Sustainability
We are in the midst of an environmental revolution. As we continue into the 21st century, our buildings are increasingly powered by clean, renewable energy sources. Our interior spaces support human health and well-being. And the entire system that supports how we build is becoming carbon neutral.
TruexCullins has always taken a broad view of sustainable design. We design buildings and interior spaces that are admired and loved, that fulfill their function effortlessly, and age gracefully. Such buildings are in harmony with their environment and their users.
We support this effort with the technical knowledge and skills needed to assemble sophisticated design solutions, meeting the complicated requirements of high-performance buildings. Our staff includes LEED-accredited designers well versed in the certification process for new construction and commercial interiors. Our portfolio includes LEED certified buildings, net-zero energy homes, and commercial buildings with high performance systems and building envelopes.
building energy
Net Zero by 2030
The buildings where we live, work and play are responsible for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in America, approximately 40%. In response, the American Institute of Architects has established a goal to achieve carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030.
TruexCullins is a proud signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment, the framework by which firms measure projected building performance and report progress toward achieving a carbon-neutral portfolio. TruexCullins has reported our portfolio every year since joining the 2030 Commitment, meeting the program goal in our first year of reporting.
The TruexCullins Sustainability Action Plan
On Earth Day 2020, TruexCullins released its first Sustainability Action Plan, a 24-page document that lays out our strategy for meeting the goals of the AIA 2030 Commitment. In it, we outline how we are incorporating new sustainable design tools and methodologies into all phases of our workflow, and how we are addressing building energy use, embodied carbon, life cycle impacts, and material chemistry. Additional initiatives include staff training & education, office operations, and community outreach.
Our Action Plan was recognized by AIA National and featured in their guide “Creating a Sustainability Action Plan that works”, helping architecture firms nationwide meet their net-zero energy goals. As a living document, this is our guide moving forward, and will be updated on a regular basis as we continue to grow and evolve our sustainable design practice.
Download the TruexCullins Sustainability Action Plan [PDF]
What’s nEXT
Better Buildings, Better Spaces
Our design studio is adopting the means and methods required to achieve even higher standards in energy efficiency and human health.
- Energy modeling: We have greatly expanded our use of in-house energy modeling, enabling us to make better decisions early in the design process, for increased efficiency and comfort.
- Electrification: Just like our cars, a sustainable future will require electrification of our buildings. Our projects are increasingly powered by 100% renewable, electric sources, with no on-site burning of fossil fuels.
- Embodied carbon: We are exploring new tools that simplify the selection of products and materials with a low carbon footprint.
Efforts like these are supporting our ultimate goal to design buildings that are durable, beautiful, and of lasting value. Because the most sustainable building of all is the one that will stand the test of time.
TruexCullins
August 23, 2022
