BE’s 2030 Commitment
Story:
Though it may be fun to play in the historic snowfalls in our area, theres no denying the unusual swings in temperature both hot and cold as well as extreme weather phenomenon including snowstorms, polar vortexes, El Derechos, and hurricanes, are a signal of the neglect and abuse our planet has suffered due to the increasing amount of carbon emissions released since the Industrial Revolution. As architects, engineers, and designers, we have the power to minimize the damage done to our environment and make strides to negate previous damage to create a healthier world for us all. While Bailey Edward has always designed with the environment in mind, we are making our first formal steps to engage in AIAs 2030 commitment.
The primary goal of the AIA 2030 Commitment is to reduce carbon emissions by making net-zero designs, those that create the same amount of energy that is used, for buildings, developments, and major renovations a possibility for all projects. Not only do net-zero buildings contribute to a cleaner environment by minimizing their carbon impact and even negating previous damage done through the implementation of materials or devices that can sequester carbon such as wood or scrubbers, but these buildings also choose smarter energy sources which help keep the air clean and money in the building users pocket.
One challenge to designers is that codes and guidelines regulating sustainability differ for every state, city, client, firm, and project. For this reason, the AIA has created the Design Data Exchange so that all who participate may have a better understanding of where the industry stands in the fight against global climate change. At the end of March, Bailey Edward, as well as firms all around the country, will submit sustainability information of ongoing and past projects to the Design Data Exchange. Once this data is collected and analyzed, we will also be able to tell where we as a firm stand against others and how we can improve to design for a cleaner environment.
While Bailey Edward has always been conscious of the environment in our design, we look forward to having better benchmarks to guide our design efforts on the way to improving our projects, the building industry, and the environment.