A recent American Institute of Architects (”AIA”) study highlights the national trend toward green building programs since 2007. According to an AIA survery,more than one in five U.S. cities (with populations of more than 50,000) report having programs in place that promote green building. This number represents a 50% increase in municipal green building programs over the last two years. The Western and Mountain regions lead the nation in the number of green building programs per state. Given the size of the cities with green building programs,the impact of these sustainability programs reach about 53 million people.
To find out more about these sustainability and green building initiatives throughout the nation,see the AIA’s new report,Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment, which also contains policies and recommendations to assist policymakers in advancing sustainability and green building. You’ll also find case studies that highlight the green building programs in several cities,including Boston,Philadelphia,LA and Grand Rapids.
In light of the economic downturn during the last two years,AIA Executive Vice President / CEO,Christine McEntee,finds the results of the AIA’s survey encouraging and a sign “that cities are recognizing the economic benefits of energy-efficient buildings.” The AIA is a prominent adopter of the 2030 Challenge and has committed to a goal of carbon neutral (zero energy) buildings by 2030,in addition to its goal that “all design projects will be sustainable as a matter of course.”
Populus is a full service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance,net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects. Populus guides architects and builders through the requirements of mandatory green building codes and optional green home certification programs,providing HERS rating,LEED for Homes Green Rater services and municipal energy code consulting. In addition,Populus offers an Energy Code Workshop for architects and municipalities,as well as LEED for Homes training. Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.
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