2026 Impact Report
A message from Susan
Susan Osterberg, CEO + President of SSR
At SSR, our purpose has always been rooted in making a positive difference—for our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we serve. The principles that guide today’s conversations about environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and responsible business practices have shaped our firm from the beginning. They are part of what has allowed SSR to grow with intention and remain a firm built for generations.
Being an employee‑owned company carries a responsibility to act with purpose. Ownership is not only a structure; it’s a mindset. It shapes how we show up for our clients, how we support one another, and how we make decisions that prioritize long‑term value over short‑term gains. Our commitment to high performance means we are always working to advance sustainable solutions, support and empower our people, and refine the business practices that will sustain SSR for generations to come.
The pages that follow highlight where we started, where we are today, and where we’re going. They represent the collective efforts of a firm that cares deeply about the impact we make—on the built environment, on our people, and on the communities that trust us.
Thank you for being part of SSR’s journey and for helping us continue to build a firm that lasts.
Our Mission
Making a positive difference for our clients, colleagues, and communities.
Our Values
Working Together
We are SSROne. This collaborative culture allows our differences to drive smarter decisions, increase innovation, and strengthen performance.
Our Vision
Improving our firm’s success, our clients’ results, and people’s lives every day through trusted relationships.
Assuring Trust
We are reliable and responsive. We take ownership to create success for our clients, partners, and colleagues.
Improving Always
We learn and adapt as an organization and as individuals to elevate our industry and careers.
Living Fully
We strive for balance and celebrate all aspects of life.
Raising the Bar
We are resourceful and create exceptional experiences and outstanding results for our clients.
Ownership Culture
As a 100% employee-owned firm, every colleague is treated and viewed as an owner from day one. We believe this mindset is a true differentiator for SSR and contributes to the overall success of SSR. The ESOP, and resulting ownership mentality shared across SSR, directly impacts the performance and success of SSR. It is this success that affords us options and opportunity to grow and develop professionally and personally.
What does impact mean to SSR?
IMPACT represents the values and practices which provide guidance toward a sustainable and responsible path, touching on three core areas:
Sustainability
The planet’s wellbeing is naturally linked to our own, and as a company, we carry responsibility to minimize our environmental impact. How we design our projects and operate our business can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve resources, and support investment in new technologies. This commitment not only safeguards our environment but supports the work being done by and with many of our clients.
People
Our colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve are the heart of our organization. Embracing social responsibility means valuing all perspectives, ensuring fair working conditions, promoting equality for all, and giving back to society. We can create a stronger, more inclusive company and contribute positively to all those around us.
Business Practices
SSR’s values reflect a commitment to transparent, ethical, and accountable governance. Our company structure ensures decision making processes which are just, that leadership is responsible, and that we maintain the trust of our clients and employee owners.
Sustainability
Sustainability
Where we started . . . . .
Reinforcing SSR’s mission, SSR strives to be a responsible steward to the communities we serve and live in.
Project Philosophy
We approach each project as a unique opportunity to create high performance outcomes for our clients and industry partners. Sustainability goals should be established early in the design process to reduce upfront costs and to target tangible results. High performing projects are those which reduce the ecological impact, create healthy environments for building users, and reduce life cycle costs.
Industry Involvement
SSR is a member of or active in the following organizations, among others:
• USGBC Silver Corporate Member
• Cornerstone Member of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
• Charter Member of the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)
• LEED Proven Provider Accredited Firm
• Energy Star Partner
• American Water Works Association
• ASHRAE / Committee Membership
• International Living Future Institute
• Signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment
Engineering / Consulting Services to Conserve Resources
SSR’s multidisciplinary services are aligned with conserving energy, water, and natural resources for the design, construction, and ongoing operation of buildings and infrastructure in the U.S.
