By Adam McMillen 

It’s easy to be discouraged by the recent Supreme Court decision to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act. The EPA’s response is to move forward with lawful implementation of environmental standards that address climate change, and we, the AEC industry, can move forward too. 

As part of the private sector, AEC firms have the power to drive decarbonization through our designs, practices, and initiatives. At IMEG, we’ve integrated environmentally friendly policies and practices that promote energy, water, and carbon emissions conservation, and waste reduction. We also integrate our sustainable stewardship within our design work, helping clients reduce their environmental impact. 

By joining industry- and government-led alliances, we’re making steps toward a carbon-free future. In the last few years, IMEG joined five such initiatives: the MEP 2040 Challenge, U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance, the AIA 2030 Commitment, the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector, and the Structural Engineers 2050 Commitment.  

I’m also encouraged by the 61 U.S. hospital and health sector companies that joined the Biden Administration’s Health Sector Climate Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, and AIA’s commitment to support their members as they guide elected officials in addressing climate change. 

Together, we can make real strides toward a carbon-free future.