Welcome to Five in Focus, HMC Architects’ blog series spotlighting the trends, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of architecture and design. In each edition, we connect with our design leaders to explore what’s inspiring them and gain meaningful insights into their work.
This Earth Day edition features Jennifer Wehling, HMC’s director of sustainability. Jennifer shares her perspective on advancing our firm’s sustainability mission in 2025—from carbon reporting and materials selection to firm-wide education and Earth Week celebrations.
Earth Day 2025 Edition
It’s safe to say there are always a lot of sustainability-related topics swirling in my head—and the first few months of 2025 have been no exception. With the release of our new sustainability action plan, annual AIA 2030 and materials pledge reporting, our first steps toward firm-wide carbon neutrality, and our beloved Earth Week traditions—it’s already been a milestone year. Here are five focus areas I’m especially proud to share:
1. Sustainability Action Plan: A Bolder Path Forward
HMC’s new Sustainability Action Plan is a bold and comprehensive roadmap designed to elevate sustainability across our operations, projects, and advocacy efforts. I’m continuously grateful that sustainability is part of HMC’s DNA. Our updated plan builds on previous commitments and expands our vision into a more holistic framework.
- Who We Are | Operations + Partnerships highlights our internal efforts and the value of strong partnerships.
- What We Do | Architecture + Design outlines our ongoing commitment to creating spaces that promote environmental and human health.
- How We Engage | Education + Outreach describes how we use our voices to raise awareness and advance the dialogue around sustainability.
2. AIA 2030 Reporting: Designing for Energy Performance
Buildings are responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions. Each year, our firm reports data as part of the AIA 2030 Commitment to reduce our projects’ predicted energy use intensity (pEUI). Our 2024 submission marked HMC’s twelfth year of reporting.
- We reported on 134 projects, totaling nearly 6.7 million SF
- Achieved a 69% average pEUI reduction—up from 62% last year
- 72% of projects included energy modeling (some in the early design phase)
- Embodied carbon reporting covered 67% of our portfolio by square footage
- Lighting power density reductions averaged 80%, an increase from 76%
What stands out most is how much our design process has matured. A decade ago, tracking energy use was a challenge. Now, it’s simply how we work.
3. AIA Materials Pledge: Making Informed, Responsible Choices
The materials we specify matter—for both people and the planet. In alignment with the AIA Materials Pledge, I’ve been collaborating with our Director of Interior Design, Sergio Lechuga, to revamp our selection process. Aesthetics, cost, and durability are always important—but when we can meet those goals and prioritize healthier and more sustainable materials, why wouldn’t we? We proudly participated in the first-ever AIA Materials Pledge report in 2024. Last year, we reported on four projects. This year, we’ll report on twelve—a threefold increase and a testament to how much progress we’re making. By supporting evolving manufacturers and using our influence to push for more sustainable products, we own our responsibility as designers of the built environment.
4. Carbon Footprint: Starting the Journey Toward Neutrality
Understanding our carbon footprint is the first step toward reducing it. In 2024, we began our firm-wide journey to carbon neutrality, using 2023 as our baseline year. We documented our Scope 1, Scope 2, and business travel-related Scope 3 emissions and purchased carbon credits to offset them. This year, we’ll expand our reporting to include additional Scope 3 categories, implement targeted reduction strategies, and offset remaining emissions. Over the next few years, we’re committed to accounting for all Scope 3 emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. It’s a journey—and one we’re proud to be on.
5. Earth Week: Inspiring Action, One Small Habit at a Time
One of HMC’s most beloved annual traditions is Earth Week. This year, we’re kicking things off with One Tree Planted—a nonprofit we’ve partnered with for years—to learn more about how our donations support reforestation worldwide.
Across our offices, we’ve planned a range of fun and meaningful activities:
- Building bird feeders from recycled materials
- A beach cleanup with our San Diego team (pictured below)
- A round of sustainability-themed Jeopardy
Earth Week is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to reflect on our role within the environment, commit to positive change, and build community around sustainability.
A Personal Note
While there’s been no shortage of professional milestones, this year also marks a significant moment in my personal life. My oldest child—a high school senior—is headed to UC Berkeley this fall to study engineering physics (insert mind-blown emoji here). As they prepare to leave the nest, I’ve found myself captivated by Jackie and Shadow, the bald eagle pair in Big Bear Valley, and their eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo. Watching them grow has been a beautiful reminder that transformation—whether at home, in nature, or our work—takes time, care, and hope.
Here’s to soaring forward together.
