On the heels of the March 20 report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), urged for a “mainstreaming” of “more ambitious action” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The organization has revamped their firmwide Green Operations Plan—first implemented in 2005—to double down on decarbonizing each of its 28 studios’ daily operations.
The enhanced commitments include:
Fossil Fuel Elimination
By 2025, their new and renewing studio leases will no longer use natural gas, and by 2023, any new studios must be 100% electric.
Energy Efficiency Leadership
Starting in 2025, all studios will install sub-meters that measure all energy use. This will complement their nearly 20-year practice of installing low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, and Energy Star efficient fixtures.
Climate and Ecosystem Data
“Place Walls” within each studio will provide local climate and ecosystem data to ensure their teams understand the environmental context in which they work. Additionally, these “Place Walls” will recognize the indigenous peoples who stewarded the local land prior to colonization, educating our teams on the historical demographics and settlement patterns of the surrounding community.
Green Power
To support the decarbonization of our utility grids and the uptake of renewable energy, over the next few years, studios wherever possible will purchase green power RECs for their electricity use and ensure on-site renewable energy accounts for at least 50% of their annual energy use.
Carbon Offsets
Starting in 2023, all new studios and studio renovations will undergo a whole life carbon assessment to measure their operational and embodied carbon profile, while also offsetting operational carbon wherever possible.
Phaseout of Single-Use Plastics
Plastic production requires fossil fuels, and plastic waste harms the environment. Their studios will avoid the purchase of single-use bottled beverages, single-use coffeemaker cups, and plastic cutlery. Additionally, they will instruct all of our caterers and vendors to stop providing plastic utensils.
Of course, this is only a small snapshot of what’s inside their Green Operations Plan. Either way, as the world’s second-largest architecture firm, Perkins&Will is optimistic about its potential to make a positive difference through greener everyday decisions—and lead by example within the industry. Moreover, with terrific clients taking steps in equal measure, they are confident to reduce the rate of global warming, helping to protect ourselves and future generations.
Kathy Wardle
Regional Director of Regenerative Design, Canada
