Global architecture, design, and planning firm HLW has achieved the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Just 2.0 Label.
According to an HLW news release, the firm is one of only 177 companies and one of the few architecture firms of its size and reach to obtain the label. The label was developed for organizations to evaluate themselves through a social justice and equity lens.
“The achievement recognizes HLW’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a people-first work environment that celebrates diversity, champions equity, and promotes inclusivity,” the release says. “A nearly two-year-long endeavor, HLW’s pursuit of the Just 2.0 Label establishes a framework for recentering the firm's culture around transparency, responsibility, and social justice.”
Initial certification surveys 22 key performance indicators across six categories:
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Equity
- Employee Health
- Employee Benefits
- Stewardship
- Purchasing & Supply Chain
Each indicator is broken down into a four-tier grading scale, which assesses where the organization falls after satisfying the baseline threshold.
Rather than self-selecting its benchmarks, HLW says it reported on all 22 indicators––in many cases, far surpassing the minimum requirements. Among its strongest categories: Gender Diversity, Engagement, Pay-Scale Equity, Physical Health, Training/Education, and Charitable Giving.
Here is the full press release on HLW achieving the Just 2.0 Label:
HLW is excited to announce our achievement of the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Just 2.0 Label, becoming one of only 177 companies and one of the few architecture firms of our size and reach to obtain the label. Developed as a way for organizations to evaluate themselves through a social justice and equity lens for the betterment and sustainability of people, product, and the planet, the achievement recognizes HLW’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a people-first work environment that celebrates diversity, champions equity, and promotes inclusivity.
“Over the last few years, we have spent considerable time looking inward, reflecting on the focus of HLW’s practice and the environment we have cultivated here,” said Susan Boyle, Managing Partner. “As a practice, we are steadfast in the belief that we can drive change in our communities and make a meaningful impact on our world; aligning with the Just program has allowed us to advance that mission at greater depth.”
A nearly two-year-long endeavor, HLW’s pursuit of the Just 2.0 Label establishes a framework for recentering the firm’s culture around transparency, responsibility, and social justice. This effort was spearheaded by BEYOND, the firm’s internal sustainability, resilience, and building performance consultancy led by Global Director of Sustainability and Wellness Jonce Walker, in close collaboration with Project Manager Stephanie Haedrich. Serving as a nutrition label for the firm’s “performance” along a series of targeted metrics, the Just framework also provides a platform for continued introspection, evaluation, and improvement.
“We knew from the beginning that our pursuit of the Just 2.0 Label would define our organization for the future, from policies and practices to the expectations we have set and commitments we have made,” said Walker. “Empowered by HLW’s willingness to be transparent about often-times difficult subjects, we took great time and care in this process and have been humbled by our achievements.”
Initial certification surveys 22 key “performance indicators” across six categories, including: Diversity & Inclusion, Equity, Employee Health, Employee Benefits, Stewardship, and Purchasing & Supply Chain. Each indicator is broken down into a four-tier grading scale, which assesses where the organization falls once satisfying the baseline threshold. Rather than self-selecting its benchmarks, HLW reported on all 22 indicators––in many cases, far surpassing the minimum requirements. Among its strongest categories: Gender Diversity, Engagement, Pay-Scale Equity, Physical Health, Training/Education, and Charitable Giving.
The rubric also established measurable opportunities for performance improvement across a handful of indicators, reporting on which will be required as HLW commits to recertifying every two years. The firm has already made internal adjustments, using the framework to inform new initiatives and strategies, with more planned in the coming months under the purview of Anjali Mathai, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at HLW.
“We could not be prouder of the considerable strides HLW has made in becoming a more transparent and just organization, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to highlight the hard work being done here; but this is only the beginning,” said Mathai. “We recognize the consideration, time, and effort that is required to sustain equity, particularly on a global scale, but we are committed to fostering a purpose and action-driven environment as we look to what’s next.”
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Oct 5, 2017
On wings of gold: Alternative financing schemes are propelling the high-flyin’ air terminals sector
The $4 billion renovation of New York City’s LaGuardia Airport is the first major U.S. aviation project delivered using a public-private partnership (P3) model.
Giants 400 | Oct 4, 2017
Top 40 airport construction firms
Hensel Phelps, Turner Construction Co., and Skanska USA top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest airport sector contractors and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 3, 2017
Top 30 airport architecture firms
Jacobs, Corgan, and Gensler top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest airport sector architecture and AE firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 27, 2017
Pickleball, anyone?
Two-and-a-half million Americans are playing the game with the funny name.
Architects | Sep 25, 2017
Blending past, present, and future at a research center
The four-part mission of a garden of scientific research helped drive the design for the Beijing New Material Research & Development Center.
Architects | Sep 22, 2017
Design giants merge: FKP joins CannonDesign
The deal strengthens CannonDesign’s pediatric healthcare expertise, establishes presence in Texas and Ohio.
40 Under 40 | Sep 22, 2017
Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017
These AEC stars are making their mark in business, philanthropy, and in their communities.
40 Under 40 | Sep 21, 2017
Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017
These AEC stars are making their mark in business, philanthropy, and in their communities.
Office Buildings | Sep 20, 2017
Five Stantec offices move into one Fifth Avenue location
The new location provides the firm with 40,000 sf of space.
Architects | Sep 19, 2017
What we talk about when we talk about placemaking
What does Good Growth mean and how do we set about achieving it?