Designing for today while safeguarding tomorrow, our commitment
to reducing carbon and caring for our environment

Sustainability

The climate emergency demands urgent action. We embed sustainability into every project from initial concept to operational performance, minimising environmental impact and maximising long-term value.

How we deliver sustainability

  • Fabric First Approach

    We start with the building fabric, using insulation, airtightness and passive design to reduce energy demand and improve comfort.

  • Low Carbon Materials

    We chose materials carefully, specifying timber, recycled content and local sourced products wherever appropriate.

  • Renewable Energy

    We integrate technologies such as solar PV, heat pumps and battery storage to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Circular Design

    We design buildings to be flexible, adaptable and easier to reuse, helping extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

  • Biodiversity Net Gain

    We consider ecology from the outset, incorporating native planting, green roofs and wildlife habitats to enhance local biodiversity.

  • Whole Life Carbon Assessment

    We assess carbon throughout a building’s life, using the findings to guide design decisions and support continuous improvement.

Sustainability Champions

Our people
  • Read bio
    Director

    Leanne Beirne

    BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

    Director

    Leanne Beirne

    BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

    I’m an architect with specialist experience in housing and heritage projects, with a particular focus on fire safety and cladding remediation. I qualified in 2015 and joined BTP in 2017, following roles in Singapore and Sweden working on public buildings, BIM management and accessible design.

    I am qualified as a Certified European Passive House Designer, a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect, and became one of the first Architects to be listed on the RIBA Principal Designer Register for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs).

    Outside work, I like to keep fit with running, hiking, weightlifting, skiing and rock climbing. Travel and adventure are a big part of my life, from completing the Inca Trail and climbing Kilimanjaro to running my first (and probably only) marathon on the Great Wall of China.

  • Read bio
    Director

    Manuel Atkinson

    BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

    Director

    Manuel Atkinson

    BA (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA, Dip.DEA

    I joined BTP in 2008, qualified as an Architect in 2013, and progressed to Director in 2017. Over my career, I’ve built extensive expertise across the full range of design criteria for housing, later living, and care environments, including HQI, DQS, Lifetime Homes, HAPPI, NDSS, and Building Regulations accessibility standards.

    Sustainability is a core part of my professional focus. I am an accredited Energy Assessor for both new-build and existing homes (OCDEA / DEA) as well as a certified Home Quality Mark Assessor and PAS2035 Retrofit Designer / Assessor. Within BTP, I lead many of our sustainability initiatives; developing strategies to help clients realise their ambitions, meet zero-carbon targets, and align with the Future Homes Standard.

    Since 2013, I have also played a key role in enhancing BTP’s BIM (Building Information Modelling) capability. I have achieved multiple BRE qualifications, including ISO 19650 accreditation, enabling me to manage BIM processes and workflows effectively across our projects.

    In 2024, I joined the RIBA Principal Designer Register, gaining Principal Designer status with High‑Risk Building (HRB) expertise for both CDM and Building Regulations following rigorous training and examination. I now act as Building Regulations Principal Designer across a range of new‑build and refurbishment schemes, providing trusted guidance to clients and development teams.

    My advanced knowledge of BIM, sustainability, and the Building Safety Act also sees me deliver regular training, CPD sessions, and workshops for Registered Providers and contractors.

  • Read bio
    Director

    Elliot Denby

    BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

    Director

    Elliot Denby

    BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

    I qualified as an Architect in 2017 joining BTP the same year, was promoted to Associate in 2019 and became a Director in 2023.

    Since joining BTP, I’ve led projects from concept through to completion, ranging from large-scale housing developments to refurbishment and high-rise fire remediation. These include an award-winning 34-home affordable housing scheme in Wythenshawe and successful Gateway 2 applications for Hatton Gardens in Liverpool and The Blake in Southampton. I’ve also built a strong relationship with a major national contractor, delivering high-rise remediation and refurbishment projects across England and Scotland.

    As an accredited Building Regulations Principal Designer, I have a particular interest in building safety and compliance. My strengths lie in job running, detailed design and project management, helping projects progress smoothly and meet the required standards.

    Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling where possible to explore different cultures and running recently completing the Great North Run 2025 and London Marathon in 2026.

Our Commitment

We are committed to continuous improvement, learning from each project to refine our practice. We invest in our people, support professional development, and foster a culture where creativity and rigour coexist.

Our purpose guides every decision we make, ensuring that our work contributes meaningfully to the built environment and the communities we serve.