The American Institute of Architects outlines an initial path forward for the organization and profession in a new declaration, “Where We Stand: Climate Action.”
“Climate change requires a holistic approach, addressing the interdependencies among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment,” said AIA 2019 President William Bates, FAIA, in a news release. “Our training allows us to look for solutions and ways to mitigate climate change comprehensively and creatively, which we do every day.”
The AIA is calling on all architects to support “humanity’s collective call to climate action through an unrelenting commitment to sustainable and resilient design.” The statement provides actionable steps to prioritize and support “exponentially decelerating the production of greenhouse gasses and to make progress towards achieving net-zero emissions in the building sector by 2050.”
The organization will work to encourage passive design techniques, employ energy efficiency measures, adapt existing buildings, and specify low-impact building materials. “It is our responsibility to make the business and financial case to clients to help them better understand and support the need to integrate renewable energy sources into all buildings, making them more sustainable, resilient, and economical,” the release says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houston’s lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2018
Thirty nine San Francisco high rises at risk of collapse in major earthquake
Vulnerable buildings have welded columns and beams.
Codes and Standards | Jun 26, 2018
Boston enacts new climate resiliency rules for buildings
New policy is likely a first in the nation.