There are many leaders in the built-environment who can take an advocacy position in environmental preservation and physical creation. In commemoration of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects’ (VSAIA) 100th anniversary, professionals integral to the built environment have an opportunity to affirm a commitment to the environment, the economy, and the quality of life of all Virginians. This Accord is for architects, landscape architects, designers, constructors, engineers, legislators, economists, educators, mayors, ecologists, urbanists, planners, public health professionals and real estate developers. Its intent is to set forth a common commitment for the next century that encourages an environmentally sustainable built environment for the public good of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sustainability of the Commonwealth is only achievable through the confluence of principles that reinforce job creation and environmental sustainability. We cannot have a viable job centric economy with polluted air, water and devastated natural habitats. Our natural environment cannot be sustained if the population is economically disadvantaged. A balance is critical for the longevity of the quality of life in the state and the region. This requires commitment and compliance by a wide range of professionals, but none more important than those engaged in the built environment. With support from the institutions of higher education in Virginia who provide education and a knowledge base in support of multiple disciplines, Virginia can lead the world in responsible natural and constructed environments.
The following Principles make up this Virginia Accord. These five principle areas are integrally dependent and all citizens contribute to their success:
Responsible Job Creation where government officials, philanthropic leaders and private enterprise reflect a deeply caring attitude and knowledge on how to build a thriving, growing economy — one that welcomes business and entrepreneurship that protects our natural environment.
- Create in all public and private places of employment a culture of environmental awareness.
- Develop business practices that encourage entrepreneurship while supporting a living and contributing wage.
- Encourage participation in community organizations that support the health and well-being of all sectors of our society.
A Constructed Environment by architects and other building professionals who are committed to educating, planning, designing, and constructing energy efficient and environmentally sustainable structures that contribute to the well being of life, not its erosion.
- Adopt principles for rating buildings for energy and environmental design that encourage and reward owners for responsible design
- Demonstrate a commitment to urban centers
- Promote the development and use of sustainable building products and components
- Pursue design solutions that respond to their local climate and reduce CO2 emitting energy consumption.
A Commitment to Public Health that counters the negative trends in such conditions as asthma and obesity.
- Commit to reducing air pollution in all of our environments but particularly in urban centers. This is a primary threat to our children and to their aged caretakers.
- Invest in, design and construct environments that support an active and safe, environmentally healthy, walk able lifestyle.
- Design micro-urban and urban landscapes that provide opportunities for people to experience the environment from a perspective other than an automobile.
A renewed commitment to systems of mass transit that can save Virginia cities and landscapes while stimulating job growth and reducing environmental impact and energy use.
- Encourage reducing the expansion of paved surfaces and support environmentally viable alternatives of light and heavy rail for passenger and bulk goods
- Invest in infrastructure repair and support, public space design and the expansion of natural habitats
- Support public policies that advance new transit solutions
A re-commitment to responsible Land Development and Urban Infill to support our city cores as viable centers of energy that combine mixed-use opportunities for working, living and playing.
- Encourage the development of new commercial, office and institutional cores where people live
- Reduce green field development and encourage brownfield restoration
- Encourage onsite storm water retention through porous paving and other related design techniques
- Develop greenways that link the realms where people live with their work and commercial areas to encourage non-motorized transit and healthy modes of movement.
add your name to the list of supporters of the Virginia Accord.