Program supports path to designing carbon-neutral buildings by 2030.

WASHINGTON – June 20, 2018 – Engineers can now join architects in signing up for The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment to measure progress towards reducing energy and carbon in the design of buildings.

The program provides a framework of energy targets, metrics and a comprehensive data tool that allows signatories to the commitment to track progress towards net zero carbon by 2030. Currently there are 522 firms signed onto the 2030 Commitment. Last year, the program had 21 percent more firms actively engaged in the program and sharing annual data.

By committing and participating in the program, firms directly support the AIA’s position that architects can—and should—mitigate the effects of climate change through policy advocacy, education, and energy modeling.

“Progress towards our 2030 goals will be more efficient by developing shared targets early and across the design team,” said 2030 Working Group Co-Chair Nate Kipnis, FAIA. “Architects want to work with engineers that are working towards these shared goals through the 2030 Commitment’s tools and framework. We look forward to working with engineers to meet these challenging and important goals.”

The AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 (A’18) taking place June 21-23 in New York, will feature five sessions devoted to educating architects on how and why their participation in the 2030 Commitment is vital to the future of the built environment. Sessions include:

The AIA will host a reception at A’18 to celebrate the value of the 2030 Commitment, the importance of collaboration with engineers and allied organizations, and the need for broad adoption of strong energy codes. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) president Bjarne W. Olesen, Ph.D will be a special guest speaker at the event.

“ASHRAE members remain committed to developing new standards through research and facilitating the use of new technologies through training,” said Olesen. “We value the partnerships established through the 2030 Commitment and look forward to continuing our work to advance human well-being through sustainable technology.”

2030 Commitment goals are also supported by Autodesk, which funded the AIA+2030 educational series and improved connections between the Design Data Exchange (DDx) and energy modeling tools such as Autodesk Insight for Revit. Autodesk has dedicated additional funding to the program in an effort to continue its expansion and to make it even easier to integrate energy modeling data with the DDx. “Autodesk is extremely pleased that engineers can now participate in the 2030 Commitment with architects to work collaboratively towards carbon-neutral goals,” said Autodesk MEP and Building Performance Analysis Senior Product Line Manager Ian Molloy. “Meeting the Commitment, using energy analysis tools such as Autodesk Insight, and leveraging the DDx to report on progress, represents clear practical action that architects and engineers can take as part of a collaborative and integrated Building Information Modeling process to deliver top performing buildings.”

Architects, engineers, and firm leaders interested in participating in the 2030 Commitment can learn more on AIA’s website.

About AIA
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.