AIA report highlights upsurge in design projects, gross square footage and net zero energy projects being represented

Washington, DC – October 22, 2015 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has produced a report assessing the work of firms that are part of the AIA 2030 Commitment, a voluntary initiative to commit their practice to advancing the AIA’s goal of carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. 

“This is a significant step in the right direction that showcases the strides being made by the design and construction community to reduce the energy consumption of buildings,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, FAIA. “But we are still a long way from achieving our ultimate goal of carbon neutrality.  We hope that the progress outlined in this report can generate greater urgency to meet or exceed the outlined carbon reduction targets by architects and their clients.” 

The key findings from the AIA 2030 2014 Progress Report include:

• 140 firms submitted reports – a 41% increase from 2013
• 2.4 billion gross square feet (GSF) represented in this data – a 50% increase
• 4,354  projects have been accounted for in this report – a 78% increase
• 413 design projects are meeting the 60% carbon reduction target – a 3% increase
• 197 net zero energy projects – a 270% increase
• 22% average firm reduction in Lighting Power Density for interior projects – a increase of 3%
• 34% average Predicted Energy Use Intensity reduction reported by firms – a decrease of 3%
• 11% of total GSF meeting the current 60% carbon reduction target – an increase of 4%
• 53% of total GSF using energy modeling to predict operational energy consumption – a 13% decrease

In order to make data reporting easier the AIA partnered with the Department of Energy to create the  AIA 2030 Design Data Exchange (DDx), an online monitoring, reporting and research tool for architecture firms.  See user feedback and access the tool here. 

The AIA has also partnered with Architecture 2030 and AIA Seattle to launch an educational program aimed at providing AIA members and other design professionals with the high-performance building knowledge necessary to meet the 2030 Challenge targets. 

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The 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. Visit www.aia.org.

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