Why We Do What We Do
In a few short weeks, the City of Philadelphia will be hosting leaders in the green building industry from all over the world at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. As a company that prides itself on being leaders in sustainability in the built environment, we decided it was important to share the ‘why’ behind what we do everyday.
Integrating sustainable design values into the core ethos of an architectural practice and the work it produces, not only contributes to environmental stewardship but also enhances economic performance. According to a report by the World Green Building Council, buildings that prioritize sustainability can reduce operational costs by up to 30% through energy efficiency measures and lower water usage (World Green Building Council, 2018). Moreover, the U.S. Green Building Council indicates that green buildings command higher market values, with a 20% premium in rental rates and a 7% increase in sales prices (USGBC, 2020). We witnessed this firsthand with the sale of LEED Platinum certified 2.0 University Place in 2016, which at the time was a record, selling for $438 per square foot. This demonstrates that clients are increasingly willing to invest in sustainable designs, recognizing their long-term financial benefits.
Beyond direct cost savings, sustainable design fosters innovation and brand loyalty, which can lead to increased client retention and new business opportunities. Research from McKinsey highlights that companies integrating sustainability into their business strategies are more resilient and adaptable, ultimately leading to improved financial performance (McKinsey & Company, 2021). As clients prioritize sustainability, architectural firms that embrace these values can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, attract a broader clientele, and create lasting economic value for both their business and their clients.
The Sheward Partnership exemplifies the strength of integrating sustainable design into its firm ethos, reinforcing its commitment to innovative and responsible architecture. By prioritizing sustainability, our firm not only enhances the aesthetic and functional qualities of our clients’ projects but also contributes to the community’s resilience and well-being. This focus on sustainable design is reflected in our diverse portfolio, which includes LEED and WELL certified buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant health and productivity. Furthermore, we actively engage with our clients to develop customized solutions that align with their sustainability goals, their business economics, fostering long-term relationships and enhancing project value. By embedding sustainable principles into our core values, we are positioned as a leader in the architectural landscape, attracting clients who are equally passionate about responsible design and contributing to a more sustainable future for Philadelphia and beyond.
David Scheuermann & Michael Sheward
We would love to have you join us during the Greenbuild Conference in November as we host a tour in our office and at one of our recently designed projects called “Modern Sustainable and Healthy Office Spaces”. You can register here.
Sources:
- World Green Building Council. (2018). “World Green Building Trends 2018.”
- U.S. Green Building Council. (2020). “The Cost of Green Revisited.”
- McKinsey & Company. (2021). “How Sustainability is Impacting Business Performance.
