Getting to the ‘S’ and the ‘G’ in ESG Through Design

The world has rapidly embraced the ‘E’ in corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Ten years ago, few organizations understood the concept of measuring operational carbon. Even five years ago, few organizations understood what embodied carbon meant. This was despite data consistently showing the built environment is responsible for 40% of the total energy demand and 33% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fast-forward to today’s business-as-usual: from Fortune 500 companies to small boutique retail organizations, our clients are demonstrating their knowledge of whole-life carbon and are seeking the support of professionals across the AEC industry and the supply chain to collaborate on solutions that lower their total impact.

As designers, we know how to measure carbon. We have a laundry list of strategies not only for reducing it but for getting beyond a z