Architects and engineers participating in the AIA’s 2030 Commitment are reporting the greatest reduction in predicted energy use (pEUI) in the program’s 10-year history.
“This year marks a critical inflection point for the program and climate action,” said 2020 AIA President Jane Frederick, FAIA. “This report outlines a vision for the coming years, which is anchored in community advocacy, adoption of on-site and off-site renewable energy sources, and increased attention to embodied carbon.”
The report—2030 by the Numbers: The 2019 Summary of the AIA 2030 Commitment—amalgamates predicted energy use data in buildings from 311 companies participating in the 2030 Commitment and analyzes design phase data from more than 20,300 projects. Architects, engineers, and building owners involved in the projects achieved a 49 percent overall pEUI reduction. The reduction is equivalent to avoiding 20.2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Other notable data included in the report:
- 241 whole building projects designed to be net-zero energy.
- 69 percent increase in firms meeting the 70 percent pEUI reduction since 2018.
- 27 large and small companies met 2030 Commitment targets.
As participants continue to improve reducing carbon emissions, AIA is upgrading its Design Data Exchange (DDx) platform to streamline the project reporting process and to improve user experience. The new platform will support optional data points—including embodied carbon and off-site renewables—that will deliver expanded insights into building performance.
AIA is also continuing its efforts to drive climate action in the built environment following its landmark initiative last year. Earlier this year, AIA released its Climate Action Plan and Architect’s Policy Platform, which outline AIA’s goals for carbon reduction and climate action policy initiatives respectively.
Complete details of the AIA 2030 Commitment program can be found on AIA’s website.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2023
California’s new power grid modernization plan furthers ambitious climate goals
California’s new $7.3 billion grid modernization plan is a crucial step in furthering its ambitious climate goals. The board of governors for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the state’s grid operator, recently approved a strategy to build thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 6, 2023
Minnesota expected to adopt building code that would cut energy use by 80%
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to soon sign a bill that would change the state’s commercial building code so that new structures would use 80% less energy when compared to a 2004 baseline standard. The legislation aims for full implementation of the new code by 2036.
Headquarters | May 9, 2023
New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus
A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.
Sustainability | Apr 10, 2023
4 ways designers can help chief heat officers reduce climate change risks
Eric Corey Freed, Director of Sustainability, CannonDesign, shares how established designers and recently-emerged chief heat officers (CHO) can collaborate on solutions for alleviating climate change risks.
Energy Efficiency | Apr 7, 2023
Department of Energy makes $1 billion available for states, local governments to upgrade building codes
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering funding to help state and local governments upgrade their building codes to boost energy efficiency. The funding will support improved building codes that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to DOE.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Energy | Mar 20, 2023
Battery energy storage market predictions are trickier than ever
Burns & McDonnell breaks down the state of battery energy storage today, from pricing concerns to alternative solutions.
Affordable Housing | Feb 22, 2023
Passive House, sustainability standards meet multifamily development
These multifamily developments are not only Passive House (PHIUS) certified, but affordable for tenants.
Sustainability | Feb 9, 2023
University of Southern California's sustainability guidelines emphasize embodied carbon
A Buro Happold-led team recently completed work on the USC Sustainable Design & Construction Guidelines for the University of Southern California. The document sets out sustainable strategies for the design and construction of new buildings, renovations, and asset renewal projects.
Sustainability | Feb 8, 2023
A wind energy system—without the blades—can be placed on commercial building rooftops
Aeromine Technologies’ bladeless system captures and amplifies a building’s airflow like airfoils on a race car.