Message from HLW Leadership
At HLW, ongoing self-reflection guides us as we question the norm, design with passion, and build what’s next. In an increasingly complex world, we understand that leading with empathy, care, and purpose is more vital than ever.
Our people are at the heart of all we do, and together we strive to make the world better. Through this report, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance, while setting clear ambitions for the future. It is our privilege to listen, learn, and act in ways that positively shape generations to come.
Introduction: Purpose & Principles
Our ESG Framework:
Planet, People, Accountability
Our ESG strategy serves as a roadmap for long-term value creation, reinforcing trust with stakeholders while identifying opportunities to address global challenges.
Environmental: Addressing climate risks, carbon emissions, energy efficiency, resource stewardship, and biodiversity.
Social: Fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and wellbeing while supporting human rights and community engagement.
Governance: Emphasizing ethical leadership, diversity, business transparency, and risk management.
HLW by the Numbers
A Snapshot of Progress
At HLW, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects diversity, inclusion, and growth. Our team is made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment. By focusing on career development and equitable opportunities, we strive to build a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This snapshot highlights our progress and underscores our dedication to supporting our people, celebrating their achievements, and driving meaningful change across our organization.
LANGUAGES:
20+ Languages Spoken
Arabic - Cantonese - English - Farsi - Filipino - French - Gujarat Hebrew - Hindi - Hungarian - Italian - Japanese - Korean Mandarin - Polish - Punjabi - Russian - Spanish - Tagalog
TENURE:
100+ Employees with 5+ years at HLW
LEADERSHIP:
HIRING:
120+ Institutions represented by alumni
55% of new hires are minorities
INCREASE in the racial & ethnic diversity of HLW leadership team.
64% of all new hires are female
Environmental Impact
Environmental Stewardship:
Where we are & where we’re headed
At HLW, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future through thoughtful design and measurable action. By prioritizing decarbonization, reduction of waste, and transition to the use of healthier materials, we are making significant strides toward minimizing our environmental impact.
Our efforts focus on improving material health, eliminating harmful chemicals, and tracking performance metrics to ensure continuous progress. Through firm-wide initiatives and enhanced environmental literacy, we are fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, thereby driving positive change across all our projects and practices.
Our Commitments:
The AIA 2030 Commitment is a voluntary initiative by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that guides architecture firms toward achieving carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. Launched in response to the 2030 Challenge issued by Architecture 2030, this program provides a framework for firms to integrate sustainable design strategies into their practice. Participants commit to developing multi-year action plans, setting specific performance targets, and annually reporting their progress toward reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in their projects. By joining the AIA 2030 Commitment, firms publicly demonstrate their dedication to mitigating climate change through responsible design and construction practices.
Healthy Materials Pledge: Transition to materials that positively impact human and environmental health.
Architects Declare Climate Emergency: Address climate impacts across all projects.
HLW has joined Architects Declare Climate Emergency, a global initiative uniting architectural practices to address the climate and biodiversity crises through sustainable and regenerative design. As part of this commitment, HLW is actively working to reduce the climate impact of our projects by aligning with the Architecture 2030 Challenge and AIA 2030 Commitment. Our BEYOND team tracks annual energy performance data across all projects, helping us measure progress and identify opportunities for improvement. With a firm-wide focus on reducing carbon emissions, HLW is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
AIA 2030 Pledge: HLW is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Our Actions:
Updated our Sustainability Action Plan (SAP)
In 2024, as an opportunity to evaluate and educate, enhancing the efficiency of our collaborative process and thereby better defining our firmwide strategy for achieving our goals.
Our plan provides a framework to integrate sustainable and equitable practices across all projects. The SAP focuses on key areas, including equipping design teams with tools to assess impacts early, tracking annual sustainability performance, enhancing environmental literacy through training, and prioritizing materials that benefit human and environmental health. Through these efforts, HLW ensures its services address critical environmental and social impacts.
Conducted annual, comprehensive Waste Audits
Our internal waste audit is a hands-on initiative to evaluate how effectively we manage the waste we produce in a single day. By examining the garbage, we aim to assess if materials are being disposed of properly, determine the daily volume of waste, and develop actionable strategies to reduce it. The audit focuses on identifying recyclable materials in the trash, trash in recycling bins, and organic waste in both streams. It also sheds light on patterns of recycling errors, contamination issues, and highlights offices excelling in recycling practices. This process is a critical step in addressing root causes and fostering a more sustainable workplace.
Eliminated harmful chemicals from specifications, ensuring safer spaces
HLW is committed to creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces by eliminating harmful chemicals from our specifications. Through our dedication to the WELL Health-Safety Certification, we prioritize materials and products that support human health and environmental well-being. We hae already eliminated the use of PVC’s as much as possible on all of our projects. Our various office material libraries are reflecting this ban and other chemical avoidance protocols.
