The First Facility Management Blog

The architectural design firm is asking more than 2,500 of its employees across the globe to alter their transportation, travel and work habits on April 22, to contribute to reducing the firm’s collective environmental impact.

HOK’s “Go Barefoot Day” initiative supports the firm’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from its projects and practice by 50% by 2010. This goal reflects United Nations reports that recognize the role buildings play in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are using Earth Day as a catalyst for making simple behavioral changes that will have a profound impact on our collective carbon footprint,” says HOK sustainable design director Mary Ann Lazarus. “After making this single day commitment, we hope our people are inspired to make permanent, positive changes to their travel and work habits.”

Through a series of online surveys, HOK employees worldwide are reporting their current transportation and office practices and committing to make specific changes on April 22 that will reduce their environmental footprint. These changes may range from taking public transportation or biking to work, to eliminating paper usage, to reducing use of disposable packaging. After Earth Day, the firm will measure the tangible collective impact of the initiative.

As part of the initiative, HOK has developed an educational poster to help employees identify, evaluate, and share potential opportunities for modifying their behavior beyond the norm. These resources include examples of specific actions and their corresponding annual environmental impact. One suggestion is for an employee to turn off their computer overnight, rather than leaving it on; this would save $21 per year per computer and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 pounds, states the poster.

As part of the initiative, HOK also is inviting its clients, partners and local communities to join the firm in going barefoot for the day. “We hope ‘Go Barefoot Day’ builds momentum beyond the walls of HOK and inspires our clients and communities to walk alongside us,” says Lazarus.