Following the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announcement of the approval of a landmark resolution to engage the architectural profession in fighting climate change, a new report reveals why architects and engineers will need to redouble their efforts to reach 2030 Commitment goals.
“The findings of this new report underscore why it is imperative that the AIA make climate change a number one priority,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA. “Architects are uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on climate action. AIA is committed to rallying the profession so that together we can make progress towards our net-zero carbon goals by 2030. It’s critical that the architecture, engineering and construction industries come together to take action on this issue today.”
The report—2030 by the Numbers: The 2018 Summary of the AIA 2030 Commitment—amalgamates predicted energy use data in buildings from the 252 firms participating in the 2030 Commitment. Data from the latest report shows participating architects, engineers and owners are making progress to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings but are falling short of program targets.
In 2018, firms were targeting a 70% reduction in predicted energy use from the original baseline. Data from the new report shows that only a 46% reduction has been achieved.
Despite this shortfall, the report also points to progress. The data shows that the projects from the 252 participating firms would reduce $3.3 billion in operating costs and eliminate 17.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to removing 3.7 million passenger vehicles from the road for a year.
AIA and its members are working to improve these results in an effort to meet 2030 Commitment targets. Last week, the AIA announced a landmark initiative to define immediate and long-term efforts to engage the architectural profession in climate action. Currently, the Institute is establishing goals to support mitigation and adaptation using the tenets of the comprehensive and holistic COTE Top Ten framework, now known as the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Initially, AIA will focus its efforts on designing for energy, economy, and equitable communities. Additionally, the Institute will continue to encourage participation in the AIA’s 2030 Commitment and will work to develop new programs and resources that will support architects in fighting climate change.
Complete details of the report and information on AIA’s 2030 Commitment program can be found on AIA’s website.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 23, 2020
Construction Contractor Confidence plummets in February
As of February 2020, fewer than 30% of contractors expected their sales to increase over the next six months.
Market Data | Apr 23, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 23, 2020
The death of the department store and how to return to work when the time comes.
Market Data | Apr 22, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 22, 2020
Repurposed containers can be used as rapid response airborne infection isolation rooms and virtual site visits help control infection on project sites.
Market Data | Apr 21, 2020
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator down in February
Backlog for firms working in the infrastructure segment rose by 1.3 months in February while backlog for commercial and institutional and heavy industrial firms declined by 0.6 months and 0.7 months, respectively.
Market Data | Apr 21, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 21, 2020
IoT system helps contractors keep their distance and the multifamily market flattens.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 20, 2020
The continent's tallest living wall and NMHC survey shows significant delays in apartment construction.
Market Data | Apr 17, 2020
Construction employment declines in 20 states and D.C. in March, in line with industry survey showing growing job losses for the sector
New monthly job loss data foreshadows more layoffs amid project cancellations and state cutbacks in road projects as association calls for more small business relief and immediate aid for highway funding.
Market Data | Apr 17, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 17, 2020
Meet the 'AEC outsiders' pushing the industry forward and the world's largest Living Building.
Market Data | Apr 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 16, 2020
The SMPS Foundation and Building Design+Construction are studying the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the ability to attain and retain clients and conduct projects and Saks Fifth Avenue plans a sanitized post-coronavirus opening.
Market Data | Apr 15, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 15, 2020
Buildings as "open source platforms" and 3D printing finds its grove producing face shields.