DWL Architects + Planners, is committed to incorporating sustainable principles into every project. We have joined the AIA (American Institute of Architects) 2030 Commitment, which has proven to be a useful tool in both tracking and encouraging our environmental initiatives. The Commitment challenges DWL to pursue a path of carbon neutrality by tracking not only our projects but our internal initiatives as well.

In addition to the AIA 2030 Commitment, we are proud to have an expanding portfolio of projects that have been recognized by the USGBC's (U.S. Green Building Council) rigorous LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. The LEED program is a nationally recognized standard of environmentally responsible design and construction that exceeds code mandates.

The City of Scottsdale's appaloosa Branch Library, Arizona State University's Police Department and Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University are all certified LEED Gold. The White Tank Branch Library and Nature Center has achieved the highest LEED recognition, LEED Platinum certification. It is the first LEED Platinum certified public library in Arizona, and one of only a handful in the United States. An additional project is in the process of obtaining LEED certification.

DWL has an active in-house 'green team' that strives to stay on top of environmental initiatives, strategies and products. Members of the team are annual participants in the USGBC's international conference, Greenbuild. In 2009 the conference came to Phoenix, and not only was the green team there but every member of the staff was encouraged to attend. We worked with the City of Scottsdale to open the doors to the then newly completed appaloosa Library for tours during the conference. DWL also created an eco-friendly booth to reach out to participants. The show was a huge success, and we are thankful for the opportunity to have been involved with such this spectacular event.