How AIA is tackling climate change

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["strong"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/resources\/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/pages\/6351155-materials-pledge","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/resources\/6676-aia-2030-commitment-by-the-numbers","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.markey.senate.gov\/news\/press-releases\/sen-markey-rep-bowman-unveil-green-new-deal-for-public-schools","target","_blank"]],["em"],["a",["href","https:\/\/carbonleadershipforum.org\/announcing-the-embodied-carbon-harmonization-and-optimization-echo-project\/","target","_blank"]]],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Directly addressing the dangers of climate change is among AIA\u2019s top priorities. While work is ongoing, AIA has made headway recently with several crucial updates in the climate change sphere."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Zero-emission buildings"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Last week, the White House announced its definition on what amounts to a \u201czero-emission\u201d building, hoping to establish a national standard to curb climate change. AIA is committed to its continued support of the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s efforts to aggressively drive zero emissions goals for buildings."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The announcement reflects a long-standing commitment of AIA to engage its full membership, clients, communities, policymakers at all levels of government, professional organizations, and the public to achieve actionable climate strategy and meet aggressive climate goals."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Concurrently, AIA representatives attended the U.S. Green Building Council\u2019s (USGBC) Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, where White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi mentioned AIA by name and explicitly called out architects as a key to success in mobilizing impact in achieving zero emissions."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Also at Greenbuild, AIA EVP\/CEO Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, was a presenter during the \u201cIndustry Leaders Commitment to Decarbonization is Prerequisite for Greener Buildings and Communities,\u201d roundtable, moderated by USGBC President and CEO Peter Templeton. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Woods emphasized how AIA is dedicated to promoting the architect\u2019s voice and expanding the public\u2019s understanding of the profession\u2019s ability to create a zero carbon, equitable, healthy, and resilient future through the power of design. She discussed relevant initiatives, including the "],[0,[1],1,"Framework for Design Excellence"],[0,[],0,", "],[0,[2],1,"AIA\u2019s Materials Pledge"],[0,[],0,", and the recently published "],[0,[3],1,"2030 Commitment By the Numbers Report"],[0,[],0,". "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"2030 Commitment"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AIA has published the newest edition of its annual \u0027By the Numbers\u0027 report, providing a detailed analysis of the energy performance of architecture and design firm signatories of the 2030 Commitment."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The 2030 Commitment is a global architecture and building industry initiative, aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral future. The \u0027By the Numbers\u0027 report tracks the progress and delineates the strides made by architects and designers towards this ambitious goal. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u0022We are pleased to share the latest data illustrating the industry\u0027s collective efforts towards creating a more sustainable future,\u0022 said American Institute of Architects President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA.\u0022 This year\u0027s report demonstrates the significant progress we\u0027ve made, and the challenges we still face in achieving the 2030 Commitment goals. We are eager to bring more firms onboard to the commitment and report on their progress.\u0022 "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Firms reported 707 all-electric buildings totaling 80.10 million ground square feet, a 134% increase from projects reported in 2020. There were 346 net zero energy projects reported, a 345% increase since 2018. Energy modeling saw a steady decrease over the past three years, down almost 15% from 2020, signaling the need for architects to continue to advocate to their clients the importance of energy modeling for high-performing design. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Detailed analysis from the report is available "],[0,[3],1,"here"],[0,[],0,". "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Green New Deal"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AIA, alongside Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Ranking Member Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez, unveiled the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, an ambitious, but necessary, investment in public schools focused on environmental, educational, economic and racial equity."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The legislation, which AIA has been involved in implementing from early stages, would invest $1.6 trillion over the next decade in public and Bureau of Indian Education schools to revitalize the K-12 education system, upgrade every public school building in the country, and reduce hazardous pollution."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u0022I always want public officials to understand how crucial it is that we design for a zero-carbon future. And architects, as partners for progress, can lead the way through improved design. Architects advocate for action on energy-efficient, healthy, and equitable design solutions. Our children deserve healthy and accessible learning environments where they can thrive,\u201d said Woods at the press conference introducing the legislation. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Learn much more about the legislation "],[0,[4],1,"here"],[0,[],0,". "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"ECHO Project"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Additionally, last week AIA announced its involvement in the Embodied Carbon Harmonization and Optimization (ECHO) Project. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The group has agreed to a first draft of the basic minimum requirements of a common framework for embodied carbon reporting, entitled "],[0,[5],1,"The North American Minimum Project Embodied Carbon Reporting Framework V1.0"],[0,[],0,". The document outlines these draft requirements and is now being shared with partners. ECHO hopes that public-facing resources will be published in early 2024."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Much more about the ECHO Project is available "],[0,[6],1,"here"],[0,[],0,". "]]]]}