• High performance MEP design
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Sustainability consulting
• Energy optimization
• Commissioning services
• Building enclosure consulting
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Sustainability Consulting Experts
SSR’s multidisciplinary experts offer sustainability, energy performance, and resiliency consulting services across the lifecycle of projects, from concept phase through operations. Our firm includes experts in green building certifications, energy modeling, MEP design, structural, building enclosure, technology and integration, commissioning, and infrastructure design, among other areas. These professionals also provide ongoing education sessions for SSR colleagues and clients and influence industry standard practices through involvement in professional societies and standards committees.
Where we are . . . . . . . .
AIA 2030 Commitment
For the 13th consecutive year, SSR submitted energy analysis data and annual GHG reduction metrics for our design projects to the AIA 2030 platform. We also published an updated AIA Sustainability Plan, reinforcing our long term commitment to high performance design.
SSR Nashville Office - Energy Improvements
SSR performed an energy audit of our Nashville office to find ways to lower our energy usage and environmental impact. A handful of operational improvements were identified, with better lighting controls programming being a notable improvement factor. Though changes to our lighting controls system, SSR is projected to save:
• 3.8% in annual energy costs for the office, or $4,548 annually
• 4.8% in annual Greenhouse Gas emissions
• Read more of the story here: Practicing What We Preach: How SSR Reduced Energy Use in Our Nashville Office
Wheels, Feet, or Seats Day
This initiative encouraged public transit, carpooling, and other low emission commuting options for a day. Together, owners avoided 564 miles of travel equivalent to keeping a car off the road for 18 days—or put another way, achieved the same carbon benefit as planting six trees.
Where we’re going . . .
In the coming years SSR will look at several areas to improve our environmental position and reduce our footprint as a firm. SSR will consider measures which may include: potentially expanding emissions tracking, standardizing the green building approach to SSR’s office fit-outs, offering greater carbon emissions reporting services, and improving our operational practices within our offices.
People
Where we started . . . . .
SSR’s success is linked to the talent of our owners and the strength of our communities. We believe in building relationships with all colleagues, appreciating different backgrounds, understanding other people, and connecting to those different than yourself. We believe in investing in our people through all phases of the colleague experience and leveraging resources and expertise to enhance their career at SSR.
Colleague Engagement
As owners, we have a vested interest in creating the best work environment at SSR. As part of our commitment to making a positive difference for our colleagues, we annually participate in the Gallup Engagement survey. SSR uses this survey to provide valuable insights into our team’s engagement levels, work experiences, and overall satisfaction. The results help us identify areas for improvement in the workplace, enhance productivity and performance, make better decisions, and cultivate a positive and engaged SSR One.
Gallup Employee Engagement Report
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Resiliency
Regarding our colleagues and our business, we have structured SSR and our operations for success under economic and health situations. In recent years, SSR has transitioned to a flexible workplace with remote work options, maintained employment stability, and showed commitment to our colleagues while practicing fiscal discipline that has allowed us to reinvest in our firm and people.
Workplace Experience
To become an industry employer of choice, we have implemented numerous policies that encourage our colleagues to feel supported, nurtured, and appreciated. This has included paid parental leave, flexible workplace, renovated office space, ESOP education, and office culture committees.
Well-Being
We take the physical and mental well being of our colleagues seriously. We have robust resources available to assist colleagues, should they need it. This includes access to mental health professionals via a new EAP SupportLinc, bereavement time, a disaster relief fund, wellness programs and incentives, and 100% paid colleague health insurance.
Training, Learning, and Development
SSR regularly provides internal training, supports professional development, and encourages industry participation for all our colleagues, regardless of role or tenure. We recently upgraded two systems (Ignite and UKG) to better support colleagues, provide more robust training, and developed a roadmap for education. SSR also provides tuition reimbursement for eligible colleagues. In 2025, SSR colleagues took over 23,000 hours of internal training.
Communities
The nature of the work that we do allows SSR to make a profound impact on the communities where we live, work, and do business. Many of our core markets (healthcare, education, sports and entertainment, civil, and transportation) allow us to contribute to healthy and thriving communities.
Clients
We seek meaningful ways to support our clients and the initiatives that matter to them. From contributing to their foundations and volunteer programs to supporting causes that mean the most, we believe in showing up for our clients.
