Operations + Outlook

RATIO recognizes that while the largest impact we have as architects and designers is on the projects we work on, we also have a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of our firm operations.

We have identified operational goals aimed at reducing our impact. We will analyze our carbon footprint for each office, including energy use, resource consumption, transportation practices and air quality on a biennial basis. Based on our firm-wide carbon footprint, RATIO will purchase carbon offsets, ensuring we operate as a net carbon neutral organization.

We will develop performance and wellness standards for RATIO office design and renovations.Our Indianapolis studio received LEED Silver certification. Our Chicago and Champaign studios are currently pursuing LEED v4 and hope to achieve Silver certification in 2019.

As we’re identifying our carbon footprint, we’ve outlined areas for consideration to reduce our impact:

Energy Use

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Implement automatic computer and monitor shutdown policy.

Upgrade to high efficiency servers, printers and appliances.

Ensure occupancy and daylight sensors are calibrated correctly. Coordinate with building management on lighting schedule to ensure lights are automatically turned off at night.

Resource Consumption

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Implement educational signage to remind staff of everyday initiatives.

Implement printer setting defaults to double-sided, black and white for in-house documents. All in-house copying and printing on 100% recycled paper.

Implement electronic-only agenda and meeting minutes for all in-house meetings and client meetings, where applicable.

Encourage reduced-size drawings for progress prints.

Encourage digital review and markup on our largeformat monitors.

Find alternate coffee solution to current disposable

K-cup use. Beta-test cloth towel service in lieu of paper towel use. Encourage hand-dryer use in lieu of paper towels in studios. Beta-test office composting. Eliminate disposable plastic utensils and paper cups from our offices. Provide reusable cutlery, mugs and glassware. If single-use items are necessary for some occasions, purchase compostable. Implement vendor lunch protocol promoting familystyle lunches as opposed to box lunches. Promote locally-sourced, seasonal agriculture with vegetarian options. Inventory and source sustainable office and cleaning supplies.

Transportation Practices

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Survey modes of commute to understand how our employees commute to and from work.

Promote video conferencing for cross-office collaboration, consultant coordination and client meetings.

Promote hybrid Zipcar and car rentals. Opt-in for carbon offsets when available.

Promote RATIO bike use, walking or public transportation for local meetings and site visits.

Subsidize bike-sharing programs like Divvy,

Indianapolis Pacers Bike Share, scooter sharing programs like Bird and Lime, and public transportation for commuters.

Ensure bike racks and showers are provided in/near each office, encouraging bike commuting.

Support participation in Commuter Challenges.

Resiliency

Resiliency is a thread that weaves through all aspects of our organization - from how we approach design to how we operate our business. As our national and international presence grows, we continue to be committed to timeless designs that authentically contribute to the stories of the many regions and localities in which we work. Guided by our interdisciplinary ethos, we aspire to create places that are not simply sustainable but sustaining, not just livable but living.