What does architecture have to do with climate change? Quite a lot, actually, since the built environment is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a resource that outlines what you can do right now. In case you haven’t heard, there’s been a lot going on at AIA National around climate action in the last few years, including issuing a position statement on climate change, revising the AIA Professional Code of Ethics to include sustainability and equity, adopting a resolution for urgent climate action, making climate action one of six priorities in the AIA 2021-2025 strategic plan, and aligning the AIA Awards programs with the Framework for Design Excellence.
Our recently formed Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE) Chapter is here to help get the word out on sustainability-focused initiatives that you can get involved in as well as on resources that you can use to make your work better. Keep checking back here each month for more tidbits.
Interested in getting involved? Email Rhea George for an invitation to our next meeting on May 18, 2021.