Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and how we serve our clients. rdh x climate 2030 is our platform for tracking climate action, measuring progress toward Net Zero emissions by 2030, and sharing strategies the industry can adopt.
Our Approach to Climate Responsibility
This initiative is focused on three commitments:
- Measuring our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all areas of the business
- Reducing our impact through operational changes and project work
- Driving broader change through leadership and collaboration
Tracking Our Impact
We’ve been measuring our GHG emissions for more than a decade. Snapshots from our dashboard show where we have the greatest impact and where we need to focus our efforts.
In 2024:
- 37% of emissions came from air travel
- 20% from commuting
- 18% from buildings (electricity and natural gas)
- The remainder from shipping, waste, and other operations
While our firm has grown, emissions per employee have remained stable, a reminder that we must keep finding ways to go further.
We are focused on cutting emissions where we can and offsetting the hardest‑to‑avoid sources.
Ongoing actions:
- Updates to travel, purchasing, and shipping protocols
- Offsetting all 2024 air travel emissions through Climate Action Reserve–verified projects, including the Hidden View Gas Project in Indiana, which captures methane from dairy operations and converts it to renewable energy
- Empowering all staff with real‑time emissions data so each team can contribute to reduction efforts
Impact As Consultants
Our consulting services reduce emissions at a scale far beyond our own footprint. In 2024, we estimate our project recommendations lowered emissions by ~46,000 tCO₂e—around 60 times our corporate emissions. This is equivalent to:
- Removing 10,000 cars from the road
- Planting 1.8 million trees
Through deep energy retrofits, low carbon design, decarbonization planning, and embodied carbon analysis, we help thousands of buildings reduce their environmental impact and improve performance.
Industry Wide Change
Like all meaningful change, climate action requires critical mass. RDH partners with public agencies, institutions, and nonprofits to develop tools and guidance to reduce carbon in the environment.
BERDO Training + Assistance | Boston, MA
Supporting building owners and city staff with training and technical guidance to meet Boston’s BERDO emissions reporting requirements.
Massachusetts Stretch and Opt‑In Energy Code Advisory role to MA‑DOER, contributing enforceable enclosure and thermal bridging language to the new code.
Moisture Risk Management Strategies for Mass Timber Buildings
Co‑developed this evolving industry guide to support safe, durable mass timber construction through practical moisture management strategies.
LEEP NZE Wall Guides
Created step‑by‑step guidance for cost‑effective, Net Zero Energy–ready wall assemblies through the LEEP program.
LEEP Wildfire‑Resistant Builder Training
Provided technical expertise to builder training focused on designing and constructing wildfire‑resilient homes.
BC Housing Airtightness Guide Project
Authored industry leading research and guidance on full building airtightness performance and testing, including this guide published by BC Housing