In August 2021, AIA California formally declared a climate emergency, acknowledging the severity of the climate crisis we are all seeing unfold before us. The declaration recognizes that impacts from drought, flooding, wildfires, heat waves, and biodiversity loss in California come as a result of human activities and it is on all of us to take action to protect our environment. Since then, the AIA has continued to expand its call to action and provide resources specific to our industry.
They remind us that building construction and operation is responsible for 40% of the global greenhouse gas emissions that are a major contributor to climate changes. The declaration issues a call to action for all California architects, allied design professionals, construction industry leaders, and state and local government leaders to accelerate de-carbonization of the built environment.
Specifically, they urge members to:
· Increase zero carbon design, aligning with California’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035.
· Recognize climate justice as a right, that communities of color are more vulnerable to impacts from climate change, and it is our responsibility to work toward affordable and healthy housing for everyone.
· Change building codes to accelerate transformation, for example the local San Luis Obispo Green Building Ordinance and Santa Barbara’s All-Electric reach code are steps in the right direction.
· Design for resilience by knowing what risks there are for each project location and incorporating that into the design. Is it high fire risk? Vulnerable to sea level rise? At risk for flooding? How can we design to mitigate those risks?
· Understand that California is a leader in global economy and innovation, and that local actions can have a large scale influence.
· Work with urgency. As AIA put it, “the time for debate is over.” We are already seeing impacts from climate change and we need to act now to build resilience.
AIA California has also committed itself to an extensive list of actions including actively supporting statewide carbon neutrality by 2035, advocating for electrification of all new residential and commercial buildings, and promoting the need for affordable, healthy, zero-carbon housing for everyone. You can read the full climate emergency declaration here.
Additional resources can be found on AIA’s Climate Action website such as their Climate Action Resource Library with webinars and case studies, and a Framework for Design Excellence, which has more resources on best practices.