Across the country, AIA COTE state and local chapters are driving meaningful climate action through advocacy, public education, and community-centered engagement—advancing local resilience and sustainability. This spotlight series showcases specific initiatives designed to inspire and empower COTE groups nationwide to take action and lead climate solutions in their own communities.
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In Oklahoma, where the state’s energy code had not been updated in over a decade, members of AIA Central Oklahoma’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) saw an opportunity to push for the adoption of a more modern and efficient version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), to better align with the state’s upcoming adoption of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).
At the heart of this effort was a proactive move that led to a key appointment: an AIA COTE member was selected to serve on the Governor’s Uniform Building Code Commission Technical Advisory Sub-Committee, placing an environmental advocate in a position to influence statewide energy code policy. Notably, she was the only architect on the committee, serving alongside representatives from the building trades, general contractors, and engineers.
The stakes were high. Oklahoma had been operating under the 2006 IECC, a long-outdated code that lagged behind current efficiency standards. Maintaining it came at significant cost to consumers and the building industry, from lost energy savings to missed opportunities for healthier, higher-performing buildings.
After months of collaboration and technical analysis, the sub-committee successfully voted to recommend adoption of the 2018 IECC. It was a meaningful moment for the team, but the victory was short-lived. The Governor ultimately struck the recommendation, leaving Oklahoma locked in the 2006 IECC, even as it moved forward with the 2018 IBC. The reversal was disheartening, but not the end.
Despite the state-level setback, the sub-committee remains active and engaged, ready for the next code review cycle. In the meantime, municipalities across Oklahoma are stepping up, using their authority to adopt more current energy codes independently. This local action strategy, one jurisdiction at a time, is where advocacy continues to gain ground.
Additionally, this engagement inspired deeper involvement in the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission: another COTE member was appointed to the Commission, deepening COTEs engagement and influence in state level code decision-making.
“We believe architects have a vital role to play in shaping a more sustainable, resilient environment and one way we can do that is with an active engagement in local advocacy efforts. Our COTE committee’s work with the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission to advocate for energy code adoption is an example of how architects can work to drive meaningful change.”
Melissa Hunt, Director, AIA Central Oklahoma Chapter
For those looking to make similar progress in their states, the lesson is clear: stay engaged with your state and regional AIA advocacy groups, collaborate with other entities whose missions intersect with COTE, and seek out opportunities to advance policy and code in your jurisdiction.
To learn more, contact Lee Fithian (leefithian@ou.edu) or Michael Hoffner (michael@hoffnerdesignstudio.com).
Acknowledgments
This effort was made possible thanks to the support and leadership of AIA Central Oklahoma Chapter Director Melissa Hunt; the teams at AIA Oklahoma, AIA Eastern Oklahoma, and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments; and advocacy partners, including committee chair Kelly Parker of Guaranteed Watt Saver.