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News | November 20, 2009

New AIA study reports "green" buildings are on the rise

Trisha Grant's photo
DC Environmental News Examiner

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reports that “green” buildings are on the rise.

The AIA fall 2009 report, “Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment”, is the fourth report in its series. Currently, buildings account for approximately 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions. It is the AIA’s goal to continually develop resources that provide policymakers and implementers with the tools to navigate a changed economic landscape while maintaining a strong emphasis on making their communities more sustainable and mitigating the harsh effects buildings yield on the environment. The report serves as an inventory of policies, recommendations and best practices intended to help policymakers advance a more sustainable legislative agenda for growth and development.

Given that Washington, DC is one of the more progressive metropolitan cities – having established the DC Green Building Act back in 2006 – the AIA report notes that the eastern region has made substantial gains in sustainability and continues to grow in this field. Forty-nine (49) cities now have policies in place, which is an increase of 75% from that of 2007.

It is interesting to note that, despite the economic downturn, “green” buildings are becoming more and more popular. The up-front costs of a green building is greater than that of a traditionally constructed building, however the green building easily recoups that cost during its lifecycle in its energy efficiency, use of daylighting and on other sustainable features. The trend might also be accredited to the U.S. Department of Energy’s $3.2 billion Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which many cities are using as an opportunity to advance their green building and sustainability efforts.
 
About the AIA
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. With nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA serves as the voice, community and resource for members through education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach activities.
 
 
Of interest: AIA’s Walk the Walk for green design
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DC Environmental News Examiner

Trisha Grant is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional. Informed of "green" initiatives through research and...

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