By considering the entire product life cycle—from design and manufacturing to use, reuse, and disposal—we ensure our projects promote healthier indoor environments. As part of this commitment, we aim to generate at least 50% of total sales or revenues from products with positive environmental attributes and social impact.
Annual tracking and analysis of energy performance data
Tracked energy performance data annually for HLW designed projects, ensuring alignment with the AIA 2030 energy reduction targets.
Our Impact:
Prioritized sustainable materials and tracked certifications for environmental and health benefits.
Enhanced environmental literacy through firm-wide training programs.
Firm-wide elimination of harmful chemical groups from material specifications.
Social Responsibility
Social Impact: Empowering People & Communities
At HLW, our people are our greatest asset. Their diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives shape our culture, reputation, and success. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
We also deeply value the communities where we live and work. Guided by the principle of “paying it forward by giving back,” we strive to make meaningful decisions that drive positive change. By dedicating our time and resources, we aim to inspire impact and advocate for the communities we serve.
Internal Initiatives
Our internal commitment focuses on hiring, retaining, and promoting racially and ethnically diverse employees with a goal of representation at all levels, including senior leadership. We strive to create a culture of inclusion where every individual feels a sense of belonging and their unique contributions are recognized and appreciated. By cultivating an environment that prioritizes equity and opportunity, we enable our people to thrive and achieve success in their careers. Here are some ways HLW demonstrates a commitment to our people-first values:
Safe Spaces Campaign:
• HLW offices are explicitly inclusive environments for all identities.
Wellness Initiatives:
• Mental health programs (resources, tools, and support), including awareness campaigns in May and October.
• Comprehensive physical health and wellness programs, including social and cultural activities and events.
Global DEI Calendar:
• Celebrating diverse cultural holidays, initiatives, and campaigns.
Policy Frameworks for HLW Employees:
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Gender Pay Equity
• Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
• Maintaining a Violence-Free Workplace
• Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
• Reasonable Accommodations and Interactive Dialogue Process
• Flexible Hybrid Workplace to Support Diverse Needs
• “HLW Days” (paid time off from work for volunteering, mental health, personal, or religious observances)
Professional Development
An investment in our team members through:
• Unconscious Bias & Microaggressions Training
• Cybersecurity Training
• Sexual Harassment Training
Mentoring Program
Our mentoring program plays a vital role in fostering professional growth and strengthening connections across our teams.
Leadership engagement is particularly notable, with those at the Principal level and above playing an active role in guiding and supporting their colleagues. Our mentors bring a diverse range of experiences, from long-standing team members with deep institutional knowledge to those contributing new perspectives.
⅓ of staff participate in the mentoring program
External Engagement
Our external commitment centers on building and nurturing meaningful relationships, both new and longstanding. By approaching every interaction with kindness and empathy, we aim to foster a culture of inclusion- one where communities gain increased resources, support, and greater access to opportunities within the industry. Here are some of the ways HLW demonstrates its commitment to community values:
Philanthropy:
Community Partnerships:
HLW partners year-round with five local nonprofits and communitybased organizations across six states and two countries. These organizations focus on supporting traditionally underrepresented or underserved populations. These partnerships are cultivated through meaningful and engaging activities that foster lasting relationships and community impact. HLW donates to these organizations and staff participates in their events throughout the year.
Employee Volunteering:
HLW is dedicated to giving back by encouraging and supporting employee volunteering efforts. These activities strengthen communities and address critical needs.
Some examples of HLW employee volunteering include:
• Mentoring youth through various on-site and external engagements
• Donating needed goods to the elderly
• Stocking food banks
• Environmental restoration
Volunteering reflects our commitment to investing in our communities and making a measurable difference.
CANstruction:
For 22 consecutive years, HLW has participated in CANstruction, a creative initiative that brings teams together to design and build structures made entirely from canned goods, which are then donated to fight hunger.
• NY CANstruction supports City Harvest
• NJ CANstruction supports the Community Food Bank of NJ
Organizations HLW Proudly Supports Include:
Diversity in the Industry:
• Providing diverse, on-site and virtual mentorship experiences to underrepresented groups in architecture, design, and other professional fields through summer internships and collaborative partnerships.
– Partner with NYC-based programs like Ladders for Leaders (offered through the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development).
• Rainbow Level sponsor of Build Out Alliance, demonstrating our commitment to supporting gender diversity within our workforce, the industry, and the communities we serve.
– Hosted a multi-firm panel event in July 2024 focused on “Building Inclusivity: LGBTQ+ Mental Health in the Workplace”.
• Member of NOMA (National Organization for Minority Architects) as a President’s Circle Level Supporter, with a goal to annually host a NOMA fellow on site for a summer internship.
• Enhancing our CMS supplier diversity program within Dynamics by strengthening partnerships, conducting thorough research, and developing a robust internal MWBE directory.
