Levitt Bernstein believes in a holistic definition of sustainability that embraces economic, social and environmental issues.

We believe successful sustainable design should not simply be measured in terms of a building's carbon footprint. It is by nature a process that has social responsibility at its core. The practice's overarching ethos has always been to take an inclusive and collaborative approach to design.

Consultation strategies which enable residents or end users to participate in the design process help us to create buildings and spaces with a lifetime of practical value and enjoyment. We also understand the impact we can have on the environment through our design of urban places and buildings, and our specification of products and materials.
Building 'green' without compromising the aesthetic values and desirability of the places and spaces where people live and work is the challenge for Levitt Bernstein and our clients in the 21st Century.

Levitt Bernstein therefore has a bias towards the following:

• Re-use of existing buildings
• Neighbourhood guided regeneration
• A passive and contextual approach to design
• Whole life costing
• Secure and safe environments for integrated communities
• Conservation of resources and reduction of running costs
• Healthy buildings

We believe foremost in passive design and site specific, localised solutions, thereby limiting reliance on bolt-on features and eco-technologies. Before considering technologically-based approaches we develop and design a building and its surroundings to take best advantage of the natural benefits of the environment through orientation and general layout. The building is then detailed to be at its most energy-efficient, reducing the need for natural resources/renewable energy in the first place.

We are determined to practice what we preach. We are committed to Environment Management in the operation of our business, by ensuring that we:

• Reduce our consumption of energy and other resources. The electricity we use is from green sources and CCL exempt.
• Recycle all possible consumables and print on recycled paper
• Promote green design and specification with our green library
• Promote the Cycle to Work scheme, and provide cycle-friendly facilities

Our strong environmentally, socially and economically sustainable approach to design was recognised when the practice was awarded with 'Regeneration Architect of the Year' and shortlisted for the RIBA Sustainability Award (2006).