Project 2020 at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reimagines the organization’s global headquarters as a model of regenerative design and environmental responsibility. More than a renovation, the project exemplifies TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, while positioning the building as an active participant in ecological and community systems.

Situated within the urban fabric of Arlington, Virginia, the 8-story office building was originally constructed with efficiency in mind, but decades of use and outdated infrastructure posed significant challenges to performance and occupant well-being. Comprehensive testing revealed widespread air leakage and inefficiencies. These discoveries catalyzed a whole-systems approach, transforming the building into a resilient, high-performing workplace that achieves a 50.2% reduction in energy use and a 30% decrease in water consumption.

Architecturally, the building’s envelope was reconceived to combat thermal inefficiencies while maintaining the original structure’s integrity. State-of-the-art systems—including a MagLev chiller, air scrubbers, and cloud-based building management—support enhanced environmental control and performance. Innovations such as a biosolar roof, which combines photovoltaic panels with living vegetation, exemplify the merger of form, function, and sustainability. Bird-safe glazing, stormwater management systems, and rainwater storage further integrate ecological performance into the building’s identity.

The design was informed by a series of integrative workshops with stakeholders, led by Little and the Regenesis Group. These sessions unearthed deep insights into how the building could evolve beyond “doing less harm” to actively “doing good.” Strategies emerged to weave the headquarters into broader living systems, from pollinator-supporting landscapes and habitat restoration to renewable energy and carbon-negative ambitions. TNC’s commitment to regeneration guided every decision, from energy modeling to material selection, resulting in a headquarters that not only reflects their ethos but sets a precedent for global sustainability.

Beyond performance metrics, the renovation creates an elevated experience for staff and visitors alike. Multi-tenant floors have been repositioned for flexibility and marketability, while user-focused spaces enhance comfort, productivity, and connection to nature. Outdoor terraces, green views, and biophilic design elements reinforce TNC’s belief that nature and people thrive together.

Now LEED Platinum-certified and home to Arlington’s first biosolar roof, The Nature Conservancy’s transformed headquarters stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, regenerative ambition, and design leadership. It embodies a future where buildings are not only efficient—but alive, evolving with the communities and ecosystems they inhabit.