How is Decarbonization Changing Architecture and Design?

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As one of the 10 meta trends outlined in Gensler’s 2023 Design Forecast stresses, decarbonization of the built environment continues to be the imperative of our time

TK Elevator North America Regional Business Support Center in Atlanta, GA is the tallest elevator test tower in the United States. Itconnects sustainable design, engineering acumen, and storytelling.

As the world’s largest architecture and design firm, we have a responsibility to address the climate crisis through the work we do every day. In 2019, Gensler made a commitment to eliminate all net emissions associated with our work by the year 2030. But to meet this goal, every segment of the built environment must course-correct.

So how do we achieve decarbonization? That’s the topic we dive into in this episode of the Gensler Design Exchange podcast.

Taking over the guest chairs today are Rives Taylor, Global Design Resilience Leader and Principal in Gensler’s Houston office; Katie Mesia, Design Resilience Leader and Principal in Gensler’s D.C. office; and Abby Young, Sustainability Specialist and Associate in the D.C. office.

In this episode, we examine decarbonization in the built environment. We define embodied carbon vs. operating carbon, address net carbon impact, discuss how we approach resilience with our clients, and weigh the impact of carbon in interior design.

Under Armour Global Headquarters in Baltimore, MD — constructed almost entirely of mass timber — is pursuing net zero energy operations, the WELL Building Standard, and LEED v4 Platinum Certification.

Listen in to hear about Gensler’s sustainability approaches for our clients and uncover the urgent measures our firm — and larger industry — must take to achieve decarbonization.