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2022 Green Offices Update
With our recently updated Office Fit-Out Best Practices Policy firmly in place, by 2022 we were more prepared than ever to pursue carbon neutrality in the design of new offices and major office renovations. Our Washington, D.C., and London offices were the first to implement the updated policy, which prescribes LEED-equivalent standards for creating sustainable offices that are conducive to good health and are energy-efficient. Our Boston and San Francisco offices are seeking LEED certification for their new locations.
Edinburgh Office Refurbishment Minimizes Waste
Refurbishment of our Edinburgh office began in August 2022, but before the eight-week project could start, the facility had to be completely emptied. Throwing away the entire contents of the office would create a large amount of unnecessary waste, so we found a more sustainable solution: instead of disposing of unwanted furniture, we invited staff to take it home. Usable items that weren’t claimed by employees were donated to local charities, including the High Valleyfield Community Centre; Dunfermline mental health support services; and Eats Rosyth, which provides food to people in need. Everything, from chairs and bookshelves to desks and dishes, went on to a second – greener – life.
Nine of our offices now boast some type of green-building certification (or equivalent rating). In total, 12 – including three former offices – have been designed to “green” standards and that number will grow as offices relocate.
Our team of more than 60 volunteer green champions, in 33 offices worldwide, continues to move us closer to accomplishing our corporate sustainability goals, including carbon-neutral operations by 2030, by helping their offices reduce energy consumption and waste and meet carbon-footprint targets.
They also work to improve employee wellness and workplace comfort, organize community-service activities, and implement local sustainability initiatives.
In 2022, we awarded 22 grants, totaling $45,000, to support their work in 20 locations, funding such healthy and environmentally friendly activities and purchases as reusable water bottles, wellness workshops, transit cards, fitness supplies and tree-planting events.