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 11, 2013
DOE releases stricter energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings taking effect in 2014
The Energy Department released stricter energy efficiency standards this month for new federal buildings.
| Jul 11, 2013
Pennsylvania legislators work on bill to update demolition codes following fatal building collapse
Pennsylvania lawmakers are working on a bill to update demolition codes, in the wake of a fatal building collapse in Philadelphia in June.
| Jul 11, 2013
Lawsuit challenges modular apartment project in New York City
A plan to build pre-fab apartment buildings at Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, N.Y., has been challenged by a lawsuit filed by the Plumbing Foundation in Manhattan Supreme Court.
| Jul 10, 2013
SmithGroupJJR hires Don Posson as Co-director of Sustainable Design
SmithGroupJJR has hired veteran mechanical engineer Don Posson, PE, CCP, CPD, LEED AP, as the firm’s co-director of sustainable design.
| Jul 10, 2013
World's best new skyscrapers [slideshow]
The Bow in Calgary and CCTV Headquarters in Beijing are among the world's best new high-rise projects, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Jul 10, 2013
TED talk: Architect Michael Green on why we should build tomorrow's skyscrapers out of wood
In a newly posted TED talk, wood skyscraper expert Michael Green makes the case for building the next-generation of mid- and high-rise buildings out of wood.
| Jul 9, 2013
Where are they now? 40 Under 40 alumni make their mark in D.C.
Every month we’ll be touching base with past 40 Under 40 honorees to see what’s been happening in their professional and personal lives since winning the award. This month, we feature two outstanding professionals: HKS's Shannon Kraus and Roger Chang from Westlake Reed Leskosky.
| Jul 9, 2013
AISC releases Design Guide on Blast Resistant Structures
Design professionals now have a valuable new resource on blast resistant structures with AISC Design Guide No. 26, Design of Blast Resistant Structures.
High-rise Construction | Jul 9, 2013
5 innovations in high-rise building design
KONE's carbon-fiber hoisting technology and the Broad Group's prefab construction process are among the breakthroughs named 2013 Innovation Award winners by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Jul 8, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: offices, daycare centers, convenience stores, fast food
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for offices, daycare centers, convenience stores, fast food.