Next week I will be
heading off to Washington, DC for the
Grassroots Convention of the
American Institute of Architects (AIA). This annual event is
attended by all incoming presidents of the individual AIA chapters
across the country. This year, the honor has been bestowed upon
me.
The purpose of this
gathering is to set the political agenda for the AIA, and to lobby for
legislation which the AIA deems worthy and necessary. I am
encouraged to see that this year’s schedule is focused on environmental
concerns. The three main topics that we will be discussing are:
|
The Clean
Water Act & Sustainable Design |
|
|
Energy
Efficiency Standards in Government Buildings |
|
|
Tax Deductions
for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings |
|
The
AIA and the US Green Building Council are also helping to sponsor a
n event entitled “
The 2010 Imperative: A Global
Emergency Teach-In” on Tuesday, February 20th.
This live web cast will
address issues of global warming and climate change.
E
dward Mazria, one of
the keynote speakers at the 2010 Imperative event, has stated that,
“Unknowingly, the architecture and the building community is
responsible for almost half of all US greenhouse gas emissions
annually.” Mr. Mazria goes on to explain that of all US
energy use, “40% of total consumption can be attributed just to
building operations.” An additional 8% comes from the production of
building materials, and the construction process itself.
As an architect, I feel
both encouraged and humbled by the events that are unfolding in my
field these days. Encouraged, because I have an opportunity to
make a difference in the world’s environment, from more than just
an esthetic view point. Humbled, because I am only one person
amongst millions. But as each of us becomes more aware of the
issues, it is incumbent upon us to act in a responsible manner,
and do what we can to make this world a decent place for us all to live
in.
I will let you know what happens in Washington.
