Mastercard Sustainable Campus Master Plan

In the summer of 2018, DG2 Design was commissioned by Cushman & Wakefield to develop a comprehensive landscape master plan for Mastercard’s 52-acre property in O’Fallon, MO. Home to a LEED Platinum-accredited facility constructed in 2000, this dynamic campus serves over 3,000 employees and continues to evolve to meet their needs. As the site matures, a forward-thinking blueprint was needed to guide its future growth, focusing on sustainability and enhancing campus biodiversity.

The sustainable master plan outlines key factors to consider when altering, replacing, or adding to the site’s established landscape. DG2 Design views sustainability through a holistic lens, encompassing three primary focus areas: Environmental, Economic, and Social. Although our master plan prioritizes environmental sustainability, we also recognize its overlap with economic efficiency and employee well-being—essential aspects for creating a resilient, vibrant campus.

Key Objectives of the Master Plan:

1. Environmental Stewardship
   The plan emphasizes enhancing campus biodiversity by introducing a diverse array of native plant species to create habitats for local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. By integrating a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials, we aim to support ecological health and improve the site’s resilience against climate variability. Biodiverse landscapes not only strengthen the ecosystem but also enrich the sensory experience for employees, connecting them to nature and promoting mental well-being.
2. Sustainable Infrastructure
   Incorporating green infrastructure like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements helps manage stormwater naturally, reducing runoff and mitigating the urban heat island effect. The plan also recommends replacing traditional turf with native meadow plantings, reducing maintenance costs and water usage while supporting local pollinator populations.
3. Employee Wellness
   The master plan aligns with Mastercard’s commitment to employee wellness by creating inviting outdoor spaces. Enhanced walking trails, shaded seating areas, and outdoor meeting spots are designed to encourage physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction, fostering a vibrant campus culture.

A Blueprint for Future Growth

The intent of the master plan was to provide a strategic toolkit with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide design and specification decisions as future capital improvement projects are identified. These KPIs encompass aspects of landscape maintenance, environmental sustainability, and employee wellness, offering measurable targets to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.

As Mastercard’s O’Fallon campus begins its shift towards a more sustainable and biodiverse landscape, this master plan serves as a vital roadmap, ensuring that each design choice contributes to a greener, more resilient environment for the years ahead.   Dg2 Design is proudly continuing to assist Mastercard as they implement the proposed master plan projects.