Gensler sets an industry benchmark, proving that design has the power to build a more sustainable and resilient world.
Gensler, a global leader in architecture, design, and planning, has earned the prestigious Green Initiative Award from the ACES Awards, recognising its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Established in 1965 in the USA, Gensler has grown into a powerhouse with a presence in over 100 cities and more than 6,000 professionals worldwide, operating across diverse sectors such as work, lifestyle, cities, and health. Its mission is clear: to create a better world through the power of design, with sustainability as the cornerstone of this vision.
Gensler impacts over 1.25 billion square feet of buildings and spaces annually, and this extensive reach presents a significant opportunity to address climate change and influence the building industry with a strategic approach to sustainable design.
At the heart of Gensler’s sustainability framework is the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3), an ambitious initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the built environment by 2030. GC3 focuses on reducing both operational and embodied carbon—the former relating to energy consumption during building use, and the latter pertaining to the carbon footprint of building materials. Gensler’s strategy goes beyond carbon reduction by employing cutting-edge technologies, increasing on-site renewable energy production, promoting sustainable materials, and enhancing the flexibility of renewable procurement options.
A key driver of Gensler’s sustainability achievements is its Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards, which establish stringent guidelines for the firm’s high-impact product categories. Recognising the importance of collaboration, Gensler partners with consultants, vendors, suppliers, and contractors worldwide to foster an industry-wide effort. The aim is to create a unified approach to specifying high-quality construction materials that meet sustainability targets across all projects. These standards demonstrate the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and play a vital role in advancing the industry-wide adoption of sustainable materials and design practices.
Achieving carbon-neutral goals also requires accurate measurement of carbon output. Gensler implemented a consistent approach to tracking both operational and embodied carbon across projects, refining data collection to monitor impact more effectively. Complementing these efforts is the use of advanced technology in the design process. Through the NFORM Ecosystem, the firm’s gPlanet platform integrates resilience analysis, custom workflows, and proprietary software, allowing designers to implement sustainable solutions in real time and drive positive change on a global scale.
The company’s leadership in community engagement and social responsibility is also notable. Gensler empowers its employees to participate in volunteer initiatives, community service projects, and pro bono design services, contributing to sustainable development worldwide. By integrating sustainability into both its designs and its corporate ethos, Gensler exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
Gensler’s approach to sustainability is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it is about redefining the future of architecture and design. Its relentless pursuit of innovation, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to environmental responsibility make the firm deserving recipients of the Green Initiative Award. As Gensler continues to shape cities and communities with a focus on sustainability, it sets an industry benchmark, showing how design can build a more sustainable and resilient world.
