Designing Sustainably

Ayers Saint Gross is committed to protecting our planet and environment, in both our work and our practice. Ten years ago, in 2012, we signed on to the American Institute of Architect’s 2030 Commitment and developed our first ever sustainability action plan, which we have since updated. Listed below is our philosophy related to sustainability, which we strive to incorporate into everything we do.

Reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions is a priority for our projects. We measure building performance throughout the design process to produce buildings that cost less to operate, better support environmental and human health, and accelerate our clients toward their sustainability goals. 

The built environment must support human well-being with adequate air quality, daylight access, and healthy material choices. Our people-first design approach considers the unique needs of our clients to create beautiful and functional spaces that are accessible for all.   

We recognize existing buildings as a critical asset for a carbon–neutral future and prioritize low–embodied carbon construction materials and products. We believe renovations to existing buildings can conserve embodied carbon while improving operational carbon emissions. 

Plants play a powerful role in keeping our communities healthy. We thoughtfully incorporate native and adapted plant species on grade and on green roofs to aid with carbon sequestration and stormwater management. Designing biodiverse landscapes that plan for plant succession supports long-term habitat preservation and filters stormwater contaminants to reduce downstream impacts. 

There is no sustainability without social equity. We consider the global impact of our design decisions, to find solutions that have positive impacts beyond project boundaries, empowering small businesses and conserving resources up and down the supply chain.   

Living sustainably is a continuous effort and the decisions made in buildings every day play an important role in determining resource consumption. Through a mix of data and research, we educate people on the ways their buildings are used, providing timely instruction to maximize long-term efficiency.