Gensler

Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Design‍

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.

Driving Carbon-Neutral Innovation‍

Gensler impacts over 1.25 billion square feet of buildings and spaces annually, offering a significant opportunity to address climate change through strategic sustainable design. At the heart of its 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.

The firm employs cutting-edge technologies, increases on-site renewable energy production, promotes sustainable materials, and enhances the flexibility of renewable procurement options. Additionally, Gensler’s Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards establish stringent guidelines for the firm’s high-impact product categories, fostering an industry-wide effort toward sustainable construction. Through partnerships with consultants, vendors, and contractors, Gensler advances the adoption of eco-friendly materials, ensuring that every project aligns with sustainability goals.

‍Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Impact‍

Gensler takes a data-driven approach to sustainability, implementing a consistent method for tracking operational and embodied carbon across projects. By refining data collection processes, the company effectively measures its environmental impact, allowing for informed decision-making in real-time. This effort is complemented by the NFORM Ecosystem, where the gPlanet platform integrates resilience analysis, custom workflows, and proprietary software to enhance sustainability in design. These advanced tools empower architects and designers to incorporate climate-responsive solutions seamlessly, reinforcing Gensler’s leadership in sustainable innovation.‍

A Commitment Beyond Design‍

Gensler’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its projects to its corporate ethos, fostering a culture of responsibility and community engagement. Employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer initiatives, community service projects, and pro bono design services that contribute to sustainable development on a global scale. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is embedded not only in the firm’s designs but also in its operations and outreach programs.

Gensler’s recognition by the ACES Awards underscores its pioneering role in redefining the future of architecture and design. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility, Gensler continues to set new industry benchmarks. As the firm leads the way in shaping resilient and sustainable cities, it proves that design has the power to build a better, more sustainable world.