The Energy Model: “Have you provided an estimate of the new operational energy costs vs. the old office?”
• The Metering: “Are we installing sub-meters?” (You cannot manage what you do not measure. Sub-meters show exactly how much energy the server room uses vs. the lighting).
• The End of Life: “Is the flooring glued down (hard to recycle) or loose-lay (easy to reuse)?”