Planet 2100

A regenerative world

Every day, incredible people and ideas emerge to tackle the threat of climate change, inspiring us to think big and act boldly in our commitment to a regenerative planet.

We're rethinking systems, materials, climate action, the circular economy and more. Our teams and clients are creating solutions that push beyond net zero to carbon positive. It’s not just about reimagining, but reWILDing. Buildings, materials, processes, operations and more — how can we optimize each and every one to draw down emissions? 

The possibilities are boundless, and the imperative is clear: we must seize these opportunities to safeguard a regenerative world for generations to come.

Explore the ideas, people and projects pushing regenerative design forward across our firm.

Testimonials

  • Imagine buildings that can create more energy than they consume, process their own waste and avoid all know cancer-causing chemicals in such a way that they support biodiversity and local ecosystems. It's possible. We just have to be open to new ideas.

    Eric Corey-Freed
    Eric Corey Freed, RA, LFA, LEED Fellow, EcoDistricts AP Sustainability Director
  • We strive to only create healthy buildings — those that rejuvenate, reduce stress, boost immune responses and productivity, and even sync with our circadian rhythms and show measurable results on things like reduced absenteeism or faster patient recovery times.

    Deb Favaretto
    Deb Favaretto, AIA, LEED AP Sustainability Process Leader
  • Decarbonization represents a crucial shift in how we approach environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of buildings. It looks more directly at reducing the actual environmental impacts of the built environment rather than the traditional way of measuring energy efficiency which was based solely on reducing annual energy costs.

    Elliot Glassman
    Elliot Glassman AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD Building Performance Group Leader
  • Most people agree that sustainability design is critical to our collective future, but far too many wish that future would just hold off a little longer. To me, sustainable design is about practically just as much as it is about morality.

    Mcavanaugh
    Mike Cavanagh, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP Sustainability Practice Leader

Regenerative futures matter

60%

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, by 2050 we will need to produce 60% more food to feed a world population near 9.3 billion.


The MU East Campus Plant Growth Facility is conducting plant research that catalyzes solutions for hunger, drought and other related challenges. 

The greenhouse can support live soil and controlled soil in separate wings and simulate growing conditions anywhere in the world, as well as simulate the effects of climate change and increasing carbon dioxide levels on plant health and yields. Learn more about how the building is fueling innovations in plant science.

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150+

More than 150 coal plants have been retired in the U.S. with an estimated 240 still active. This is good news for the environment, but we need give these facilities sustainable new uses.


Bloomberg recently profiled the stunning afterlife of retired coal plants and included our St. Louis Power House in the feature article.

Constructed in 1928 and designated as a historic landmark, the Power House that once provided coal-fired steam to dozens of downtown St. Louis buildings is now our state-of-the-edge workplace. Learn more about how we preserved the building's historic features while infusing it with modern touches.

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42%

The Inflation Reduction Act is set to cut carbon emissions by about 1 billion metric tons by 2030, driving down emissions by about 42 percent from 2005 levels.


Cortex Innovation Community is leading the way in carbon reduction with its courageous sustainability action plan.

The plan addresses 12 categories across emissions, DEI, resilience and more. It offers achievable and measurable targets for the 200-acre development to improve its commitments to health, community, carbon and equity through 2050.

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Our commitments

We proudly advocate for climate action and setting new standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions. In addition to making the AIA 2030 commitment, we're boldly pledging to decarbonize the built environment across numerous measures.