Unpacking ESG: it’s about sustainable business models, not just environmental sustainability

Introduction As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts gain increasing traction, there is a common misconception that ESG in the design and construction industry is only about “sustainability” in terms of environmentally sustainable design services. However, ESG goes way beyond that—it is about sustainable business models. ESG performance, measured against internationally recognized ESG standards and... Continue Reading →

Design firms should take the ESG bet

ESG factors in investment decision-making has become a “hot potato” topic because it’s largely misunderstood, broadly defined, and the guardrails for companies to report on metrics have not yet been standardized. That said, it’s not too early for design firms to engage meaningfully, given their role in all things climate and many things social. To... Continue Reading →

Facing the challenges of 2022

The world is changing, especially for design firms. The two-year disruption caused by the unpredictable impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic has forced both design firm management and employees to reassess how they provide services. A resurgent economy—provided an extra stimulus by the historic investment by the federal government in the revitalization and expansion of the nation’s... Continue Reading →

New ESG baseline for professional services

In May, the Biden Administration issued its Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk to establish a policy framework for maintaining the integrity of the US financial system as it relates to climate change. The Order was aimed at prioritizing climate change from an economic standpoint and raising the flag for the continued risks of physical... Continue Reading →

Environmental, social, and governance disclosures for private design firms

Although most design firms are privately owned, they, too, are dramatically impacted by the demand for businesses to address and disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Firms face increasing pressure not only from environmentalists and human rights activists, but also from elected officials, regulators, and even their lenders. ESG disclosure is becoming necessary because... Continue Reading →

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