This Earth Day, we’re proud to spotlight a selection of educational and advocacy initiatives from COTE groups at AIA state and local chapters that are making a tangible difference in their regions—proving that climate leadership starts at the local level. Architects and designers across the country are stepping up through their local networks—driving real change where it matters most: in their communities.
The AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Network is a powerful force for environmental stewardship in architecture, with more than 60 local and state groups mobilizing around sustainable design, community resilience, and climate action.
Educational Leadership
In 2024, COTE groups across the country advanced climate literacy and sustainable design practice through robust educational programming:
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AIA Los Angeles COTE held its 7th annual 1.5°C Symposium on Climate Change, focusing on the critical issue of embodied carbon. The event explored both the urgency and practical strategies for reducing carbon in the built environment.
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AIA Philadelphia COTE launched a Low Carbon Assemblies workshop series, blending speaker events and a public exhibit to raise awareness and inspire action around low-carbon materials and assemblies.
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AIA Westchester Hudson Valley COTE hosted a symposium centered on adapting architectural practice to climate realities, featuring talks on community-based participatory design, building science, and climate resilience.
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AIA Asheville COTE celebrated its 10th Annual Climate Symposium, partnering with the Aspire Conference to deliver programming that connects regional priorities with broader climate action.
These events reflect how local COTE groups are equipping professionals—and communities—with the knowledge and tools needed to lead in the climate era.
Local Advocacy
In 2024, COTE groups championed advocacy efforts that shaped climate-conscious policy and code across multiple regions—proving the power of architects to influence systemic change:
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AIA New Orleans COTE contributed to a technical working group supporting a benchmarking ordinance and building performance standards for commercial and multi-family buildings—paving the way for healthier spaces, lower energy costs, and green job growth.
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AIA Central Oklahoma COTE engaged directly with the State Code Commission to advocate for energy code upgrades, pushing for stronger efficiency standards at the state level.
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AIA California COTE strengthened partnerships with state agencies and organizations to drive policy on building decarbonization, embodied carbon, adaptive reuse, and water conservation, with a focus on upcoming code cycles and local implementation.
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AIA Seattle COTE successfully led a “Vote No” campaign, mobilizing voters to reject a ballot initiative that would have undermined Washington’s nation-leading environmental and decarbonization policies.
These advocacy efforts highlight how local groups are shaping the policy landscape—from city halls to state capitols—to support a low-carbon, equitable future.
The examples shared are a small selection of programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts that were highlighted on recent COTE Network Quarterly calls and have made an impact at the local and state level to advance sustainable design excellence. We look forward to sharing many more great examples in the future.
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Lindsey Falasca is a Registered Architect and sustainability leader based in Washington, DC. For over 15 years, she has advanced high-performance building projects and climate-focused policies and programs across private, public, and nonprofit sectors.