Colleague Connectedness
To be a people centric organization, we believe that our colleagues need to know, trust, and enjoy one another. To foster this connectedness, we have several activities in place like Connections (an immersive SSR experience for colleagues to learn about SSR’s history, culture, and work), Leadership Advance (a multi day retreat bringing together leaders across the firm), BNA YP (a young professionals group), and office culture committees.
By Ethnicity Our Managers
Mentorship
Our mentorship program provides a platform for colleagues to comfortably engage in discussions pertaining to career goals, challenges, and opportunities. This increases knowledge, inspires development of leadership skills, strengthens interconnectivity between business units, and expands our influence together for a strong, meaningful culture at SSR. By focusing on building with intentional purpose, we believe working together will strengthen the organization, deepen the foundation, and create meaningful relationships. 100 colleagues have participated in our mentorship program since it’s launch in 2024.
Talent Attraction and Building Diverse Workforce
Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for SSR’s continued success. Building a diverse workforce is an essential component of talent attraction; it brings together individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to foster creativity, innovation, and problem solving. To attract a diverse talent pool, we recruit from schools across the country. We are continuously working to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates differences. Our recent intern classes have included students and new graduates from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and genders.
Employee Ownership Council (EOC)
The Employee Ownership Council (EOC) was formed to raise awareness of the ESOP and understand the value it brings to our colleagues as individuals and the overall benefits to the firm. Comprised of colleagues from across the firm, they are focused on educating the positive benefits of the ESOP and celebrating key milestones during the year.
By Gender
42
29 50% 8 under 40
Average Age Veterans Average Tenure (years)
Where we are . . . . . . . .
SSR Voices
We launched our new SSR Voices series to foster connection and knowledge sharing across the firm. The inaugural session in November spotlighted professional organization involvement and featured insights from our Charlotte office.
Social Spotlights
Through OneWire, we celebrated colleague stories and experiences throughout the year—highlighting honoring cultural heritage months, spotlighting our ACE student interns, and sharing other moments that reflect the diverse perspectives and traditions that shape our culture.
Making A Difference
In early 2025, SSR launched our Making A Difference initiative. From the meaningful impact of our work to supporting organizations and causes that make a difference — giving back is what we do. Our community giving efforts reflect our commitment to making a positive impact beyond projects, specifically in the areas of pediatric healthcare, water, and workforce development.
• Pediatric Healthcare: SSR supported over a dozen organizations and facilities dedicated to caring for children. We partnered with clients and industry friends in Texas and Florida to extend our impact.
• Water: We sent a team of colleagues to Guatemala to drill and install two wells, providing clean water access to communities in need. In Nashville, we organized two cleanup efforts along the Cumberland River, helping preserve one of our region’s most vital waterways. We invited clients and industry partners to help us give back, hosting a cornhole tournament in Memphis that benefited Protect Our Aquifer and setting up a pop a shot at a water conference in support of Keep Tennessee River Beautiful.
• Workforce Development: In addition to financially supporting the ACE Mentor organization in every location that we have an office, our colleagues increased their volunteer efforts, from 6 mentors in 2024 to nearly 30 in 2025!
Where we’re going
As a firm, SSR has a strong foundation for bringing people together and will continue to make progress in building a culture where everyone is respected, valued, and feels that they belong. We will continue providing educational training that allows our people to develop both professionally and personally.
Hosted three times a year in the Nashville office, our Connections event brings together colleagues across different disciplines and geographies to hear about the history of SSR and the firm’s vision, spend time with leaders, learn about opportunities to get involved, and gain knowledge on the diversity of our programs.
Business Practices
Practices
Where we started . . . . .
Rooted in accountability and transparency, SSR’s robust governance structure acts as an oversight body, protecting the firm, guiding growth, and providing ownership. This structure and management approach fosters oversight, business ethics, and checks and balances for the longterm sustainability and resiliency of the firm and collective success of our colleagues.
Management Oversight Board of Directors
SSR’s board comprises internal and independent directors. The board members are elected annually by the firm’s Trustee on behalf of its ESOP shareholders. The current board of directors has been chosen from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field, manufacturing, telecommunications, and business communities to provide council and guidance in the direction and results of SSR.
