"It's important that we share the knowledge that we create. We won't get where we need to go unless all ships rise." - Anica Landreneau

As Global Director of Sustainability at HOK, Anica leads the firm that designed Mercedes-Benz Stadium—the NFL's first LEED Platinum-certified venue. From a Texas architecture student told she'd "never find a job" in sustainability to becoming one of the industry's most influential voices, her journey reflects the evolution of green building itself. "It's not sustainable if it's not for everyone," she insists, explaining how voluntary certifications eventually create cost parity that allows practices to be codified, bringing equity to all.

The conversation delves into HOK's meticulous approach to carbon reduction—examining everything from concrete mix designs to nursery trays for landscaping. Anica reveals the economic logic behind sustainability choices: "If I optimize the design and use less material, that costs less." This practical mindset helps explain how HOK has been carbon neutral since 2022 while working toward net-zero emissions in its designs by 2030. With refreshing candor, she connects today's cutting-edge practices to the firm's 1955 Midwestern roots, where resource efficiency and durability weren't trendy—they were just good business. For anyone interested in how buildings shape our climate future, this Earth Day conversation offers both technical depth and surprising accessibility.

Anica Landreneau is the Global Director of Sustainability at HOK, the international design firm behind the LEED Platinum-certified Mercedes-Benz Stadium and countless other landmark sustainable projects. With a background in architecture and a career spanning policy think tanks and design consulting, Anica has become one of the building industry's most influential voices on decarbonization. Beyond her leadership at HOK, she chairs the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Steering Committee overseeing the rollout of LEED version 5, serves on the board of the New Buildings Institute, and contributes to the ULI Net Zero Imperative Steering Committee. Anica's approach combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial advocacy, working to transform building codes and policies while ensuring HOK's projects meet the highest sustainability standards. Under her guidance, HOK has been carbon neutral since 2022 and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions in all its designs by 2030—embodying her philosophy that "sustainability isn't sustainable if it's not for everyone."

In This Episode:

(00:00) Anica's journey from architecture student to sustainability leader

(06:00) Entrepreneurial spirit and policy advocacy in sustainability

(08:17) How voluntary certifications drive market transformation

(10:07) HOK's leadership in sharing sustainability tools and knowledge

(11:13) HOK's sustainability evolution from Midwestern values to global impact

(15:05) Deep dive into embodied carbon across building elements

(17:48) Making the economic case for sustainable design solutions

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About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

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Resources:
Anica Landreneau LInkedIn
HOK
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn