Tuesday, 5 May 2009 | Levent OZLER

AIA Introduces 2030 Commitment Program for Architecture Firms

to Develop Action Plans to Reach Goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2030

The American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for AIA member firms and other entities in the built environment that asks these organizations to make a pledge, develop multi-year action plans, and implement steps that can advance AIA's goal of carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. Architects are confronting the fact the buildings are the largest single contributor to the production of greenhouse gases and almost half of the total annual production.

"Because of their leadership role in the built environment, architects are in an ideal position to alter the construction industry's actions," said AIA Executive Vice President / CEO, Christine McEntee. "In order to reach our goal of carbon neutral buildings by 2030, there is a crucial need for design experts to apply their experience, innovations and talents to current practices that will lead to significant reductions in the use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources, and waste production. To promote the regeneration of natural resources will require a multiple-year effort and we strongly encourage architecture firms nationwide to join us in this endeavor."

Participating firms commit to the following steps in recognition of the AIA 2030 Commitment:

1. Within two months of the commitment date, establish a team or leader to guide the development and implementation of the firm's plan.

2. Within six months of signing the commitment, the firm will implement a minimum of four operational action items from the list provided. These actions will be undertaken while the long-term sustainability plan is in development.

3. Within one year of signing the commitment, the firm will develop a sustainability action plan that will demonstrate success toward the AIA's 2030 goals.

4. Make the sustainability action plan and annual progress reports available publicly by providing them to the AIA for posting on the website and subsequent dissemination.

Firms that have already committed to participating include: ADD, Inc., Cannon Design, CBT Architects, Cooper Carry, Inc., DLR Group, Ellerbe Becket, EwingCole, Gensler, Gould Evans Affiliates, PC, Gresham Smith and Partners, Harley Ellis Devereaux, HKS, Inc., HOK, Kevin Harris Architect, LLC, Lionakis, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Marilys R. Nepomechie Architect, Meyer, Scherer, and Rockcastle, Ltd, NBBJ, OWP/P, Perkins + Will, PSA-Dewberry Inc., RTKL, SHW Group, Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, The Miller | Hull Partnership, TRO Jung | Brannen, WATG, WHR Architects, Inc., and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP.