Open Letter from the AIA Committee on the Environment

Thank you COTE, Thank you Mary Ann. I'm sharing this on all platforms. Hope you reach your goal.

9 years ago Featured

As clients request the most economical buildings from us, and we are forced to deliver them, it is encumbent on local governments to adopt standards so we have some ground to stand on. Too often, ethical action is seen as extravagance.

In a world with dwindling natural resources, it is incumbent upon the architectural profession to do what it can to encourage energy efficient design and strategies that align with the AIA 2030 Commitment.

The effects of not continuing to move sustainable and ecologically based design forward has effects on a geologic timescale and we cannot move backwards anymore.

Let's all keep working together to meet the 2030 challenge. www.nneaiacote.org

It will require the commitment of each individual to ensure climate sensitive design and advocate for advancement of energy codes to reach the 2030 Challenge.

I fully endorse the ideas presented on this petition.

Protecting the environment is our number one responsibility as architects

Don't treat it like a normal situation—this is NOT normal!

Working with empathy and compassion for a better future

Well said. Thank you COTE.

I wholeheartedly agree with the premise and purpose of this letter/petition. While the scope covers many issues - I find even those Architects that agree with the position of this paper often ignore the responsibility of assuring hazardous materials are properly handled on renovation, demolition and new construction projects. I have written a white paper on this subject (http://www.aiacc.org/2016/05/16/architects-and-design-professionals-hidden-liability-hazardous-materials-in-construction/) which discusses this specific issue and is published on the AIA's California Council's website.

Supporting and doubling down on commitment to these principles. Time is short.

Yes

"Absolute"

I can't believe that in 2016 - in spite of all of the indisputable scientific evidence and recent progress by COTE and our profession - we actually still need to write this letter. But it appears that we now need to double down on our efforts to address the very real challenges that have been before us for years - challenges that were made even more urgent with the events of the past week that threaten to undo much of that progress. Count me in.

Agreed

Thank you for writing this timely letter and so accurately expressing the concerns and values of our profession.

The research is clear, the built environment has an enormous impact on environmental and human health. We must double down on our efforts, and work with the Trump administration, to demand inclusive and regenerative (and not divisive and destructive) infrastructure for all.

I am in complete agreement with this letter.