Sustainability Action Plan 2024
CLARKN EXSEN
Patton Building, Blue Ridge Community College HENDERSONVILLE, NC
Contents
1. Summary
Our Sustainability Values & 2023 Year End Summary
2. CN Design
2024 Goals, Objectives, & Strategies
A. Educate B. Optimize C. Advocate D. Report 3. CN Operations
2024 Goals, Objectives, & Strategies
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Edneyville Elementary School HENDERSONVILLE, NC
Our Sustainability Values & 2023 Year End Summary
1. Summary
The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for our firm with the successful establishment of the full-time sustainability department, achieving a major leap towards embedding sustainability into our core operations and culture. The introduction of the first sustainability summer student program was a highlight, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and contributing to the nurturing of future sustainability leaders. The appointment of Sustainability Coordinators across various departments has been instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of sustainable practices for every design project. The initiation of the CN Sustainability Roundtable has fostered an environment of collaboration and shared learning, enabling the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices in sustainability. Additionally, engaging in strategic discussions with the marketing and organizational teams has amplified our sustainability achievements, both internally and externally, showcasing our commitment to sustainability to a broader audience.
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
AIA 2030 The team significantly advanced operational and embodied carbon reduction, and leveraging advanced measurement tools highlight a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Through robust educational initiatives and industry-wide advocacy, including significant contributions to the SE2050 Database and the formation of sustainable design committees, they led efforts to promote carbon neutrality. These achievements underscored the firm's leadership in sustainability and commitment to the 2030 carbonneutral goal, marking a year of impactful environmental stewardship. MEP 2040 2023 was the first full year of Clark Nexsen’s participation in the MEP 2040 commitment. Our firm participated in the MEP 2040 Data, Analysis, and Reporting Working Group to support the development of best practices in the realm of data collection and calculation tools. We conducted internal education sessions and external sessions with local ASHRAE chapters to build awareness of embodied carbon in MEP systems. We also asked manufacturers to share their timelines for refrigerant changeovers in light of industry-wide transitions to refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potentials. Finally, we participated in each of the MEP 2040 Quarterly Forums to dialogue with other industry leaders and support the push for lower embodied carbon in building systems. SE 2050 Clark Nexsen's SE2050 team significantly advanced their embodied carbon reduction efforts by integrating precise measurement tools like Tally and EC3, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive carbon footprint assessments. The team's educational initiatives broadened internal and industry-wide understanding of sustainable practices, while advocacy efforts promoted embodied carbon reduction strategies through speaking engagements and the formation of a industry committees. These actions not only solidified Clark Nexsen's leadership in sustainable design but also contributed to a growing commitment within the industry to minimize the environmental impact of the built environment.
Patton Building, Blue Ridge Community College HENDERSONVILLE, NC
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Ferguson Headquarters 3 NEWPORT NEWS, VA
2024 Goals, Objectives & Strategies
2. CN Design
Clark Nexsen has a legacy of exploring innovative site strategies and advanced building systems to craft architecture that minimizes human impact and elevates environmental stewardship. This commitment drives our pursuit of innovative design and technologies for peak building performance. Recognizing the profound responsibility architects hold in shaping human and environmental health, we actively employ the latest scientific data, and adhere to the Triple Bottom Line. In collaboration with our clients, we strive to create environmentally responsible, equitable, and resilient architectural solutions. We hold ourselves accountable to continuous improvement in both our design work and office operations, seeking alignment across staff training, business practices, and community engagement.
WNC Bridge Foundation Office Building ASHEVILLE, NC
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
A. Educate
Goal A.1: Enhance firm knowledge of embodied carbon (EC) and sustainable practices. Objective A.1.i: Host monthly SE 2050 working group meetings. •
Present updates on EC, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and SE 2050 initiatives.
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Share project experiences and feedback.
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Educate the firm on various sustainability topics, trends, and best practices.
Objective A.1.ii: Disseminate information across disciplines. •
Share topics from SE 2050 meetings at the monthly CN Sustainability Roundtable.
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Include "lessons learned" in regular departmental updates.
Objective A.1.iii: Attend all MEP 2040 quarterly forums. •
Share information learned from the forums at the CN Sustainability Roundtable and with MEP teams.
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Post at least one update to the Cube regarding MEP 2040 progress.
Goal A.2: Increase awareness and knowledge about operational carbon reduction and energyefficient design. Objective A.2.i: Conduct regular training sessions on the benefits and methods of energy modeling and sustainable design practices. •
Organize quarterly discussions on the latest energy modeling software and techniques.
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Share case studies of high-performance building designs.
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Include "lessons learned" in regular departmental updates.
Patton Building, Blue Ridge Community College HENDERSONVILLE, NC
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
B. Optimize
Goal B.1: Implement and evaluate EC reduction strategies in projects. Objective B.1.i: Conduct embodied carbon intensity bay studies. •
Identify projects for bay studies to evaluate framing options.
