Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced energy consumption by 14% compared to 2022.
• Replaced fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures incorporating daylighting, output trimming, and occupancy control.
• Installed a new DDC HVAC system with full modulation of air and heating elements.
• Purchased Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to cover estimated portion of building electric energy consumption.
• Reduced paper usage from approximately 161,000 sheets in 2019 to 88,500 sheets in 2023.
• Implemented a building-wide recycling program for non-paper goods.
• Resumed commercial composting program.

Social Achievements

• Hired 11 new full-time staff and employed four college interns.
• Maintained a low employee turnover rate (three employees left).
• Implemented an aggressive continuing education program.
• Provided a supportive work environment with events like holiday party, summer picnic, and chili potluck.
• Offered a bike-commuting challenge, employee bike storage, financial support for health club memberships, and company-provided stand-up desks.
• Became a League of American Bicyclists recognized Silver Bicycle Friendly Business.
• Celebrated safe biking with participation in the Active Transportation Alliances Bike Commuter Challenge and a Bike Safety and Maintenance Presentation.

Governance Achievements

• Annual three-day strategic planning meeting for principals.
• Annual performance reviews for all staff with peer-feedback component.
• Electronic tool for collecting client feedback.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Indirect energy consumption due to lack of direct energy sources in the building.
• Difficulty accurately assessing paper usage due to telecommuting.
• Climate change posing a risk to the overall financial health of the construction industry.

Mitigation Strategies

• Purchased RECs to offset indirect energy consumption.
• Emphasized digital documents for communication.
• Focus on energy conservation and efficiency improvements to mitigate climate change risks.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Preference for local sources for office supplies, technology equipment, and catering; use of sustainably-produced coffee and cleaning products.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Reduced demand for engineering services not directly related to energy conservation.

Opportunities

• Assisting more building owners in reducing their energy consumption and impact on climate change.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: Null

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

• Chicago Building Congress – Merit Award, UI Health, Specialty Care Building (commissioning); Engineering News Record Midwest magazine, 2023 Best Project, Healthcare – UI Health, Specialty Care Building (commissioning)