AIA Virginia Affirms Commitment to Principles of Paris Climate Agreement

Posted on by cguske

Though the administration announced that the United States will withdraw from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement, AIA Virginia recognizes that the creation and operation of the built environment requires an investment of the earth’s resources — and that many planning, design, construction, and real estate practices can contribute to patterns of resource consumption that will inhibit the sustainable future of the Earth.  The agreement, signed in late 2015 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commits the international community to fighting harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

At the June 16, 2017, Board of Director’s meeting, AIA Virginia reaffirmed its support for policies, programs, and incentives that encourage energy conservation in the built environment. “AIA Virginia is committed to advocating for resource-efficient building practices and to fostering a more sustainable built environment by helping architects gain the necessary skills and expertise to design better buildings,” said 2017 AIA Virginia President Bill Brown.

“We’re going to continue our work to raise public awareness about the role that buildings can play in combating climate change because we believe that architects can help their clients and communities build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous world,” continued Brown.

To see how you can get involved, click here.

AIA Opposes Withdrawal from Climate Agreement; Suggest Next Steps for Architects

Posted on by cguske

On June 1, the American Institute of Architects reaffirmed its commitment to climate change mitigation and announced it was opposing the Administration’s decision to withdraw the United States as a signatory to the Paris Agreement. That accord, signed in late 2015 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commits the international community to fighting harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

“The AIA will not retreat from its long-established efforts to conserve energy and to deploy renewable resources in buildings,” said AIA President Thomas Vonier, FAIA. “We will continue to lead in efforts to curb the use of fuels and technologies that needlessly pollute our atmosphere and harm our environment. This makes good sense economically, and it is in the best interests of those we serve: our clients and the public.”

The AIA has long been committed to fostering a more sustainable and resilient built environment by helping architects gain the skills and knowledge to design better buildings; advocate for policies that promote sustainability; and raise public awareness about the role of buildings in combating climate change. (Read all the ways you can help address climate change here.)

What can you do to help design a more sustainable built environment and speak up for good design? Here are four easy steps:

  1. Send a letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your support for sustainable design.
  2. Sign on to the 2030 Commitment program to eliminate carbon emissions from your projects by the year 2030.
  3. Join the AIA Legislative Action Network, to help advocate for policies that foster a more sustainable built environment.
  4. Learn more about incorporating energy conservation and resilience into design via the AIA’s climate change resource page.

Together, architects can help their clients and communities build a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous world.

6/15/17 Update: AIA Virginia Affirms Commitment to Principles of Paris Climate Agreement.