Introduced in 2009, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment Program, a voluntary initiative for architecture firms and other entities in the built environment to commit their practice to advancing the AIA’s goal of carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030, has produced a report assessing their work.
“There is some very encouraging data in this report that shows how architects are making measurable progress towards reducing the carbon emissions in their design projects,” said AIA Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, FAIA. “But one of the major findings from our research is that in order to maximize the energy efficiency of buildings and to realize our ultimate goal of carbon neutral buildings, energy modeling must become a standard part of the design practice.”
The key findings from a new report, 2030 Commitment 2013 Progress Report, include:
- 401 design projects are meeting the 60% carbon reduction target – a 200% increase from 2012
- 2,464 projects have been accounted for in this report – a 150% increase form 2012
- 1.6 billion gross square feet (GSF) represented in this data – a 9% increase from 2012
- 66% of total GSF using energy modeling to predict operational energy consumption – a 14% increase form 2012
- 19% average firm reduction in Lighting Power Density for interior projects – a increase of 2% from 2012
- 34% average Predicted Energy Use Intensity reduction reported by firms – a decrease of 3% from 2012
- 7% of total GSF meeting the current 60% carbon reduction target – a decrease of 7% from 2012
- 99 firms submitted reports – a 10% decrease from 2012
The decrease in firms reporting data is mainly attributed to the time and effort involved in tracking and entering project data. To address that situation, the AIA has partnered with the Department of Energy to create the 2030 Design Data Exchange to provide a more user friendly interface and allow firms to anonymously research how their projects are predicted to perform compared to similar projects in the AIA 2030 Commitment portfolio. This new reporting tool will be made available in late December 2014 or early January 2015.
For a preview of the functionality of the 2030 Design Data Exchange, click here.
Related Stories
| Feb 17, 2012
MacInnis joins Gilbane board of directors
MacInnis is the chairman and recently retired CEO of Connecticut-based EMCOR Group, Inc.
| Feb 16, 2012
Gain greater agility and profitability with ArchiCAD BIM software
White paper was written with the sole purpose of providing accurate, reliable information about critical issues related to BIM and what ArchiCAD with advanced technology such as the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server provide as an answer to address these issues.
| Feb 16, 2012
TLC Engineering for Architecture opens Chattanooga office
TLC Engineering for Architecture provides mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, fire protection, communication, technology, LEED, commissioning and energy auditing services.
| Feb 16, 2012
Summit Design + Build begins build-out for Emmi Solutions in Chicago
The new headquarters will total 20,455 sq. ft. and feature a loft-style space with exposed masonry and mechanical systems, 15 foot clear ceilings, two large rooftop skylights and private offices with full glass partition walls.
| Feb 16, 2012
Highland named president of McCarthy Building Companies’ California region
Highland moved into this new role in January 2012 following a six-month transition period with Carter Chappell, the company’s former president, California region.
| Feb 16, 2012
Big-box retailers not just for DIYers
Nearly half of all contractor purchases made from stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
| Feb 16, 2012
4.8-megawatt solar power system completed at Jersey Gardens Mall
Solar array among the largest rooftop systems in North America.
| Feb 15, 2012
Fourth-generation Ryan to lead Ryan Companies AE team
Ryan leads a team of eight architects, four civil engineers, two landscape architects and two virtual building specialists in their efforts to realize their customer’s vision and needs through Ryan’s integrated project delivery system.
| Feb 15, 2012
NAHB sees gradual improvement in multifamily sales for boomers
However, since the conditions of the current overall housing market are limiting their ability to sell their existing homes, this market is not recovering as quickly as might have been expected.
| Feb 15, 2012
Skanska secures $87M contract for subway project
The construction value of the project is $261.9 M. Skanska will include its full share, $87 M, in the bookings for Skanska USA Civil for the first quarter 2012.
