Systems

Today’s challenges demand that we look beyond isolated places to understand and impact the complex systems of which they’re part. Climate change, resource depletion and social inequity are interconnected issues that require holistic solutions spanning multiple scales and disciplines.

At Hassell, we approach design through a systems lens to create places that are resilient, regenerative and forward-looking. Our Sustainability Framework’s ​‘Systems’ category encompasses three critical principles: Advocacy, Resilience and Legacy. These principles guide us in mapping stakeholder networks, designing for adaptability and climate resilience, and ensuring our projects deliver lasting positive impacts throughout their lifecycle.

This report evaluates our success in implementing systems thinking across our portfolio, examining how we’ve facilitated collaboration between diverse stakeholders and created places that adapt to changing needs. It highlights our post-occupancy evaluations and the lessons we’ve integrated into our practice. By sharing this information, we demonstrate how systems-based approaches lead to more holistic solutions that address complex challenges whilst creating enduring value for clients and communities alike.

“We’re passionate in our belief that design has a long-term role to play in improving lives and making society more regenerative, resilient and inclusive.”

Attribution TBC

Designing for resilient places

We are committed to designing for long-term resilience and adaptability, embedding regenerative practices that prioritise flexibility and future reconfiguration in a time of a changing climate.

Our practices include conducting detailed climate risk assessments, integrating nature-based solutions to mitigate heat stress and flooding, and designing buildings that can withstand extreme weather events. We have also focused on designing for long-term climate change scenarios, incorporating features such as passive cooling, rainwater harvesting and resilient material selections. Our commitment to adaptability and climate resilience is driven by a desire to create built environments that are not only sustainable in the present, but also robust and responsive to the challenges of the future.

Speaking, doing, acting

Our people actively champion better design through industry leadership, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, extending our influence beyond project work to shape discourse, policy and practice in the built environment.

Advocacy is central to how we create impact at Hassell. Our team members regularly share expertise at local, national and international conferences, participate in industry panels and volunteer with professional organisations to elevate design standards and promote innovative approaches.

By actively engaging in these forums, we build valuable networks, exchange knowledge and position ourselves at the forefront of emerging trends and challenges. This commitment to active participation enables us to influence design discourse while bringing fresh insights back to our practice and projects, creating a virtuous cycle of learning and leadership that benefits our clients, communities and the broader profession.

In Our Practice

INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

To advocate for increasing sustainability performance in business, we maintain partnerships and relationships with industry bodies and associations focused on progressing impactful social and environmental business practices. This includes our membership with the United Nations Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA), where we regularly engage in the organisation’s programs and initiatives, such as the Modern Slavery Community of Practice and Climate Ambition Accelerator.

Aside from its advocacy for improved social and environmental standards with professional associations and industry bodies, Hassell does not engage in any form of lobbying with any political organisations, parties or groups. Hassell does not make any financial nor in-kind political contributions to political organisations, parties or groups.

CLIMATE DISCLOSURES

Alongside our climate strategy, over the last year, we took our first steps to prepare for the recently introduced climate-related financial disclosure legislation in Australia. This included a review of the enacted legislation, a gap analysis of our current practices compared to the requirements of AASB S2 Climate-related Disclosures, and a multi-year plan outlining the preparation steps ahead.

As a Group 3 entity, Hassell is required to comply with the new legislation from 1 July 2027, for the 30 June 2028 financial year. With annual measurement of our emissions footprint already in place, our initial focus has been on establishing a robust approach for climate governance and developing a methodology for identifying and assessing climate-related risks and opportunities.

Our proposed methodology is holistic, including both impacts to our studios and our people, and impacts on our portfolio and our projects, to form the basis of our climate transition plan.