Make Sustainable Design the Standard,
Not the Exception
Why Architects?
Architects influence sustainable building outcomes from the earliest stages of a project, using design strategies that reduce environmental impacts while enhancing building performance, occupant well-being, and resilience. Their decisions help establish the framework for achieving sustainability goals throughout a building’s lifecycle.
We have differentiated here between commercial and residential architecture to reflect the unique requirements and opportunities of each.
Actions – Commercial
Sign on to join the AIA 2030 Commitment, an actionable climate strategy that provides a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment
Advise Clients and Owners on the benefits of resilient design features – owners respond to the idea of protecting their investment, allowing building resilience to be a path to achieve sustainability goals.
Design for passive survivability—careful considerations on how a building is sited; use of natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass strategies.
Select building materials and systems designed for longevity, low maintenance, and ability to withstand extreme conditions, e.g. materials that can dry out quickly in case of a flood.
Decrease building program square footage by incorporating shared, multi-function use spaces which can flexibly adapt to changing uses or future technologies. Utilize construction cost savings for multi-function use spaces to offset costs for higher efficiency building envelope improvements, enhanced HVAC equipment and control systems, etc.
Engage performance-based energy modeling services early in the project to influence and advise on efficient design solutions.
Stand Out Strategies – Commercial
Integrate ground source / geothermal and renewable energy systems (solar PV, battery storage, etc) into building design or other alternative renewable power generating systems. Explore financing opportunities for public-private partnerships between institutions, utilities, and private entities to develop mixed ownership microgrid projects.
Perform building materials life cycle analysis and track embodied carbon from material extraction through eventual building demolition.
Design to meet net zero energy standards, net zero-ready, or solar-ready buildings.
Actions – Residential
Design for passive performance:
Incorporate shade coverings with roof overhangs, trees, or screens.
Cross-ventilate rooms by aligning operable windows on opposite sides of the house.
Improve building envelopes:
Detail continuous air barriers, sealed penetrations, envelope sealing, and weather stripping to maximize building envelope efficiency.
Choose cellulose insulation (low-embodied-carbon) or mineral wool and avoid foam-based insulation.
Stand Out Strategies – Residential
Install impact resistant roofing to protect against damage during extreme weather like hail.
Design homes to be solar-ready or net zero-ready.
Integrate renewable energy systems (solar PV, battery storage, ground source).
Check out our other Calls to Action.
