According to the IPCC synthesis report, it is projected that rapidly rising disaster risk is
projected to reach 560 events a year – or 1.5 disasters a day – by 2030. That is why we must
build capacity across all sectors, among our members, in all our components, here in the US
and in the 100 countries where AIA is active. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as the American
Institute of Architects, to open a pathway for members to take climate action in all of its
forms. CCADE has advanced the review and revisions to the framework for design excellence
over this past month. Input solicited from our community of leaders, knowledge communities
and our committee coalesced into recommendations to the AIA National board. The changes to
the framework were subsequently approved the as part of the May board meeting. The revised
framework moves to bring into greater balance adaptation, mitigation and equity.
The framework is geared to have greater access and allow for members to see themselves in
climate action across a spectrum of elements. Thank you to all who advanced this effort.
Please see the Framework for Design Excellence link here.
As you may know, over the last two years the AIA has been engaged with the COP26 and 27
process. The Conference of Parties (COP) gathers global leadership to set goals and targets for
climate action. In this very short time the AIA has made many inroads to the event and formed
meaningful partnerships.
One such important partnership is with the Global ABCs - the Global
Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) The AIA is now a member, committed to
advance common goals for a sustainable and resilient planet. Of note, the GlobalABC has over
280 members and was established at COP21 (2015) to serve as a platform for all voices in the
buildings and construction sector committed to a resilient, zero-emissions industry. As part of
our work together a survey, Evaluation of Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation, aimed at
the AEC industry to quantify resilient actions taken to date, has been circulated to our
membership. The overall findings will be presented at COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate
Change Conference. This information will help understand what actions have been taken across
the industry, ultimately leading to take further, global steps, to better adapt to and address
climate change. It is envisioned that the report outcomes will assist in protecting the built
environment, advanced improve land-use planning, and increase emergency preparedness
capacities.