Open Letter from the AIA Committee on the Environment

Environment , Ecology, Sustainability, Social justice and Equity are integrally connected. As architects we are called to understand the multiple impacts of our work.

Sustainable design and development is our most important obligation.

Human environments and natural environments ultimately must become one integral system. A Rational premise recognizes that, as human beings, we are innately connected and dependent upon the earth for existence and it is without question that our actions should be aligned to maintain this relationship. Actions to the contrary are fundamentally unethical and self destructive. Regardless of ones position or ethical stance, a practical approach supports this premise by recognizing untapped economic potential in developing new technologies and improvements in developing human habitats compatible with environmental processes. The future is now and constantly moving forward; maintaining the status quo is stagnation.

We've all been working hard for the environment and that won't stop now. Instead, we'll be more diligent and more insistent on our principles. Lets do this!

Professionally, the best thing that ever happened to me was to become engaged with the initial Committee on the Environment in the early 90s. Although I have retired from practice, I continue to follow with real interest (and pride!) the ongoing efforts of COTE. AIA's Committee on the Environment continues to show real leadership in the profession. In so doing, they are definitely making the world a better place! For this, I remain sincerely grateful!

We have to be vigilant in directing our profession to lead communities and individuals to design the healthiest and best performing projects.

Good letter! Thanks!

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Bravo well said!

This is a perfect project for the AIA to undertake. It could not come at a more critical time. Robert S. Walker

We need bi-partisan support and discussion around this initiative and the AIA's support on this issue to make sure it is not dismissed by conservatives o

We can improve our environment through smart building of our infrastructure and built environment. We owe this to future generations.

9 years ago Featured

It is worth noting that in creating healthier buildings and healthier communities, there is a real and significant savings to be had for all of us, both in quality of life and financially. So, not only is it the proper thing to do, it just makes good economic sense.

Political parties aside, the science is clear. Since buildings existing in the physical world we need to design with physical constraints in mind. As we've seen with LEED, these constraints can be positives for owner/user value, and need not be assumed to be negative restraints.

Lets stay green!

It is indeed time we make our profession heard and drown out the climate deniers rhetoric with examples of real world projects that are making a difference. I am late in my career but I want a better and healthier world for my grandchildren.

"It's been a long time comin' " just to get to this point – more than 4 decades(!!) after Earth Day et al. But now sustainable built environment awareness, thinking and solutions are at the crest of a tidal wave of change for a far more livable world – but ONLY IF WE WORK FAST ENOUGH.

I'm glad this committee exists, we are the body of AIA who believe in responsible built environment and the officers of AIA should not be speaking for us.

I wish you had said more about the need to keep the Paris Accord moving forward, and that this is not the time to infuse the government with climate change deniers.

the future is now.....no stalling out or stepping back