MA Design Sustainability Action Plan

Approach

MA Design’s Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) reflects our company’s commitment to designing a better future by elevating the connection between our clients, our communities, and our planet. First created in 2019, the SAP was audited and revitalized in 2024 to align with our evolving firm and the lessons learned through years of growth, change, and adaptation. Recognizing the impact the built environment has on climate change, MA strives to use our expertise to create spaces that are healthy, equitable, resilient, and inclusive.

Through a firmwide survey and two in-person engagement sessions across our Cincinnati and Columbus offices, every team member had the opportunity to provide input and feedback. Ideas were evaluated collaboratively through “Effort and Impact” matrices, comment cards, and group discussions, ensuring that all voices were heard and reflected in the new SAP. This process allowed us to identify what worked, what needed improvement, and how we could set ambitious yet achievable goals that give back more than we take.

The new and improved SAP establishes four goals focused on both internal office operations and external project-specific impacts, driving our mission to create a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Internally, MA Design is committed to achieving carbon-neutral offices designed for occupant health and wellness by 2035. Externally, our projects aim to reach carbon neutrality and prioritize occupant health and well-being by 2040. These goals address both how MA Design works and the environments we create, all while emphasizing sustainable purchases, transportation, and office design, while also tackling challenges such as client education, financial feasibility, and integrating benchmarking and modeling processes.

As a living document, the SAP will be updated and tracked semi-annually, ensuring it continues to evolve with us to reflect our ongoing pursuit of design excellence that contributes positively to the world around us.