Corgan Achieves Carbon Neutrality Across Global Operations

Global architecture and design firm, Corgan, has achieved carbon neutrality across all Scopes 1, 2 and 3. This milestone reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to measure, report and offset carbon emissions across its global business practice.

“Achieving carbon neutrality is a significant milestone in Corgan’s evolution. We’ve worked to create a sustainability practice that aligns with our values and with our clients’ aspirations. This milestone reflects our commitment to operate our firm as responsible stewards of the environment,” said Scott Ruch, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Corgan.

Corgan’s in-house sustainability team, Echo, led the effort to collect emissions data with support from external carbon management technology companies. Corgan began tracking emissions data in 2023 starting with Scopes 1 and 2 CO2e emissions from its 14 offices. In 2024, Corgan added five offices and over 200 employees; in addition to accounting for Scopes 1 and 2 across those 19 offices, Echo accounted for the firm’s Scope 3 emissions including business air-travel and staff commuting. This work establishes a baseline for the firm as it looks to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Working with CEEZER, Corgan offset its 2024 emissions across all Scopes through a portfolio of carbon credit purchases supporting national and international decarbonization initiatives in the built environment that align with Corgan’s priorities:

• Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Woods Initiative – The oldest outdoor conservation and recreation organization in the United States. Funds support and advance climate resilience and conservation work in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness region and beyond.
• Advance Refrigeration Systems – Advanced systems designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from day one, completely avoiding the use of traditional refrigerants. Funds will support Publix as it implements advanced refrigeration systems that use climate-friendly, low-GWP refrigerants across its portfolio.
• IsoHemp – A Belgian company that uses 100% locally sourced lime and hemp to create hemp concrete blocks. The blocks store long-term biomass, lower GHG emissions, and deliver thermal and energy performance comparable to conventional materials. Funds will expand production capacity.
• Igloo Cellulose – Based in France, the project reduces embodied emissions in construction by transforming 90% recycled paper into high-performance cellulose fiber insulation.
• Solar Water Pump project in Kenya – SunCulture develops solar water pumps to replace conventional fossil fuel-powered pumps with the aim of increasing access to water for food productivity.

Earlier this year, the firm formalized and presented the Corgan Climate Action Plan (CCAP), outlining strategies to advance decarbonization and minimize environmental impact across its operations and work for clients. Key goals outlined in the CCAP include decarbonizing operations, conserving natural resources and ensuring climate resilient operations. To remain transparent in its efforts, align with global institutions and as part of the World Green Buildings Council (WGBC) ‘The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment’, Corgan will publish its reporting results annually. Corgan also plans to build on its commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its projects, empower its designers and cultivate a culture of responsible design through its sustainability practice, Corgan—Echo.

“We believe in putting sustainability at the core of everything we do from daily operations to the projects we design and the services we provide,” said Varun Kohli, Principal and Director of Sustainability at Corgan. “We are committed to empowering our designers and our clients to achieve exemplary projects that strive to create built environments in harmony with the natural environment through collaboration, consistency and transparency.”

To learn more about Corgan’s commitment to a sustainable future visit:  Climate and Sustainability | Corgan. For more information about Corgan—Echo and how it partners with clients to integrate climate, sustainability and wellness best practices into their projects, visit ECHO | Corgan