ESOP Trustee
The ESOP Trustee is appointed by the Board and is to act solely in the best interest of plan participants and their beneficiaries. They work with an independent valuator to determine fair market value on an annual basis. They vote on behalf of ESOP participants and monitor board activity and directors.
Senior Leadership - Strategic Management
Board of Directors Trustee
ESOP Owners
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Board Committees
The board appoints and engages in five committees that provide oversight, protect the organization, and collectively work to advance SSR. These committees are Audit, Governance & Nominating, Compensation, Enterprise Risk Management, and ESOP (Administrative). The work of these committees relies on contributions from many colleagues.
Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
SSR’s culture is based on professional ethics, and checks and balances within our structure. Robust onboarding is part of this; from the outset SSR colleagues receive training on our ethics policies and procedures. We also have a portal for colleagues to securely and anonymously report any concerns.
Transparency and Communication
SSR provides business, financial, and management updates, including publishing financial data monthly, to our entire firm. By having a company knowledgeable and engaged in the performance of the firm, our colleagues are able to have insights and directly affect outcomes toward SSR’s goals.
Strategic Plan
Approximately every five years, SSR undergoes a planning process to create a new strategic plan. Involving colleagues from many layers of the organization, we use this plan to set the direction and detail what we are and are not going to do. Our current plan is focused on growth related to market share, professional development, improving process, and innovation.
Information and Technology Security
SSR has implemented new procedures, communicated and educated our colleagues, and added dedicated cyber security colleagues. These measures protect data and digital assets from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Where we are . . . . . . . .
Developed Governance Framework
Evaluated the number and make up of committees, reviewed bylaws and Governance Charter, as well as identify board governance practices to communicate with current and prospective Board members.
Launched MyCOI
Implementation of MyCOI, a third-party vendor that helps manage certificates of insurance for subconsultants was implemented; SSR works directly with subs and all renewals and tracking are through the MyCOI portal.
Streamlined Firm Registrations
A licenses group has been created on SSR’s intranet to house and track all data and documents regarding our firm registrations.
Where we’re going . . .
SSR’s governance structure is designed to foster performance oversight, uphold business ethics, and provide checks and balances to ensure the long term sustainability and resiliency of the firm. We will continue to evolve the governance as necessary to respond to challenges and grow as opportunities arise. Areas of focus for 2026 will include a review of our document retention policy and a firm-wide authority matrix.
Who We Are
Are
Making
a positive difference for our clients, colleagues, and communities.
This is our mission statement and the foundation for who we are. Doing the right thing, as a company and as individuals, is built into our mission and core values. Since our founding in 1968, SSR has focused on providing exceptional client experiences, elevating our people, and delivering projects that positively impact the communities we serve.
Markets we serve . . . . .
Market Breakdown
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Commercial
Education
Federal Government
Healthcare
Industrial
Infrastructure
Science
Transportation
Services .
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Design
Our design services combine technical excellence with creative innovation. We deliver comprehensive engineering solutions that are functional, operationally efficient, and sustainable. Our team excels in various disciplines, ensuring that every project is executed with expertise, code compliance, and quality assurance.
Audiovisual • Building Enclosure • Civil Site • Communications Systems • Energy Modeling • I+C / Process • MEP/FP Engineering • Structural • Transportation • Water / Environmental
Consulting
Our consulting services are designed to provide strategic insights and practical solutions for your unique challenges. We work closely with you to understand your goals and develop customized strategies that drive success. From initial assessments to implementation, our team is with you every step of the way.
Building Enclosure • Building Performance • Construction Engineering & Inspection • Commissioning • Medical Equipment • Security • Sustainability • Technology Innovation
Planning
Effective planning is the foundation of any successful project. Our consultants develop comprehensive plans, specific to your unique project needs, from urban planning to sustainability guidelines.
Condition Assessments & Investigations • GIS • Master Planning • Transportation Planning • Urban Planning
