Looking for a way to really move the needle on green materials? Check out the Materials Pledge, an initiative being driven by A&E professionals to support human health, social health + equity, ecosystem health, climate health and a circular economy. AIA National has set up a great series of resources that explain how materials affect our lives through these lenses. Other resources include the AIA white paper Materials Transparency: Exploring Opportunities and Risks, and the Healthier Materials Protocol, which provides clear, practical methods and tools for setting healthier material goal and criteria definitions, product selection, tracking and specification, no matter the size and scope of the project. There are even helpful case studies. So what are you waiting for?
The COTE Corner
Want to integrate renewable energy into your next project but don’t know where to start? The Architect’s Primer on Renewable Energy, published Spring 2021, has just what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a clear summary of the benefits of renewable energy, an overview of different renewable technologies, an analysis of potential applications and storage options, or a summary of options for financing, this primer has you covered. Resources include guidance for choosing the right solution for your specific project and what to do when on-site renewable energy isn’t an option. The Architect’s Primer on Renewable Energy will help you see just how easy and affordable it is to make your project renewably powered.
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.
The COTE Corner
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.
Interested in COTE?
A group of Virginia members are reinvigorating Virginia’s Committee on the Environment (COTE). If you’re interested in serving on a steering committee that will help envision and plan programming, let us know.
The mission of the COTE is to serve as the community and voice of AIA members regarding sustainable design.
National Awards Deadlines Pending
The 16th annual AIA/COTE Top Ten Awards is one of the best known sustainable design recognition programs in the nation. The program recognizes projects that address environmental challenges through design that seamlessly integrates architecture, technology, and natural systems. The deadline is Jan. 23. For more details, check out the COTE Top Ten Website.
Several other AIA Knowledge Communities have award deadlines coming up as well.
Jan. 17, 2012: Building Information Modeling Awards
Jan. 20, 2012: Educational Facility Design Awards
Jan. 23, 2012: Top Ten Green Projects
Feb. 3, 2012: Small Project Awards
March 12, 2012: Justice Facilities Review