HOK continues to make significant progress toward a carbon-neutral portfolio, exceeding energy reduction targets set by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
In 2024, HOK designs achieved a 68% reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) compared to baseline levels, surpassing both the firm’s 2023 results (65.5%) and the AIA’s 50% average.
“Our top 25 projects are all showing over 75% EUI reduction, primarily through efficiency,” said Anica Landreneau, ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, HOK’s director of Sustainable Design. “By integrating passive design strategies with high-performance systems, we’re able to bring value to our clients. When we’re able to add electrification and renewable energy, we can push further toward decarbonization. HOK is currently tracking eight net zero and net positive projects in design and construction.”
In 2024, HOK’s designs are projected to reduce annual emissions by 1,027,785 metric tons—the equivalent of the carbon sequestered each year by approximately 1.41 million acres of forest.
Over their lifespans, the firm’s 2024 projects are expected to reduce 61.7 million metric tons of CO2—a 30% increase from 47.6 million metric tons in 2023. These reductions also drive down energy costs and support sustainable construction jobs.
Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Strategy
HOK addresses both operational carbon from building use and embodied carbon from materials and construction. In 2024, HOK leveraged Life Cycle Analysis assessments to optimize embodied carbon in structural systems on all new buildings over 5,000 square feet.
HOK is designing Monterey Regional Airport’s new five-gate terminal, targeting LEED Platinum certification and net zero energy readiness.
HOK’s Interiors group advances this sustainability mission through its Sustainable Material Tracking initiative, assessing embodied carbon, chemical hazards and circularity potential of products. This data-driven approach empowers designers to select healthy, ethically sourced materials for projects. Nearly 140 HOK projects now use this system, representing a 308% increase since 2021. Of the 7,548 materials and 139 projects tracked in 2024, teams made significant progress on adding healthy and resilient materials that strengthen HOK’s projects, as shown below.
HOK’s own operational sustainability continues to advance through its Climate Action Plan. After achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2022 and maintaining this status annually, the firm reached carbon neutrality for Scope 3 business travel emissions in 2023. HOK remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality across all Scope 3 emissions by 2030, including employee commuting, waste management and supply chains.