Sustainability

We create lasting value for communities and the people who call them home.

We believe good design is sustainable design. Good design balances the well-being of people and the health of our planet. This belief is deeply rooted in our Human by Design ethos. Our work aims to make a lasting and positive impact on people’s lives and the world we inhabit. From the projects we design to our day-to-day operations, everything we do is grounded in sustainability.

We are committed to design that enhances the health and wellbeing of people, communities, and the planet. We believe that to achieve a more resilient future, we must approach design holistically, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges through holistic design and in partnership with our clients, collaborators, and other industries including transportation and manufacturing. As designers of the built environment, we have an obligation to apply our expertise to the most pressing crises of our era—public health, global economic, social justice, and climate change.

We work every day to translate our beliefs into actions, outlined below, that contribute to a resilient future.

Our Goals

Carbon, Diversity, equity & inclusion, Materials, Research, Holistic Wellness, Resilience

Our Progress

GOAL: CARBON - We strive to be a carbon-neutral firm-in both our operations and in our work with clients. WHERE WE ARE - 48.9% predicted EUI reduction from Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) baseline. 49.7% of projects with energy models. Offsetting Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions from our operations Participating in CDP's operational carbon emissions disclosure forum WHERE WE ARE HEADED - Tracking strategies for embodied carbon reduction across portfolio Aligning our strategies with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTI) for effective carbon reduction efforts Developing carbon scorecards for office-level accountability Working with our consultants to target Scope 3 emissions improvements
 DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION We strive to correct the inequities in our practice, our projects, and our communities, and to celebrate diversity and culture. • Operating a robust mentorship program Expanding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) •Engaging in the equity-building program "Pathways to Equity" Obtaining Just label for Perkins Eastman's US offices Continuing investment in the mentorship program Renewing Perkins Eastman DC Just label Pursuing Employee Resource Group Playbook to support ERGS Adjusting policies in line with "Pathways to Equity" program
MATERIALS - We strive for the materials we use to have a net-positive benefit on human health, climate health, ecosystem health, social health, and equity, and to contribute to a circular economy. Engaging in the AIA Materials Pledge Advocating for industry leadership Highlighting material selection in the firm's Materials Action Plan Refining project specifications standards to improve transparency and performance • Establishing benchmarking and performance targets
RESEARCH - We strive to be curious — to use applied research to enhance and advance our work. Utilizing internal research teams to measure design impact Collaborating externally to broaden research scope Publishing the Latrobe Prize research grant study Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge • Expanding building life-cycle assessments • Committing to ongoing questioning of findings within the industry
HOLISTIC WELLNESS - We strive to approach wellness holistically-in terms of people and the planet, and at all scales of our work. Integrating a research-driven approach to address wellness holistically Incorporating wellness goals into project kickoff discussions • Implementing design strategies with a focus on people and planetary wellness Continuing to refine our approach through case studies and internal databases
RESILIENCE - We strive to lead with passive design strategies, as this approach provides the key to reducing future climate emissions and improving livability and resiliency. Layering in a broader definition of resilience and sustainability into Planning + Urban Design and Large Scale Mixed-Use practices Developing Metrics of Success for project guidelines and evaluation Expanding application of resilience principles and Metrics of Success across all practice areas

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