Sustainability in Action: How We Build Today for Tomorrow
For World Sustainability Day, McCarthy reaffirms its commitment to building responsibly by focusing on impact, people, and energy to help create a better future for our communities and the planet.
World Sustainability Day is a reminder that the choices we make today shape the world we live in tomorrow — from the health of our communities to the strength of our business and the future of our planet.
At McCarthy, we believe being the best builder in America means being a responsible one. That means putting people, progress, and the planet at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re not just building great spaces, we’re helping build a better future.
Sustainability matters in construction because the projects we build today —and how we build them —will shape how people live for generations to come. By selecting responsibly sourced materials and adopting smarter building methods, we help neighborhoods thrive, protect natural resources, and earn the trust of our clients, communities, and employee-owners.
Our approach to sustainability focuses on:
- Impact – We are responsible for understanding our effects on the environment and always looking for ways to improve.
- People - We act responsibly for our people and the communities we live and work in.
- Energy – We are responsible for understanding our energy consumption and are always looking for new ways to conserve it.
We build with responsibility in mind; from the tools we use to the way we manage resources and work with others. Whether it’s testing electric vehicles, rethinking materials to cut emissions, or using AI to track and reduce our carbon footprint, sustainability is never an afterthought. It also shows up beyond the jobsite — in how we support mental health, safety, and local communities, and how we help clients make informed choices that are better for their projects and the planet.
We take environmental rules and regulations seriously on every project. Our teams provide hands-on training and support across all jobs, from stormwater and dust control to waste and hazardous materials. This proactive approach enables us to meet, and often exceed, regulations, leaving a positive and lasting impact.
Real change happens when we work together. Regional McCarthy sustainability committees, client partnerships, and open conversations across teams help us find better ways to build. But most of all, it’s all of us — employee-owners, trade partners, and clients — who bring these efforts to life. On World Sustainability Day, and every day, we celebrate their commitment and the difference we make when we lead with responsibility.
About the Author
Ian Pope holds an MBA with a focus on Sustainability from Wilmington University and serves as Senior Director of Sustainability at McCarthy Holdings, Inc. He oversees companywide sustainability initiatives and leads a team dedicated to advancing environmental stewardship. With a focus on driving impactful programs and addressing key corporate responsibility challenges, Ian plays a central role in strengthening McCarthy’s sustainable business practices.
