Climate Action by Design
SmithGroup
An award-winning, global, integrated design firm on a mission to Design a Better Future.
In the inaugural issue of SmithGroup's Design Digest, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the design industry and our planet: the global climate crisis. This collection highlights our integrated thinking for accelerating decarbonization and enhancing community resilience across a compelling range of projects and markets.
Designing for Climate Change: “Optional” is No Longer an Option
Is the design industry doing enough to address the challenges that building owners and tenants face due to climate change? Nancy Kohout P.E. LEED AP and Lisa Denlinger outline five ways designers can have an impact on climate change now.
SmithGroup held a roundtable in the nation’s capital with a think-tank of A/E industry experts to explore rapid decarbonization. The resulting summary highlights programs, processes, tools and technologies that are changing the game for how quickly and sustainably we can advance decarbonization by design.
Building a Climate-Resilient Healthcare System: What is Your Plan?
The growing severity and frequency of climate-change fueled disasters poses huge challenges for keeping hospitals operational during and after these disruptive events. Greg Heppner, AIA NCARB explores what healthcare providers can do to become more resilient.
Data Centers: Don't Waste the Heat
SmithGroup’s Mission Critical Leader Brian Rener, P.E. LEED AP examines innovative mixed-use strategies and case studies for how to turn waste heat from data centers into a renewable energy resource.
The Role of Parks in Climate Action
SmithGroup met with leaders from park systems across northwestern Ohio for a discussion on how parks and open spaces can help reduce carbon emissions, improve community resilience, and equitably protect natural resources.
The Euclid Model
This unique public/private partnership in Euclid, Ohio has stabilized a mile of eroding shoreline while opening it up for public access – and provided a replicable model for coastal resilience efforts across the Great Lakes and U.S.
Read the Great Lakes by Design Magazine article and interview with SmithGroup's Waterfront Director Jason Stangland .
Indiana University Climate Action Plan
With comprehensive metrics on projected energy use and a detailed analysis on how it can reduce carbon emissions, Indiana University Bloomington and the Indiana University system have established a clear path to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Visitor Center and Administration Building
This award-winning cultural facility project blends connection to place and the past with net-zero energy design and sustainable innovation.
SmithGroup is committed to addressing the global climate emergency by decarbonizing our design while building community resilience and environmental justice.
Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. And be sure to subscribe to our Design Digest to receive new issues and updates.