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Presenting Interior Design\u2019s 2024 Sustainability Giants<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Of the 100 Sustainability Giants, one-third are new to the rankings, which we attribute to increased recognition of this newest Giants category initiative, now in its second year. To be considered for the list, firms need to report fees garnered from projects that had \u201cmeasurable\u201d sustainability goals\u2014a somewhat flexible definition that includes both official certification and other assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In both the inaugural year of data-collection and this one, the percentage of projects attaining WELL or LEED certification was low (although the latter is up from 2 to 5 percent), which we chalk up to clients\u2019 interest in environmental consciousness\u2014but not in investing extra for the rubber stamp. More specifically: Designers said 37 percent of their clients follow LEED or WELL principles but don\u2019t want to pay for the certification, an increase of 10 percent year-over-year. Mentions of ESG as the client\u2019s primary project goal is flat as well, at 29 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for fees: Defying this group\u2019s expectations, sustainability income is solid, having risen from $1.8 to $2.4 billion between 2022 and 2023\u2014a 33 percent year-over-year increase, surpassing predictions. Sustainability Giants do forecast a small 8 percent decline for 2024, a figure that\u2019s in line with Giants\u2019 overall predictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other metrics indicate how tough sustainability efforts remain in our industry. For instance, percentage of projects tracking embodied carbon is 7 (up from 5), so not many folks onboarding. Last year, when we asked Giants what was interfering with their ability to do so, most responded they didn\u2019t have the technology or a system in place, or even the right team of people. (Perhaps relatedly, the percentage of LEED- or WELL-accredited staff is flat at about one-quarter of employees.) We do know anecdotally that Giants are seeing an uptick in projects designed with the health of people and planet in mind, but the certification and tracking numbers don\u2019t reflect that enthusiasm\u2014yet. We\u2019re encouraged, however, by No. 1 and 2 firms Gensler and Perkins&Will reporting that more than 88 percent of their fees derive from projects with measurable sustainability goals, and by Giants\u2019 and urgent commentary regarding the importance of working together to address climate change\u2014and how well positioned the industry is to be a leader in that cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sustainability Giants Rankings 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n