Environmental, Social & Governance
Our ESG Framework
Our approach to ESG provides a cohesive framework for measuring and communicating our impact as an organization—particularly as it applies to our people; our clients; our suppliers, vendors and consultants; the communities we serve; and the world at large. Environmental considerations take into account how we perform as stewards of our planet; social criteria encompass our relationship with and impact on employees, suppliers, clients and communities; while governance focuses on, among other aspects, our leadership, succession planning, internal controls and the delivery of our practice.
ESG also provides a unified foundation for communicating the key considerations and actions that align with our mission, core purpose, brand promise of Genuine Ingenuity, core values and culture, and our strategic plan.
Gresham Smith is Carbon Neutral
We’re proud to be carbon neutral for the our 2022 business operations, and we look forward to continuing to calculate and offset our carbon footprint on an annual basis.
Environmental
Our Environmental focus is rooted in working closely with our clients—advocating for responsible stewardship and helping them increase efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts resulting from their operations. Our experience and passion uniquely position us to provide workable, sustainable, healthy and holistic solutions that address both current and future challenges. Across our firm, we also work to minimize waste and reduce our carbon footprint as we strive for a healthier, more sustainable and resilient future.
Goal 1: Develop, Capture and Report Design Metrics
Develop, capture and report metrics associated with our sustainability and resiliency design commitments to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—negative environmental impacts. Each market will provide an annual report on progress related to near-term priorities.
Our Commitments:
- AIA 2030 Commitment (Toward Net-Zero Operational Carbon)
- SE 2050 Commitment (Toward Net-Zero Embodied Carbon)
Goal 2: Develop, Capture and Report Business Metrics
Develop, capture and report metrics associated with our business operations to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—negative environmental impacts.
Our Commitments:
- Annual GHG Emissions Audit (Operational Carbon)
- Healthy + Sustainable Workplace Policy
Learn About our Sustainability & Resiliency Services
We’re passionate about providing advisory, planning and design services that reduce the impact of the built environment and safeguard communities.
Social
Our Social focus is driven by our company culture and engagement in activities that create healthy and thriving communities. Our company culture drives what we do, and our Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect and Teamwork are foundational to our every interaction. Whether it’s working to ensure that each employee feels valued and included while having the opportunity for personal growth and professional development, or whether it’s giving back to the communities we serve, we believe that each of us has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to have a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
Goal 1: Cultivate Inclusive Culture that Values Diversity and Belonging
Cultivate a professional, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and all employees feel that they belong, are valued and have equal opportunities to thrive—both personally and professionally.
Our Commitments:
- Perform equity reviews for all employees, including transparency communicated firmwide regarding our pay equity philosophy.
- Adopt a comprehensive DEIB Strategy, which includes education and awareness, recruitment, workforce development and measured outcomes.
- Ensure a safe and respectful workplace.
- Seek feedback through surveys and one-on-one interactions to consistently improve our firm’s culture and engagement.
Goal 2: Support Employee Professional Growth and Personal Development
Committed to supporting our employees’ professional growth and personal development through individualized career plans focused on employees’ goals.
Our Commitments:
- Mentorship Program
- Build U Program
- Blueprint for Supervisory Excellence
- Internal and external learning and development, including licensure preparation and reimbursement, and access to CEUs
- Support and encouragement to participate in professional organizations
- Leadership Evolution and Advancement Program (LEAP)
Goal 3: Commit Time and Resources to Community Engagement
Commit time and resources—both from the firm and from individuals—to support community organizations that are having a positive impact on community well-being, health and wellness, and education/STEM-related causes.
Our Commitment:
- The Batey Gresham Philanthropic Program
- Tiered level of giving: firmwide, local and individual
- Volunteer matching hours
- Community Impact Award
Governance
Our commitment to Governance as a privately-owned general partnership begins in our boardroom and with our Core Values, to ensure that we plan and execute the key elements of a strategic plan that is balanced and supports the long-term health and stability of our firm. Our robust operational and management systems are geared toward upholding high standards of integrity, accountability and operational excellence while also providing agility to adjust to new challenges and opportunities.
Goal 1: Govern Partnership with Clearly Defined Policies and Procedures
Govern our partnership with clearly defined policies and procedures built on a foundation of ethical principles, demonstrated commitment to transparent compliance and a robust internal oversight structure.
Our Commitments:
- Core Values
- Oversight and Accountability
- Compliance Training
Goal 2: Maintain Smart, Sustainable, Strategic Business Model
Maintain a strategic focus on a smart, sustainable and resilient business model that is built around the firm’s long-term health and stability.
Our Commitments:
- Plan the Work/Work the Plan
- Expanding Our Vision
- Valued and Aligned Services
Goal 3: Proactively Manage Risk to Protect Stakeholders
Proactively manage our risk to protect our stakeholders.
Our Commitments:
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Project Risk Management
- Professional Qualification
- Continuity