Sustainability Commitments & Partnerships

Partnering helps us to learn, expand our thinking and improve our practices. For this reason, we are involved with a diverse group of organizations, many specifically related to sustainability.

Association for Contract Textiles (ACT)

We are a joint committee member for the development of the ACT Sustainable Textile Standards.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

We signed the APTA Sustainability Commitment at the gold level and are currently co-chairing the Sustainability Committee.

Architecture 2030 Challenge

We signed the 2030 Challenge in 2009 and continue to report and improve our project and company performance every year.

Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)

We participate as a Joint Committee Member for the development and ongoing updating of the BIFMA sustainable furniture standards, “e3” and “level” program.

Center for Environmental Health (CEH)

In 2016, we updated our pledge (signed in 2014) with the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), giving preference for flame retardant-free furniture.

Greenroads Foundation

We are a member of Greenroads, a nonprofit corporation that advances sustainability education and initiatives for transportation infrastructure and the developer of the Greenroads Rating System. HDR staff members currently sit on the Greenroads Foundation Board of Directors.

Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)

Since 2013, we have been an official EPEAT enterprise purchaser, after following EPEAT bronze minimum standards for leased and purchased computers, laptops and monitors for over seven years. Participating in this program and incorporating the requirements into our leasing and purchasing helps us to make environmentally responsible purchases, while providing our employees with the tools they need to do their jobs.

Health Product Declaration (HPD) Collaborative

With positions as an Executive Board member (Secretary) and pilot committee member, our work with the collaborative includes bringing a new standardized format for reporting product content and health-related information for building products. The HPD is meant to increase transparency and product innovation and performance, and to provide associated human health information to aid in decision-making and specifications of products.

Healthy Hospital Initiative (HHI)

We are a supporting A/E business for this program, which helps healthcare entities focus on a healthier, more sustainable future.

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)

We are a Charter Member of ISI and an early adopter of the Envision® sustainable infrastructure rating system, and we have more projects verified than any other firm. HDR staff chair the Envision Review Board (ERB), and we represent the American Council of Engineering Societies on the ISI Board.

International Living Futures Institute (ILFI)

HDR is an Enterprise Sponsor of ILFI. Additionally, we act as an ambassador and member of the LBC ambassador advisory panel, helping recruit and train future ambassadors for the advocacy of the Living Building Challenge.

International Institute of Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL)

HDR has staff on the I2SL board, and we champion I2SL programs locally and globally by helping the U.S. EPA and DOE promote sustainable laboratories and raise awareness about the benefits of I2SL throughout the industry.

Practice Greenhealth

We support Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit organization founded on the principles of positive environmental stewardship and best practices in the healthcare community. Our commitment to healthy materials is especially aligned with Practice Greenhealth's goal to phase out hazardous substances and toxic chemicals to improve patient safety and care.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

We were the first architecture firm to join the USGBC in January 1994, and continue our strong support as a Platinum-Level Sponsor. Our professionals have held significant leadership roles and noteworthy board and committee positions within the organization. Two LEED Fellows have been selected from HDR; one in the inaugural year class of 2011 and the second in 2012.

Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WTERT)

We are members of the Advisory Board, which works with engineers, scientists and managers from universities and industries to identify and advance the best available waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies, which drive the recovery of energy or fuels from municipal solid wastes and other industrial, agricultural and forestry residues.