Decarbonization Policies

In order to authentically live up to our firm’s values and to be a leader in environmental stewardship, Perkins&Will is committed to the elimination of direct fossil fuel use in all its offices going forward and is addressing all of its operational carbon through the most effective means possible. It is essential as we help our clients transition to a cleaner future while matching those specifications in our own spaces. Therefore, the following policies are now in effect:

Fossil Fuel Elimination Policy

Perkins&Will can no longer directly support the continued direct use of fossil fuels and we will strive to rapidly wean ourselves off of coal, natural gas, and oil.

‒ Starting in 2023, all new studio spaces will be 100% electric for all uses—either directly within the building or via services from a central plant. Only backup power systems are excluded. All new leases must comply.

‒ Starting in 2024. all renewing leased spaces will have transitioned off of fossil fuels or the office must re-locate to a new, fully electric space.

‒ All Perkins&Will owned buildings will have transitioned by 2025.

Green Power Purchase Policy

Perkins&Will is committed to supporting the decarbonization of our utility grid’s and supporting the uptake of renewable energy.

‒ Starting in 2023, all studios will purchase green power REC’s for 100% of their electricity use where available.

‒ Starting in 2023. all studios will investigate whether on-site renewables are possible for their office and propose a plan to integrate as much as feasible by 2025

‒ Starting in 2025 all new and renewing studios will include on site renewable energy accounting for at least 50% of office energy use on an annual basis. In some cases off-site will be allowed for renewing spaces.

Leadership Energy Efficiency Policy

Perkins&Will will commit itself to leadership levels of energy efficiency and continuous improvement within our own offices.

‒ Starting in 2023, all new studio locations will meet 2030 Challenge Benchmarks as a requirement of lease. Read more here.

‒ Starting in 2025, all studios will install sub-meters that measure all energy within the office and show a year-to-year annual energy use less than 35 kbtu/sf/yr.

‒ Starting in 2025 all studios will have low-flow toilets, waterless urinals and Energy Star efficient fixtures for all office equipment.

Carbon Offset Policy

Perkins&Will believes in addressing all of its remaining carbon footprint impacts through a program of responsible carbon offsets.

‒ Starting in 2023, Perkins&Will will track and offset 100% of its operational carbon for all Scope 1,2,3 emissions aligned with the highest performing offsets (4 or 5 ranking) as identified by the Carbon Credit Quality Initiative (CCQI).

‒ Starting in 2023 all new studios and studio refurbishments will undertake a whole life carbon assessment to measure the operational and embodied carbon profile of the studio. Life cycle assessments must be completed for all new construction and interior fit outs. Read more here

Note: Our selection of carbon offsets prioritizes naturebased carbon removal solutions. Perkins&Will recognizes that carbon credit markets and accounting programs continue to exhibit verifiability issues and are therefore best used as the last step to balancing unavoidable emissions.