Top Landscape Architecture Firms Pledge to Zero Emissions by 2040—How Will They Do It?

Landscape architecture firms have a goal this 2040—to reduce the carbon emissions of their projects.

According to Archinect, 26 chief executives publicly agreed to the zero-emission goal by 2040. This aligns with the ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Climate Action Plan.

Together, these architecture firms rake up to $350 million in annual revenue and $1 billion worth of construction value every year. This accounts to millions of acres in more than 50 countries, building several popular parks, stadium grounds, plazas, residential buildings and such.

How Architecture Firms Can Achieve Zero Emissions

With their new climate goal, they will be using landscape architecture to implement nature-based solutions, especially since they work closely with land and water with their projects.

ASLA CEO believes that these firms have the "skills and imaginations" to make the plan more possible.

Currently, these firms have been designing adaptable areas, like waterfronts that can withstand flooding, green spaces that can absorb excess rainwater to reduce flooding and improve drainage, and planting urban forests.

However, ASLA is urging more to join the movement, calling on governments and allied professionals to collaborate when it comes to resilient community designs.

Looking ahead, ASLA shared that their Climate Action Plan is not just achieving zero emissions by 2040, but also building communities that can combat climate injustice and approaching climate-positive ways to boost landscape biodiversity. When combined, this plan will make urban infrastructure be part of a restored ecosystem with more green jobs and equity across communities.