Governance & Accountability
Governance & Accountability:
Ethics & Accountability
In pursuit of our mission, HLW is dedicated to delivering design and innovation that lead the industry. This ongoing evolution includes a heightened awareness of the societal and environmental impacts of our work, driving us to implement tangible actions and commitments to address them. At HLW, we strive to create spaces that not only achieve our clients’ business objectives but also make a positive impact on people and the planet.
JUST Label:
We are proud to be a two-time recipient of the JUST Label. The JUST label, developed by the International Living Future Institute, is a voluntary disclosure tool that evaluates an organization’s performance in the following, six key areas Diversity & Inclusion, Equity, Employee Health, Employee Benefits, Stewardship, and Purchasing & Supply Chain. Renewed every two years, the JUST Label recognizes HLW’s deep commitment to ongoing self-reflection, assessment, learning, and collaboration to continually improve our practices, always guided by the “why” and the “how.”
Supplier Diversity:
Partner with MWBE consultants, vendors, and small businesses, ensuring support, expertise, and alignment with HLW values. HLW is committed to equitable, local, economic, and community development by procuring products and services from small, local independent businesses. HLW is leaning into our purchasing power to stimulate local economic development, create local employment, redistribute wealth, and to build thriving communities. HLW has an unwavering commitment to furthering opportunities for historically marginalized communities in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry. By focusing on creating opportunities for all, we foster a culture that celebrates inclusion.
Our selection process for MWBE partners is guided by three core principles: expertise, experience, and engagement. We prioritize consultants, vendors, and small businesses with outstanding skills, relevant project experience, and a collaborative approach. Additionally, we seek partners who demonstrate a strong commitment to clients and share our values of sustainability and innovation, ensuring seamless and impactful project execution.
SA8000 Compliance:
Ethical labor practices embedded in our supply chain. HLW integrates SA8000 standards to ensure fair and ethical labor practices throughout our supply chain. These standards prioritize workers’ rights, safe working conditions, and fair treatment, reflecting our commitment to social accountability. By partnering with suppliers who share these values, we promote dignity, respect, and equality in every aspect of our operations.
Animal rights:
Advocating for animal compassion and responsible practices. HLW is dedicated to animal welfare and compassionate treatment, emphasizing the prevention of harm, abuse, and exploitation of animals. The firm upholds policies such as avoiding participation in animal testing, experimentation, and factory farming, and only contracts with food suppliers that offer certified humane animal products. HLW promotes plant-based catering, ensuring at least 50% of their menu is plant-based, and does not procure animaltested supplies.
Progress in Promotions & Retention
HLW has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the firm, particularly in the areas of promotions and retention.
Between 2022 and 2024, minority promotions more than doubled, and female promotions saw a notable rise. Additionally, HLW’s retention efforts have proven successful, with a high percentage of new hires representing both minorities and women, underscoring the firm’s ongoing dedication to diversity at all levels.
have doubled over the past two years, increasing from
saw a significant 17% increase, jumping from 58% in 2023 to 75% in 2024.
Looking Forward
Looking Forward: Our Goals for 2025 & Beyond
At HLW, we remain focused on creating a lasting, positive impact through our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we are setting ambitious goals to drive meaningful progress—reducing energy use, minimizing waste, enhancing employee engagement, fostering diversity, and strengthening leadership transparency. These commitments reflect our dedication to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and accountable future.
Environmental
Social
• Leverage data-driven decision-making to systematically and strategically work toward achieving carbon neutrality across all project work by 2030.
• Implement firm-wide inclusive education and training programs to deepen our expertise in sustainable design and deliver best practices and solutions to our clients.
• Drive meaningful impact in the communities we serve by prioritizing the elimination of harmful materials in the products we select.
• Uphold our sustainability values by staying true to our commitments and leading by example.
• Embrace our people-first values and strengthen our commitment to fostering a culture of safety and inclusion in every aspect.
• Increase employee engagement to boost productivity, improve morale, enhance retention, and foster a more collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Enhance our support for communities by expanding our MWBE directory, enabling us to allocate a larger share of work to diverse consultants, vendors, and small businesses.
• Deepen our advocacy and commitment to Global Philanthropy, striving to be a catalyst for positive change in the communities where we live and work.
Governance
• Develop diverse leadership teams and governance structures that reflect equitable representation, while ensuring accountability for ESG commitments at all organizational levels.
• Implement robust systems for monitoring, reporting, and improving ESG performance, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance with global sustainability benchmarks.
• Lean into transparent governance practices that prioritize accountability, integrity, and adherence to regulatory standards in all of our work.
• Create increased mechanisms for inclusive engagement with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with sustainability and social impact goals.
Our Call to Action
At HLW, ESG is more than a report—it’s a testament to our values and vision. As architects, designer and stewards of the built environment, we hold the power to create spaces that inspire, sustain, and uplift communities.
Now is the time to take action. Together, we can push the boundaries of innovation, champion equity and inclusion, and design a future that prioritizes the health of our planet and the wellbeing of generations to come. Join us on this journey to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world—one project at a time. For additional information or to contact us, please visit www.hlw.com
