The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced publication of 2030 by the numbers, the 2016 progress report assessing the work of architecture firms that are part of the AIA 2030 Commitment, a voluntary initiative to commit their practices to advancing the AIA’s goal of carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. The report is available and can be viewed here.
The 2030 Commitment represents a key part of the AIA membership's dedication to combating climate change, particularly with the recent U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Despite that withdrawal, firms that sign on to and actively participate in the 2030 Commitment continue to directly support the goals of the climate accord, as part of the AIA's position that architects can—and should—mitigate the effects of climate change through policy advocacy, education, and energy modeling.
Key takeaways from the 2016 Progress Report:
- Projects reported an average predicted energy use intensity (pEUI) savings of 42 percent in 2016, climbing from 38 percent in 2015 and continuing the steps forward that the 2030 Commitment has taken over the last few years.
- The AIA 2030 energy target of 70 percent predicted energy savings is ambitious but achievable. In 2016 six firms achieved a portfolio-average predicted energy savings of 70 percent or greater, and 331 individual projects also met or exceeded this target.
- In 2016, the number of reporting firms grew 15 percent to 205. Additionally, with 53 new firms signing on to the Commitment, the overall number of signatories now totals more than 400.
- The potential energy savings from all 2016 projects represent approximately 16.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions - the equivalent of running almost five coal-fired power plants or powering 1.76 million homes for a year (EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator).
- AIA data continues to demonstrate that energy modeling is an essential component of success, with modeled projects averaging pEUI reductions of just over 50 percent, as compared to only a 35 percent pEUI reduction for projects that were not modeled. However, as the share of modeled projects declined from 2015, more work is needed to better incorporate energy modeling across the profession.
Since 2009, participants in the AIA 2030 Commitment have reported the performance of their architecture firm portfolios over each calendar year. The data, collected via the 2030 Design Data Exchange (DDx), includes building type, area, baseline energy performance, and predicted energy performance. Among the data points reported are firm participation, total area of number of projects reported, percentage of projects that used energy modeling, and overall progress toward the 2030 goals.
Related Stories
Museums | Jul 28, 2015
MUST SEE: Zaha Hadid's latest museum project is built into a mountain
The museum, dedicated to legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, is embedded within Mount Kronplatz in northern Italy.
Smart Buildings | Jul 27, 2015
Perkins+Will imagines new opportunity for Atlantic City
The architecture giant believes it has a solution that could put Atlantic City’s existing infrastructure to good use—by turning the Jersey Shore city into a research center for climate change and coastal resiliency.
Retail Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Fish-shaped shopping mall designed for odd plot of land in China
The mall, in Qinshui, a city in China’s Shanxi province, will fit within the 250x30-meter dimensions surrounded by parallel roads and two converging rivers.
Performing Arts Centers | Jul 27, 2015
Vox Populi: Netherlands municipality turns to public vote to select design for new theater
UNStudio’s Theatre on the Parade received nearly three-fifths of votes cast in contest between two finalists.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2015
Miami developers are designing luxury housing to cater to out-of-town buyers and renters
The Miami Herald reports on several new multifamily projects, including the Paramount Miami Worldcenter, whose homes include maid’s rooms, larger terraces, boutique-size closets, and guest suites.
Architects | Jul 23, 2015
CTBUH recognizes Parkroyal on Pickering as Urban Habitat Award winner
The Singapore hotel has green space galore
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 23, 2015
Japan announces new plan for Olympic Stadium
The country moves on from Zaha Hadid Architects, creators of the original stadium design scrapped last week.
Green | Jul 23, 2015
NASA: U.S. headed for worst droughts in a millennium
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind devastating water shortages and record droughts in the western U.S.
Airports | Jul 22, 2015
MUST SEE: JFK airport taps Gensler to design terminal for animals
Pets can enjoy luxurious spa and grooming services before being transported directly to their flight from the terminal.
Office Buildings | Jul 21, 2015
Finally! There's a workplace trend that’s worth embracing
There’s a realization by corporate real estate executives that in order to create a successful workplace, there must be alignment between their people, their place, and the tools they have to do their jobs.
