Sustainability Consultation Report: Shepley Bulfinch
Executive Summary
April 26th, 2019
Tari Wager
The building design and construction industry plays an important role in
satisfying the needs of society, enhancing the quality of life, and contributing to the
economic growth of a country. However, it has been heavily criticized for being a major
contributor to carbon emissions, environmental degradation, and global warming due
to its utilization of a large proportion of natural resources and energy consumption
(Doan, 2017). Opportunities for the greatest gains in sustainable development begin
with design professionals like Shepley Bullfinch, a national architectural firm.
Shepley Bulfinch was engaged in this project to better understand how the firm
is currently performing. This project used a three-part business sustainability
assessment which consisted of: a five-level organizational sustainability systems map,
assessment of current sustainability implementation, and application of a Framework
for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) (Broman, 2017). Three peer firms: Lake |
Flato, Gensler, and WRNS Studio were assessed using the same method for
comparison.
A sustainability engagement session was held at Shepley Bulfinch’s Phoenix
office using the ABCD-procedure of the FSSD (Broman, 2017). The purpose of the
session was to create a vision of what a Sustainable Shepley Bulfinch would look like,
identify current challenges and assets, possible solutions, and form a strategic plan.
The results of the business sustainability assessments of Shepley Bulfinch and
peer firms found opportunities for Shepley Bulfinch to improve. Lake | Flato showed
that it is possible to engrain sustainability principles into the mission, culture, and day
to day processes of the firm. Examples from Gensler and WRNS Studio demonstrated
the importance of sustainability champions and the potential of innovative practices to
mitigate the effects of climate change and combat its root causes.
The sustainability engagement session brought to life a vision of what a
‘Sustainable Shepley Bulfinch’ could look like. Current challenges to this vision and
assets were identified. The group brainstormed possible solutions to overcome these
challenges, and finally created a strategic plan to transform the current state of
Shepley Bulfinch into the sustainable vision.
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Executive Summary

A compilation of the findings of the business sustainability assessments and the
engagement session informed four recommended focus areas: company culture,
education, marketing/branding, and business operations. Shepley Bulfinch has many
assets and opportunities that if acted upon, could transform the firm into a
sustainability leader.

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