Sustainable Engineering

Our Sustainable Engineering Studio (SES) unites a global team of experts dedicated to tackling climate change through groundbreaking design solutions.

Empowering environmental design

Operating effectively as an in-house consultancy, the Sustainable Engineering Studio engages with every project at SOM and pursues innovative partnerships. With a focus on data-informed strategies and science-based solutions, we empower our clients to define and achieve ambitious sustainability goals.

Slide 1 of 6, By prioritizing low-carbon materials and embracing a circular economy approach, the redesign of our London office offers a model for responsible, low-impact building practices.
Slide 2 of 6, With its use of cross-laminated timber to reduce embodied carbon and an efficient design that targets net zero energy in operations, 500 County Center exemplifies environmental stewardship.
Slide 3 of 6, Taking an innovative approach to retrofit and renovation, SOM has transformed Corso Italia 23 into a dynamic and verdant campus and reconnected it to the city.
Slide 4 of 6, Bringing biotech research to the edge of San Francisco Bay, the Genesis Marina campus creates a sense of community and connection to the environment.
Slide 5 of 6, Pearl River Tower
Slide 6 of 6, PS 62
By prioritizing low-carbon materials and embracing a circular economy approach, the redesign of our London office offers a model for responsible, low-impact building practices. Dave Burk © SOM
With its use of cross-laminated timber to reduce embodied carbon and an efficient design that targets net zero energy in operations, 500 County Center exemplifies environmental stewardship. Dave Burk © SOM
Taking an innovative approach to retrofit and renovation, SOM has transformed Corso Italia 23 into a dynamic and verdant campus and reconnected it to the city. Dave Burk © SOM
Bringing biotech research to the edge of San Francisco Bay, the Genesis Marina campus creates a sense of community and connection to the environment. Dave Burk © SOM
When completed in 2013, Pearl River Tower set a benchmark for the ecological design of supertall buildings. © Tim Griffith
Completed in 2015, the Kathleen Grimm School is New York City's first net-zero energy school. © Stark Video Inc. | Aerial NY

An integrated, holistic approach

We embed a deep focus on holistic sustainability and decarbonization into every phase of the design process to create buildings and systems that are both practical and visionary. Our interdisciplinary team includes environmental engineers, building systems engineers, sustainability specialists, computational fluid dynamics experts, energy modellers, and carbon assessors. We collaborate with architects, designers and structural engineers, as well as external consultants, clients, universities, researchers, and stakeholders, to advance a holistic approach to sustainability. 

Building on decades of collective expertise and implementing new tools and technologies, SES is shaping a future where architecture contributes to ecological regeneration and resilience.

Perspective

Luke Leung

By implementing bold ideas for healthy and regenerative cities, we can bring human life and nature into balance.

Luke Leung, Sustainable Engineering Principal and Practice Leader

Our Services

We offer a spectrum of sustainability services spanning from big-picture visioning to detailed performance analysis and engineering calculations.

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Whole Life Carbon Consulting: We assess carbon emissions across the building lifecycle using advanced energy and carbon modeling. Applying circular economy strategies, we advise on reduction measures and guide projects toward zero-carbon outcomes.
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Health, Well-being, and Biophilic Design: We integrate biophilic design, daylight, fresh air, and thermal comfort to support people's physical, mental and emotional well-being. Our evidence-based approach enhances quality of life across all building types.
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Climate Risk, Resilience Design and Planning: We assess climate risks such as heat and extreme weather to inform adaptation and resilience strategies. We shape planning and design responses that protect people, assets, and long-term environmental well-being.
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Post-Occupancy Evaluation: We assess buildings after occupancy by measuring energy use, carbon emissions and indoor environmental quality. Using utility data, sensors, and occupant feedback, we evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis: We simulate air and wind flow to assess ventilation, thermal comfort, pollution dispersion and HVAC efficiency. These insights inform design decisions that enhance environmental quality, performance and resilience.
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Sustainability and MEP Peer Reviews: We offer sustainability and MEP peer reviews—independently or combined—to assess design strategies. We evaluate carbon goals, certifications, and system performance for efficiency, resilience, and environmental impact.
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Sustainable Urban Planning: We guide holistic, climate-responsive planning, shaping master plans with integrated strategies for density, microclimate, and energy systems. We embed decarbonization principles to support citywide carbon reduction goals.
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Environmental Analysis and Design: We assess building form and facade in response to solar, wind and climate conditions. Accounting for indoor air quality, daylight, and thermal comfort, we calibrate designs to enhance well-being and reduce carbon impact.
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Sustainability Certification Guidance and Administration: We help our clients select the right certification—LEED, WELL, BREEAM, ILFI or Passivhaus—based on project goals. We manage the entire process from early strategy through documentation to final award.
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Strategy and Visioning: We lead the development of sustainability strategies, engaging stakeholders early. By aligning shared goals with project vision, certifications, and performance targets, we embed sustainability throughout the design process.
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Energy Security and Efficiency Investment Planning: We provide strategic guidance to improve energy performance and resilience in existing buildings. We assess energy use, model carbon and energy, and develop phased retrofit and decarbonization strategies.
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Whole Building Energy Modelling: We use advanced simulations throughout design stages to evaluate how design impacts energy and carbon performance. We assess energy use intensity, identify efficiency strategies, and integrate renewable energy solutions.

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