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
| Jul 30, 2013
Top Healthcare Sector Architecture Firms [2013 Giants 300 Report]
HDR, HKS, Cannon top Building Design+Construction's 2013 ranking of the largest healthcare architecture and architecture/engineering firms in the U.S.
| Jul 26, 2013
HDR acquires Sharon Greene + Associates
HDR Engineering, Inc. has acquired the business and assets of Sharon Greene + Associates, a firm specializing in transportation economics and financial analysis with offices in California and Denver.
| Jul 26, 2013
How biomimicry inspired the design of the San Francisco Museum at the Mint
When the city was founded in the 19th century, the San Francisco Bay’s edge and marshland area were just a few hundred feet from where the historic Old Mint building sits today. HOK's design team suggested a design idea that incorporates lessons from the local biome while creating new ways to collect and store water.
| Jul 25, 2013
3 office design strategies for creating happy, productive workers
Office spaces that promote focus, balance, and choice are the ones that will improve employee experience, enhance performance, and drive innovation, according to Gensler's 2013 U.S. Workplace Survey.
| Jul 25, 2013
How can I help you?: The evolution of call center design
Call centers typically bring to mind an image of crowded rows of stressed-out employees who are usually receiving calls from people with a problem or placing calls to people that aren’t thrilled to hear from them. But the nature of the business is changing; telemarketing isn’t what it used to be.
| Jul 25, 2013
First look: Studio Gang's residential/dining commons for University of Chicago
The University of Chicago will build a $148 million residence hall and dining commons designed by Studio Gang Architects, tentatively slated for completion in 2016.
| Jul 25, 2013
Resilience: the hallmark of a successful practice
The key to a firm’s future success has less to do with avoiding trouble than bouncing back from it.
| Jul 25, 2013
ACEEE presents the 2013 Champions of Energy Efficiency in Industry Awards
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) presented four Champion of Energy Efficiency Awards last night at its Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry.
| Jul 24, 2013
Architecture Billings Index dips slightly in June, but demand for design services remains positive
All building sectors are seeing an increase in demand for architectural services, according to AIA's Architecture Billings Index for June.
| Jul 23, 2013
Paul Bertram to speak at ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency
Paul Bertram, FCSI, CDT, LEED AP and director of environment and sustainability for Kingspan Insulated Panels N.A., will present a white paper during the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) 2013 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry.