Increased focus on sustainability is good for business and attracting employees

A recent study, 2023 State of Design & Make by software developer Autodesk, contains some interesting takeaways for the design and construction industry.

Respondents to a survey of industry leaders from the architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and entertainment spheres strongly support the idea that improving their organization’s sustainability practices is good for business. Some 80% of respondents say stellar sustainability policies and practices strengthen their organization’s reputation and help in the war for talent.

“Sustainability attracts talent,” says Fiona Short, principal and architect at Warren and Mahoney, a multidisciplinary architectural practice, in a post on the Autodesk web site. “You want the right people to come and want to work for you, and you want to be a company that people are proud to work for. A focus on sustainability helps you to get the best out of people because they’re passionate and their work aligns with their values.”

The survey also found evidence to support the notion that digitally mature companies have a distinct advantage over peers who lag in adopting technology such as cloud computing. Many companies believe a robust digital platform that enables remote work will be a key competitive advantage. And the respondents say the performance gap between digitally adept firms and laggards is getting wider.

“If there is one overarching takeaway from the survey data and interviews, it’s this: success today and tomorrow depends on our ability to transform how we work, and digital tools will help us respond,” the Autodesk post says. “Modern, trusted design and make platforms allow people to create better, faster, more affordably and sustainably, by making data more accessible and extensible, and collaboration more seamless across functions, geographies, and industries.”

Global management consulting firm McKinsey recently launched the Net Zero Built Environment Council, a cross-sector coalition of industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize the built world. The council’s chief goal is to collaboratively create new pathways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

Aerial of the 51-story 320 South Canal tower in Chicago looking northeast. Photo: Ian Jolipa

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