Sustainable Design

Our Commitment

At Progressive Companies, we acknowledge the impact our industry has on climate change and the natural environment. Because of this, we are passionate about engaging with communities to create positive, green building solutions that directly benefit people, places, and our planet. We hold ourselves accountable in the work we do as a firm, and take pride and ownership in the tools and knowledge we offer to our stakeholders.

In 2021, we signed on to the American Institute of Architects’ 2030 Challenge, committing all new buildings, developments, and major renovations to be carbon-neutral by 2030. We take this commitment seriously as we grow and learn alongside our clients to affect positive change through the built environment. On a practical level, this means our architects and engineers are committed to purpose-driven designs that connect to place, local ecosystems, and people.

Performance-based Design

We live by the fundamental philosophy that design drives performance, and strive to continually improve. That’s why we practice an integrated design approach that utilizes research, aspirational thinking, and alignment. In other words, it means we don’t design just to create something beautiful, but also to improve organizational outcomes. In order to be considered “successful,” design must do more.

Sustainable Design Services

Our architects and engineers have the talent, skill, and education to help you set measurable and integrated sustainability goals across your organization, and then achieve them through expertise in green building and sustainable architecture. Here are a few sustainable design services we offer:

• Circular economy 
• Cogeneration of energy (heat and electrical)
• Conceptual design energy modeling 
• Eco charrettes (workshops) with project stakeholders 
• Energy assessments
• Green Globes Building Assessment and Certification
• International Green Construction Code  
• LEED certification
• Low carbon footprint
• Natural landscaping and green infrastructure design

Our Framework for Sustainable Design

As an organization, we follow the AIA’s “Framework for Design Excellence” which includes:

Design for integration: Good design elevates any project, no matter how small, with a thoughtful process that delivers both beauty and function in balance. It is the element that binds all the principles together with a big idea.

Design for equitable communities: Design solutions affect more than the client and current occupants. Good design positively impacts future occupants and the larger community.

Design for ecosystems: Good design mutually benefits human and non-human inhabitants.

Design for water: Good design conserves and improves the quality of water as a precious resource. 

Design for energy: Good design reduces energy use and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment. 

Design for economy: Good design adds value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet. 

Design for well-being: Good design supports health and well-being for all people, considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the surrounding community 

Design for resources: Good design depends on informed material selection to minimize possible negative impacts on the planet. 

Design for discovery: Every project presents a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from previous projects and gather information to refine the design process and foster long-term relationships with our clients and communities. 

Design for change: Adaptability, resilience, and reuse are essential to good design, which seeks to enhance usability, functionality, and value over time.