The Business Case for Early Engagement with Energy Efficiency
Imagine two architects, working on similar projects with the same goals, clients, and budgets - but their approach to energy efficiency couldn’t be more different.
The first architect engages late, just before development approval. Suddenly, they’re hit with the realisation that their design no longer has the flexibility to meet compliance in a cost-effective way. They scramble to compensate by specifying expensive materials and systems. The result? Budget blowouts, tough conversations with their clients, and a project that strains profitability and relationship with the client. All the while, only barely meeting the minimum compliance requirements.
The second architect takes a different approach. They engage with energy efficiency early - before planning approval. This allows them to optimise the design from the start, taking advantage of the maximum amount of flexibility they have. They understand the home on a deeper level, make informed decisions early, and avoid last-minute compliance setbacks as they have the certainty around compliance requirements. The power to exceed their client’s expectations stays firmly in their hands, all without blowing the budget and while far surpassing minimum compliance requirements.
The first architect, by engaging late, encounters high costs and low flexibility. The second architect, who engages early, enjoys the opposite. As the graph below illustrates, the cost of making changes rises exponentially as flexibility decreases. Engaging early ensures that you maintain control over the project’s direction, avoiding expensive last-minute adjustments while empowering your clients’ with the information they need to make informed, future-focused decisions.
Figure 1: Cost of Making Changes vs Flexibility (image source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213624X2200116X)
So, which one are you now? And more importantly, which approach do you want to adopt moving forward?
With industry requirements increasing from 6 to 7-Stars, and the NCC tightening its restrictions, achieving a simple tick for energy efficiency before development approval is becoming more unlikely, and often, ineffective.
Adapting your processes isn’t just necessary - it’s an opportunity. It’s a pathway to making your business more successful.
Here’s why. As an architect, engaging with energy efficiency early in a project's life offers your architectural practice three key advantages.
Clarity
Engaging early gives you a clearer roadmap for each project. You’ll identify the design’s potential and limitations upfront, which leads to more informed decision-making. This clarity extends to understanding what compliance pathways are available, ensuring there are no unpleasant surprises or costly changes down the line.
For your business, this means fewer last-minute adjustments, fewer headaches, and more time to focus on delivering creative, impactful designs. Instead of reacting to unforeseen challenges, you can stay ahead, leading to increased team productivity, fewer delays, and stronger outcomes for your clients.
Certainty
Early engagement also brings certainty - not just for the project, but for your relationship with the client. By considering energy efficiency upfront, you minimise the risk of budget blowouts and timeline disruptions. Certainty leads to a calmer, more confident process for everyone involved.
This fosters trust with your clients, who, in turn, will feel more comfortable and secure in your hands. It creates a positive client experience, which drives higher satisfaction, and increases the chances of future business and referrals.
Consistency
Consistency is key in delivering great work and growing your business. Developing a standard approach to energy efficiency streamlines your process across all projects. It allows you to confidently tackle compliance requirements and project-specific challenges without needing to rush solutions or compromise on quality.
This consistent workflow allows you to speak with authority when meeting with prospective clients, positioning your firm as a forward-thinking, dependable partner. When you operate with confidence and consistency, it naturally translates to more business opportunities and a distinct competitive advantage.
The takeaway is simple, energy efficiency isn’t just about ticking a box for compliance - it’s a strategic tool that can elevate your business. By embracing energy efficiency early, you gain clarity, certainty, and consistency, leading to better business outcomes, smoother project deliveries, and stronger client relationships.
So, the question remains: which architect do you want to be moving forward? The one who waits, or the one who leads?