ASME Reduces U.S. Office Footprint to Support Hybrid Workforce and Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

New flexible, light-filled offices designed for collaboration, well-being, and sustainable operations 

NEW YORK (March 17, 2026) — The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) today announced it has consolidated and redesigned its U.S. office spaces to better align with the needs of its 400+ mostly hybrid and remote employees, while reducing the Society’s overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The four new light, airy offices in New York, Livingston, N.J., Washington, D.C., and Houston, are smaller, smarter, and far more flexible, supporting a collaborative hybrid work culture while shrinking the Society’s greenhouse gas impact.

ASME has reduced its office space in New York on a different floor of the certified LEED Gold Two Park Avenue building, ended its lease at its former office space in Little Falls, N.J., instead leasing a smaller space in a certified LEED Silver building in Livingston, N.J. In addition, the Society reduced the square footage of its existing lease in a certified LEED Gold building in Washington, D.C., and moved to a significantly smaller leased space in Houston whose owner is pursuing Energy Star approval. The changes amount to a total reduction of approximately 120,650 square feet of office space in all locations. The Society recently completed the GHG baseline for FY 2023 and is currently in the process of calculating its FY 2024 and FY 2025 footprints, which will include the impact of office space reductions.

“The biggest impact of these new spaces is how much more conducive they are to collaboration for our hybrid workforce,” said ASME Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile. “By creating flexible, welcoming spaces that promote both connection and well-being, we’re helping our employees thrive wherever they work.”

The nonprofit engineering association points to research such as the 2023 Harvard Business Review study on hybrid work and collaboration that found teams perform best when they can communicate easily and feel supported in their environment. The changes follow a growing global trend toward hybrid workplace models that emphasize flexibility, community, and sustainable operations. According to McKinsey & Company’s 2024 State of the Workplace Report, hybrid work environments can improve productivity by up to 20% when designed with collaboration and comfort in mind.

The redesigned offices feature modern, reservable workspaces that employees can book online, replacing traditional cubicles with open co-working areas equipped with ergonomic sit/stand desks and chairs. Each location includes a variety of collaborative and private areas, such as huddle rooms, Obeya rooms with a coffee shop-inspired atmosphere, and phone rooms for confidential calls. Several sites also offer quiet or wellness rooms, complete with recliners and water fountains, to encourage short breaks and stress relief.

To support larger gatherings, each location includes access to shared conference centers that can be reserved for team meetings or company events. Three offices offer self-service pantries near day lockers for personal items, and an overall reduction in equipment, such as shared multifunction printer/copiers, reflects the company’s focus on efficient, sustainable operations.

Amenities at the four locations vary but include shared gyms and secure indoor bicycle storage, encouraging active and low-carbon commuting options. The combination of flexible design, efficient use of space, and reduced energy consumption contributes to a measurable decline in office-related GHG emissions.

ASME’s office redesign supports its broader commitments to sustainable operations and employee well-being initiatives. ASME is among the first North American engineering societies to complete a comprehensive GHG emissions baseline covering all three scopes of emissions, and is committed to further reductions. The Society's future Emissions Management Plan will focus on supplier engagement, travel optimization, and event sustainability.

See https://www.asme.org/about-asme/contact-us for specific locations of all ASME offices worldwide. 


About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. In 2020, ASME formed the International Society of Interdisciplinary Engineers (ISIE) II & III LLC, a new for-profit subsidiary to house business ventures that will bring new and innovative products, services, and technologies to the engineering community. For more information, visit www.asme.org. 

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