A new study published today by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) finds that data and culture gaps are obstacles architects are facing in fighting climate change.
The report, Sustainability in the Architect’s Journey to Specification, identified a number of common obstacles that could be improved by the building products industry to help architects support climate action, including:
- Supplying useful, timely, and accurate product information and data.
- Reducing barriers—primarily high costs–to products to increase adoption of sustainable products, especially as clients are increasingly concerned about sustainability being too cost-conscious in the short term.
In other findings, nearly all architects said third-party testing or certification is crucial for new product adoption. Architects also indicated that continuing education from building product companies is the most convenient way to learn about new products and innovations.
“Architects are increasingly motivated to commit to climate action and evolve the built environment,” said 2020 AIA President Jane Frederick, FAIA. “Our members have an important role to play, but they cannot do it alone. Everyone in the design and building product industry must do their part, and that means more than just making materials that contribute to sustainability. Informed product and material knowledge is essential, if we are going to succeed. Committing to innovation is essential.”
Sustainability in the Architect’s Journey to Specification is available on AIA’s website.
Related Stories
Market Data | Mar 22, 2018
Architecture billings continue to hold positive in 2018
Billings particularly strong at firms in the West and Midwest regions.
Market Data | Mar 21, 2018
Construction employment increases in 248 metro areas as new metal tariffs threaten future sector job gains
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., and Merced, Calif., experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La., and Auburn-Opelika, Ala., have biggest annual declines in construction employment.
Market Data | Mar 19, 2018
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high: 2018 poised to be a very strong year for construction spending
CBI is up by 1.36 months, or 16.3%, on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Mar 15, 2018
ABC: Construction materials prices continue to expand briskly in February
Compared to February 2017, prices are up 5.2%.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2018
AGC: Tariff increases threaten to make many project unaffordable
Construction costs escalated in February, driven by price increases for a wide range of building materials, including steel and aluminum.
Market Data | Mar 12, 2018
Construction employers add 61,000 jobs in February and 254,000 over the year
Hourly earnings rise 3.3% as sector strives to draw in new workers.
Steel Buildings | Mar 9, 2018
New steel and aluminum tariffs will hurt construction firms by raising materials costs; potential trade war will dampen demand, says AGC of America
Independent studies suggest the construction industry could lose nearly 30,000 jobs as a result of administration's new tariffs as many firms will be forced to absorb increased costs.
Market Data | Mar 8, 2018
Prioritizing your marketing initiatives
It’s time to take a comprehensive look at your plans and figure out the best way to get from Point A to Point B.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2018
Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow
To increase jobsite efficiency and improve labor productivity, increasingly more builders are turning to alternative construction solutions.
Market Data | Mar 2, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending dips slightly in January
Private nonresidential construction fell 1.5% for the month, while public sector nonresidential spending increased 1.9%.
