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
| Jan 26, 2014
New York extends, enhances tax abatements to promote green roofs
The expansion of a tax-abatement program for green roofs under New York state law doubles the previous maximum benefit of $100,000, adds new plant species to the list of those applicable for the tax break.
| Jan 23, 2014
Washington state micro apartment law prompts fire safety concerns
Proposed legislation to further regulate the building of micro apartments has triggered appeals from community activists concerned that fire safety standards are sub-par.
| Jan 23, 2014
Pennsylvania owes school districts $1B for construction projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Education owes about $1 billion to numerous school districts for about 350 state-approved renovation and construction projects.
| Jan 23, 2014
About 1,500 concrete buildings in Los Angeles found vulnerable to earthquakes
Some 1,500 concrete structures built in Los Angeles before 1980 could be vulnerable to earthquakes, according to University of California researchers.
| Jan 23, 2014
Low-slope roofs with PVs tested for wind uplift resistance
Tests showed winds can cause photovoltaic panels to destroy waterproof membranes.
| Jan 16, 2014
Bio-based materials could transform the future of sustainable building
Recent winners of the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Challenge include a brick made from bacterial byproducts and insulation created from agricultural waste products.
| Jan 16, 2014
The incandescent light bulb is not dead
Despite misleading media reports, January 1 did not mark a ban on the manufacture or import of 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs.
| Jan 16, 2014
ASHRAE revised climatic data for building design standards
ASHRAE Standard 169, Climatic Data for Building Design Standards, now includes climatic data for 5,564 locations throughout the world.
| Jan 15, 2014
ConsensusDocs releases updated subcontract for federal work
The new version addresses recent changes in federal contracting.
| Jan 15, 2014
First quarter 2014 LEED rating system addenda now available
There are 71 new LEED Interpretations, including 65 for Homes and Multifamily Midrise.