Objective B.1.ii: Update specifications and design practices. •
Design thermal breaks and frost-protected shallow foundations.
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Update specifications for concrete, rebar, steel, and masonry.
Objective B.1.iii: Quantify refrigerant embodied carbon impacts for all 2024 designs. •
Record impacts in the CN Project Information Database so that they can be tracked annually.
Goal B.2: Apply design and technology strategies to significantly reduce operational carbon. Objective B.2.i: Integrate passive design strategies and renewable energy sources in projects. •
Design for maximum natural daylighting and ventilation.
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Specify solar panels and geothermal systems where feasible.
Objective B.2.ii: Implement electrification design strategies to reduce fossil fuel usage. •
Develop recommended all-electric system options across building types and sizes.
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Track electrification concepts and outcomes via CN Project Information Database.
Orchard Residence Hall, Penn State University Brandywine MEDIA, PA
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
C. Advocate
Goal C.1: Promote EC reduction within the industry and beyond. Objective C.1.i: Engage in external advocacy and presentations. •
Speak at events on reducing EC in structures.
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Share knowledge with other firms and encourage SE 2050 Commitment.
Objective C.1.ii: Collaborate with professional associations. •
Exchange ideas and develop sustainable design strategies.
Objective C.1.iii: Request Environmental Product Declarations from MEP product manufacturers. Objective C.1.iiii: Participate in MEP 2040 Data, Analysis, and Reporting Working Group.
Goal C.2: Advocate for policies and practices that support the AIA 2030 Commitment goals. Objective C.2.i: Engage with policymakers and industry groups to promote sustainable design. •
Participate in local and national policy discussions on building energy standards.
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Encourage clients to adopt green building practices and certifications.
Fitts-Woolard Hall, NC State University RALEIGH, NC
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
D. Report
Goal D.1: Improve and standardize embodied carbon measurement and reporting. Objective D.1.i: Utilize Tally and EC3 for EC measurements. •
Measure EC for structural and architectural materials.
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Adjust and verify material quantities and EPD selections.
Objective D.1.ii: Enhance data reliability and LEED wbLCA qualification. •
Upload optional itemized material quantities to SE 2050 database.
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Review and refine measurement methods.
Goal D.2: Systematically report project performance data to track progress towards the AIA 2030 Commitment targets. Objective D.2.i: Implement energy modeling and reporting for all projects. •
Identify preferred modeling workflows for projects where compliance energy models are not required.
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Submit annual performance data to the AIA 2030 Dashboard.
Fitts-Woolard Hall, NC State University RALEIGH, NC
Fitts-Woolard Hall, NC State University RALEIGH, NC
2024 Goals, Objectives & Strategies
3. CN Operations
Clark Nexsen is committed to advancing sustainability within our firm and beyond. In 2023, we've boosted our sustainable literacy through monthly intranet updates and are pursuing WELL certification for our Raleigh office, with plans to extend this to our new Johnson City office. Our culture of sustainability and climate-positive living is fostered through engaging activities like an Earth Week challenge and a Walking Challenge, promoting environmental awareness and health. We're exploring the potential for electric fleet vehicles, aligning our operations with our green goals. Additionally, we've updated our service awards to better reflect our dedication to sustainability, embedding our commitment into every facet of our firm's culture.
Clark Nexsen Raleigh Office Upfit RALEIGH, NC
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Goal 1: Encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. Objective 1.i: Conduct Firm-Wide Sustainability Challenge for Earth Week. •
Emphasize learning something new and putting in place a new sustainable habit.
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Encourage participation through friendly competition and prizes.
Objective 1.ii: Conduct Firm-Wide Wellness Challenge. •
Encourage employees to improve healthy habits by adding movement to their days.
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Encourage participation through friendly competition and prizes.
Goal 2: Pursue WELL Certification for all new office locations. Objective 2.i: Raleigh Office •
Complete documentation for WELL certification for the Raleigh office upfit.
Objective 2.ii: Johnson City Office •
Complete design checklist for Johnson City office upfit.
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Begin documentation for WELL certification for Johnson City office upfit.
Forsyth City Hall Forsyth, GA
Clark Nexsen | Sustainability Action Plan | 2024
Goal 3: Reduce carbon footprint related to commuting. Objective 3.i: Personal Commuting •
Conduct survey of entire firm to analyze our carbon footprint to assist in corporate carbon accounting.
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Review HR policy relating to commuting reimbursement for inclusion of alternative methods of transportation.
Objective 3.ii: Fleet Vehicles •
Analyze electric fleet vehicle options with 2024 lease cycle.
Goal 4: Incorporate sustainable purchasing initiatives for corporate use. Objective 4.i: Review corporate giveaways/swag items purchased.
Clark Nexsen Raleigh Office Upfit RALEIGH, NC
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