Organization Wants Architects to Be Sustainability Leaders

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) hopes to open doors for architects by prioritizing energy, materials, human health, and resilience.

Cradle-to-gate life cycle impacts of PLC and OPC

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is set to implement the recommendations of a recently published report that aims to position architects as leaders in emerging sustainability trends. The Sustainable Leadership Opportunity Scan, written by Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, outlines steps for AIA through 2016 that it argues will unlock opportunities for architects in the areas of energy, material selection, human health, and resilience.

After conducting surveys and interviews with more than 40 different building-related organizations, Lazarus identified AIA’s 2030 energy goals and the ability to make material selections based on life-cycle criteria as two core issues for architects. She also notes designing for improved health and resilience as two emerging issues.

To better align AIA resources to support these areas of focus, the report recommends developing a database to increase reporting on progress toward AIA’s 2030 net-zero goals and creating an educational curriculum focused on material content. To address emerging issues, the report suggests hosting resilience trainings and expanding the Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK), an archive of peer-reviewed papers and case studies on building design and performance.

The AIA board validated the report’s recommendations prior to its release and has agreed to move forward with implementation, subject to budget approvals.