In 2017, we set out to meet one of the toughest benchmarks in our industry: the 2030 Challenge, an industry-wide commitment to make all new buildings carbon-neutral by 2030. Firms that have signed on are held to annual stepped reduction targets.
Last year, we didn’t just meet the stepped target of a 90% reduction in operational energy use across all of our projects. We achieved a 100% reduction in operational energy use across all projects in design. In other words, our current body of work is carbon neutral. Not many design firms can make this claim.
Why this matters
The built environment is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, and it’s where the fight against climate change will be won or lost. Voluntary commitments like the 2030 Challenge exist because healthy, high-performing, carbon-free buildings aren’t a far-off, futuristic goal. They’re achievable now, with the right design, the right team and the right level of commitment.
By meeting the 2030 Challenge, we’re helping prove carbon-neutral buildings are possible today, not just an aspiration for 2030. It’s a goal we’ve been working toward since we joined the Challenge in 2017, and it reflects the work of our entire team of architects, builders and project partners, who treat every residence, building and community as a chance to push what’s possible.
What’s next
We’re not slowing down. As the 2030 Challenge’s targets continue to ramp up toward full carbon neutrality across the industry, we will keep pushing to raise the bar even higher.
Curious what carbon-neutral design and build looks like for your next project? Get in touch with our team.