HGA is pleased to announce that it has achieved carbon neutrality on all internal business operations using third-party, verified carbon offsets and continues to work on a pathway to net zero emissions.
This achievement confirms HGA’s long-term dedication to environmental stewardship that supports clients and communities. “For years, we’ve used industry-wide standards to cut project carbon emissions, set targets, and track progress for our clients,” said Ariane Laxo, Director of Sustainability. “Now we are walking the talk as a carbon neutral firm.”
Last year, HGA set a timeline to meet carbon neutral goals:
- By the end of 2023, measure/verify carbon footprint.
- By the end of 2024, achieve carbon neutrality using third-party, verified carbon offsets.
- By 2030, reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent below 2019 levels, regardless of growth.
In alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, HGA completed an inventory to track and measure operational emissions, including:
- Scope 1 – emissions from sources that HGA owns or controls directly, such as refrigeration and stationery combustion
- Scope 2 – emissions from indirect sources, such as those created by HGA’s purchased energy
- Scope 3 – emissions that HGA is indirectly responsible for up and down its value chain. In 2023, HGA accounted for emissions created by employee business travel, commuting, and hybrid work. In 2024 and beyond, HGA will report on a comprehensive scope 3.
HGA emitted approximately 5300 metric tons of carbon dioxide through business operations in 2023. This is comparable to the carbon absorbed in one year by a forest the size of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. HGA then purchased offsets equivalent to the audited carbon footprint, financially supporting verified projects that reduce carbon emissions.
Moving forward, HGA has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent below 2019 levels by 2030, regardless of growth.
“We will continue to demonstrate our commitment by making changes to maintain carbon neutral operations,” said Mia Blanchett, FAIA, LEED AP, Chief Executive Officer. “This ultimately will benefit our business, our teams, and our clients.”
Learn how HGA is meeting carbon neutral goals in the above video.