Our Journey to Net Zero

NORR is committed to supporting the transformation of the built environment from a major source of carbon emissions into a driver of climate action—across client engagements and our internal operations. We see decarbonization as a best practice, not an exception, and share the vison of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen common, global objectives.

Four Commitments: One Objective

We are signatories to all AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry decarbonization initiatives, fostering a design culture in which every discipline within NORR is aligned and working toward a single objective: net zero emissions.

AIA 2030 Commitment

AIA 2030 is an initiative that partners global AEC companies in targeting net zero emissions by 2030 for all new construction, major renovations and interiors projects through ongoing tracking, reporting and optimization. Follow our progress in the latest AIA 2030 Commitment Sustainability Action Plan.

Architecture & Design Materials Pledge

The Architecture & Design Materials Pledge, an extension of the AIA 2030 Commitment, encourages designers to improve human and planetary health outcomes through applying intentional materials specifications for products and finishes.

MEP 2040

MEP 2040 is a program launched by the Carbon Leadership Forum that targets net zero operational carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero embodied carbon emissions by 2040 for MEP components in buildings.

SE 2050 Challenge

SE 2050 Challenge, launched by the Structural Engineering Institute, targets net zero embodied carbon for structural engineering components of a building by 2050. Read about our carbon reduction strategies and case studies in the SE 2050 Embodied Carbon Action Plan.

Corporate Commitment: Net Zero by 2050

 We actively conduct carbon accounting of our internal operations across all global offices. We established a benchmark and are now using a science-based net zero strategy to achieve year-over-year reductions on our journey to carbon neutrality. A formal framework for measurement and analysis is guided through our partnership with Positive Planet at the global level, and the Environment and Climate Change Canada Net-Zero Challenge.

We are measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions—a universal standard for categorizing carbon emissions. This requires extensive data collection of all purchases, utility energy consumption, company travel and more to advance our workplace policies and procedures. A rigorous design, construction and operations guideline works to promote well-being, operational savings and greenhouse gas reductions. View the Carbon Reduction Plan provided by our reporting partner Positive Planet. 

We are committed to sharing our footprint analysis and the related Carbon Reduction Plan to demonstrate our progress to achieve net zero emissions across Scopes 1 and 2 by 2050, including a few categories across Scope 3. Our first interim target is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030 while our second interim target is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 65% by 2040, along with a few categories of Scope 3 emissions for each target. We used scenario P2 from a database developed for the IPCC Special Report 1.5 for the development of the net zero plan and setting 2030 and 2040 targets.  

In addition to these efforts, we acknowledge the importance of the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations as a component of net zero planning. View the internal memo regarding this disclosure.

A Carbon Literate Organization

In recognition of the need to connect the dots between our business actions and positive environmental results, NORR engaged Positive Planet to undertake their accredited Carbon Literacy training. As a result, in 2025, NORR was globally recognized as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organization by the Manchester, UK-based Carbon Literacy Project.

Green Building Certificates and Standards

Since 2000, NORR has contributed to the successful certification of over 525 projects through leading third-party rating systems, including LEED, BREEAM, Green Globes, Fitwel, Passive House and others. With a team of credentialed professionals across multiple frameworks, we bring an integrated approach to sustainability and wellbeing to stakeholders and user groups. As active sponsors of USGBC, CaGBC, GBI and The Detroit 2030 District, we’re proud to help drive industry-wide progress toward a more sustainable built environment.