McKinstry, a national construction and energy services firm, has deepened its commitment to innovating waste and climate harm out of the built environment by becoming the latest signatory to the Carbon Leadership Forum’s (CLF) MEP 2040 Challenge. McKinstry joins a growing list of over 50 MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) firms across the country pledging a commitment to sustainability.

As part of the challenge, the company will establish a plan to reduce operational and embodied carbon across MEP systems on all projects, targeting zero emissions by 2040. McKinstry and other participating firms will also track and report on progress annually to share lessons learned and best practices

“The built environment generates nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions,” said Michael Frank, McKinstry’s vice president of engineering and design. “Joining the MEP 2040 Challenge represents another tangible step towards facing the climate crisis. Together, we can accelerate our decarbonization goals to reduce our environmental impact.”

Other aspects of the program include requesting low-GWP refrigerant when designing systems to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerants. McKinstry will also request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in project specifications for MEP system components.

The MEP 2040 challenge aligns with McKinstry’s current 10-year plan focused on immediate action to combat climate change. McKinstry has also committed to reaching net-zero carbon across its business by 2040 as one of the first organizations to sign The Climate Pledge.

Read more about McKinstry’s climate commitment and efforts to build a zero-carbon future.

About the Carbon Leadership Forum 

The Carbon Leadership Forum’s mission is to eliminate embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure by inspiring innovation through collective action to create a just and thriving future. The forum pioneers research creates resources, fosters cross-collaboration, and incubates member-led initiatives to bring embodied carbon emissions of buildings down to zero. The Forum includes architects, engineers, contractors, material suppliers, building owners, and policymakers who care about the future and are taking bold steps to decarbonize the built environment, with a keen focus on eliminating embodied carbon from buildings and infrastructure. Learn more at https://carbonleadershipforum.org/.                                                                                                                                                                               

About the MEP 2040 Commitment

The Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) issued the MEP 2040 Challenge that sparked the independent MEP 2040 Commitment now attracting the support of MEP firms. CLF accelerates the transformation of the building sector to radically reduce the embodied carbon in building materials and construction through collective action. Learn more at https://www.mep2040.org/.

About McKinstry 

McKinstry is a national leader in designing, constructing, operating and maintaining high-performing buildings. From new construction and ongoing operations to adaptive reuse and energy retrofits, the company provides a single point of accountability across the entire building lifecycle. McKinstry focuses on people and outcomes to ensure the built environment serves owners, operators and occupants alike. McKinstry is your trusted partner for the life of your building. Learn more at www.mckinstry.com.