Greener perspectives: Jeremy McLeod

When it comes to creating a more environmentally sustainable future, architects and designers across the globe play a critical role in shaping not only how places look but also how they are built. For our second edition of Greener Perspectives we spoke with Jeremy McLeod, Founder and Design Director of Breathe Architecture studio and sustainability advocate revolutionising the industry. Here’s what he had to say about his career in architecture and the simple, actionable ways his studio is reducing carbon in their projects:

 

 

What position do you take on sustainability and where has this view stemmed from?

 

 

My perspective on sustainability starts with being human first, architect second. I feel I have a personal responsibility to help preserve our planet. When I co-founded Breathe with Tamara Veltre, we set out to build a practice that prioritises purpose, staying grounded in the belief that our work serves three clients: the client who hires us, the community in which the building sits, and the planet in which the building occupies. Each of these being equally important to us.

 

I think this view is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up, both my parents were dedicated to community activism, housing equity, and environmental preservation. They instilled in me the understanding that caring means taking action, so I spent a lot of time at protests from a young age, learning that if you value something, you fight for it. That’s been a fundamental influence in my life and in shaping Breathe’s approach.

 

 

What is Breathe’s position on sustainability and how is this showcased in the work you do?

 

 

At Breathe, sustainability is woven into everything we do, but we’ve refined our focus over the years to make our approach simpler and more effective. With my background in environmental design, I understand the physics of buildings and the reality that our planet has limited resources. Early on, we tried tackling every environmental challenge at once on each project. While ambitious, it made our work complex and hard to replicate. Now, we focus primarily on carbon – finding simple, actionable ways to reduce it in our projects.

 

We focus on operational carbon, which makes up two-thirds of a building’s total carbon over its life. Our solution? Electrify everything. This means designing without gas, which is easier in ACT and VIC due to gas bans on all new builds, but even in states without these restrictions, we make sure our message on electrification is clear. Electrification is only part of the solution, though – we also educate our clients about renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind to ensure these electrons come from sustainable sources.

 

A big part of our strategy involves GreenPower, a product that every Australian can buy from any reputable energy provider to offset their operational carbon. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner, or architect, GreenPower is a powerful tool, and we work to spread awareness about it.

 

Beyond operational carbon, we’re also tackling embodied carbon, which is harder to address. We work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure their products are carbon-neutral, giving us a pathway to net-zero buildings. We specify carbon-neutral materials wherever possible, advocating for a carbon-responsible supply chain.

 

Ultimately, we believe sustainability should be mainstream – it shouldn’t set Breathe apart. Ideally, every architecture firm would adopt sustainable practices as a given, so we could all focus on designing great buildings for a greener future.

How do you go about embedding sustainability internally at your practice?

 

 

At Breathe, embedding sustainability internally starts with aligning our team from day one. When new people join, we have a candid conversation about our values and what Breathe stands for – though, honestly, most people already know our commitment to the planet before they apply.

 

We’ve established a comprehensive sustainability action plan that holds us accountable on every project. For instance, we conduct a full carbon lifecycle assessment on every building, regardless of whether our clients are willing to fund it. If clients aren’t prepared to cover the offsets or assessments, we ensure they fully understand the sustainable choices we’re making and the carbon implications of each decision.

 

Our practice is certified carbon-neutral, and B Corp certified, and we run entirely on green power from Momentum, which sources its energy from hydro. That means we operate with zero operational carbon. To help our team align with these principles in their own lives, we provide allowances for green power and green transport options, making it easy for them to make sustainable choices.

 

People come to work at Breathe because they care about the planet, and these initiatives give them daily reminders that they’re making an impact. Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live and reinforce in meaningful, actionable ways.

 

 

How difficult is it for you to find materials that fit your sustainability requirements?

 

 

Finding materials that meet our sustainability standards is actually quite straightforward for us. Architects are used to tackling complex problems, and at Breathe, we empower our team to approach these challenges with a carbon budget mindset. Sometimes it’s not about finding the perfect product but about designing in a way that uses less.

 

Our mantra, ‘build less, give more,’ reflects a minimalist approach to sustainability. We question standard design practices, like whether every apartment needs a basement carpark or if we can design the space with shared EVs. We also consider options like leaving ceilings exposed to reveal concrete soffits, which helps us reduce materials and, consequently, carbon.

 

In terms of materials, there’s an increasing availability of carbon-neutral options, and it’s become second nature for our team to consider these as they work within their carbon budgets. Sustainability is top-of-mind for everyone, especially newer graduates who’ve been taught about its importance throughout their education. This creates an incredible drive within our team to solve these issues with purpose and urgency.

Image above: Nightingale Skye House designed by Breathe

What issues or challenges do you see the building industry facing in improving its environmental impact?

 

 

The biggest obstacles to improving the building industry’s environmental impact aren’t technical barriers but rather the influence of external lobbying groups. Specifically, certain construction and development groups oppose the adoption of updated energy efficiency standards in the national construction code, slowing down progress. Currently, only some eastern states have accepted these updates, while other regions stick to the status quo because it’s profitable and familiar.

 

Another key challenge is the lack of government initiative. For example, the national construction code’s 2022 thermal upgrades could make a meaningful difference in energy efficiency across the country, yet they haven’t been implemented nationwide. Ultimately, it requires the courage from both industry and government to prioritize long-term environmental impact over short-term gains.

 

 

Over the next 5-10 years how do you see the industry changing or is there something you’re optimistic and excited for?

 

 

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about several key shifts in the industry. One of the changes I’m most looking forward to is the widespread adoption of electrification across Australia. I believe New South Wales will soon follow the lead of the ACT and Victoria, and from there, other states will likely join. We know that electrification is the only viable path to achieving net-zero operations, so seeing this trend gain traction is incredibly promising.

 

I’m also excited to see more companies like Autex producing carbon-neutral products. It’s encouraging to watch manufacturers take responsibility for their environmental impact, giving architects and designers sustainable options to work with. As we move closer to 2030, when carbon measurement will become a requirement across the board, I think we’ll see even more momentum toward accountability and sustainability throughout the industry.