Systems

Climate change, resource depletion and social inequity are interconnected issues requiring systematic change.

At Hassell, we approach design through a systems lens to create places that are resilient, regenerative and forward-looking. The ​‘Systems’ category in our Sustainability Framework 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.

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 dedication 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.
 

Laak Boorndap on Wurundjeri Country, Melbourne, Australia will be an immersive landscape made up of a diverse mix of local Victorian, Australian and international plant species that focuses on climate resilience. 

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.

Climate disclosures: Alongside our climate strategy, in FY25 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 to our first year of reporting in FY28.

For more details on our advocacy, resilience and legacy approaches, download the full Designing for Impact report here.