MCA’s 3 key policy directives are:

• MCA are committed to delivering “Best in Class” Sustainable design projects with low embodied carbon along with assisting clients to understand and achieve their ESG targets.
• MCA’s Sustainability Policy has been developed to ensure that both practice and projects follow the principles of our four pillars of Sustainability, Environment, Wellness, Equity and Social.
• MCA are committed to the “MCA-2030 Roadmap” which outlines the steps towards alignment with all MCA Sustainability Targets for both Practice and Projects.

MCA are committed to delivering “Best in Class” Sustainable design projects with low embodied and operational carbon. Over the past 10 Years MCA have excelled in the design of LEED BREEAM and WELL certified projects. Since the delivery of our first LEED Gold building, Eaton House in Dublin in 2011, MCA have design / delivered over 4 million Square feet of accredited projects.

Our holistic design approach addresses sustainability, from efficient use of natural resources, circular economy strategies and biophilia to thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In cases where certification is unnecessary, the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge serves as the baseline target for MCA’s projects.

MCA’s “MCA-2030” Sustainability Policy has been developed to ensure that both practice and projects follow the principles of our four pillars of Sustainability; Environment, Wellness, Equity and Social.

Four pillars of Sustainability

ENVIRONMENT

Our design approach aims to minimize the negative impact of buildings on the environment by using sustainable materials and techniques, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing embodied carbon. The “MCA 2030” sustainability policy is aligned with the RIAI 2030 Climate challenge, Levels; European Framework for sustainable buildings & the UN Sustainable development Goals.

Key to the RIAI Climate challenge is to:

1. Reduce operational energy demand as far as possible, before offsetting.
2. Reduce embodied carbon by at least 40%, before offsetting
3. Reduce potable water use by at least 40%
4. Achieve core health and well being targets.

WELLNESS

We create spaces that prioritize natural light, air quality, access to nature, and incorporate features that promote physical activity, relaxation, and social connection. Our design approach improves the overall quality of life for building occupants by creating healthier and more sustainable environments.

MCA is dedicated to providing clients with “Best in Class” WELL projects. In cases where certification is unnecessary, the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge along with MCA 7 WELL standard concept checklist will serve as the baseline standard for MCA’s projects.

EQUITY

We aim to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, ability and neurodivergence, have equal access to quality design and architecture. MCA are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the field of architecture and the built environment.

We use checklists and measurable analytics to create optimised and equitable experiences for different users (neurodivergence, age, gender, accessibility) - creating spaces and journeys that are accessible to everyone.

SOCIAL

Our design philosophy is to design buildings and urban spaces that promote social equity, inclusion, and community engagement. It involves creating environments that support social interactions and empower communities to thrive. We want to create measurable positive differences that a business can make by improving the experience of the people and communities it impacts upon.

MCA will work with our clients to ensure that their new projects are maximised to ensure they benefit from relationships with their local community. We encourage local artists creating unique local artwork, Local service employing local labour using local materials.

Central to this Policy is the “MCA-2030 Roadmap” which outlines the steps towards alignment with all MCA Sustainability Targets for both Practice and Projects. These goals now form part of the MCA ISO 14001 internal Management system. A core tenant of this system is to set targets and continually review and evaluate progress.