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ALBION DISTRICT LIBRARY BY PERKINS + WILL IS A 2018 COTE TOP TEN RECIPIENT. IMAGE: DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Committee on the Environment (COTE®) is an AIA Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. We believe that design excellence is the foundation of a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future. Our work promotes design strategies that empower all AIA members to realize the best social and environmental outcomes with the clients and the communities they serve.

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June Climate Action Events

By Lisa M. Ferretto AIA posted 29 days ago

  

JUNE Climate Action + Equity Events!

A listing of events, webinars, deadlines, etc. that may be of interest to those working for Climate Action and Equity! To return to full monthly list, click here.

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AIA Upjohn Research Initiative Grants – Call for Submissions open!

Submission deadline: August 28, 2024. The AIA Upjohn Research Initiative supports applied research projects that enhance the value of design and professional practice knowledge. Academic institutions, firms, practice, and other research and non-profit organizations are all eligible for grants.  Research should be relevant and applicable to practicing architects. Research grant funding will be allocated to projects related to the priorities outlined in AIA’s Strategic Plan and the Framework for Design Excellence. Research projects must address one or more of these areas: zero-carbon, resilient design, equitable communities, health, practice innovation.

Jun 5-8, AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 (Washington, DC)

AIA24 will bring together the often-siloed AEC industry in Washington, D.C. to network, share knowledge, gain exposure, and find multidisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing issues.  Also, check out COTE’s guide to Climate Action Events at Conference and join COTE and all of AIA’s Climate Action Groups at the Climate Action by Design Networking Reception on Jun 6, 5:30 pm ET at the Marriott Marquis Atrium.

Jun 5, Submission Deadline 2024 AIA COTE Top Ten for Students

The AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE®), in partnership with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), is pleased to announce the ninth annual AIA COTE® Top Ten for Student Competition. The program challenges students, working individually or in teams, to submit projects that use a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems, and technology to provide architectural solutions that protect and enhance the environment. More information at ACSA.

Jun 5, World Environment Day

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. Why take part? Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040.

Jun 5, 10:30 am – 5 pm ET, Affordable Home Energy Shot Summit

 U.S. Department of Energy. the Affordable Home Energy Shot™—an ambitious initiative to reduce the upfront cost of upgrading a home by at least 50% while reducing energy bills by 20% within a decade. Nearly one in four households nationwide experience high energy burdens; as a result, more than 20% fell behind on their energy bills in 2022. These trends disproportionately impact lower-income residents who live in older homes that often lack adequate insulation and energy-efficient appliances.

Jun 5-6, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) Public Meeting

12:00 - 6:30 PM E.T. each day. The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC), in coordination with the White House Interagency Council. This free meeting is open to all members of the public. Individual registration is REQUIRED and the public will have the opportunity to register at any time before and throughout the duration of the meeting. Register here. A public comment period will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from approximately 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET, and a topic-focused session will occur on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from approximately 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM ET. Members of the public who wish to participate in the public comment period must register by 11:59 PM ET, May 30, 2024. Submitting written comments for the record are strongly encouraged. Written comments can be submitted through June 19, 2024. To learn about submitting written comments, please visit our website.

Jun 5-6, Summer Sustainability Summit 2024

2 days with 2,000+ digital guests. 100% free registration and fully online. 15 sessions with top speakers, including World Green Building Council, Schneider Electric, Saint-Gobain and Autodesk. Must-attend event for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and sustainability professionals.

Jun 11, 1 pm ET Maximizing the Impact of Natural Climate Solutions (in person and online)

Around 92% of people across the political spectrum are in support of implementing natural climate solutions to address climate change. In collaboration with U.S. Nature4Climate and the Bipartisan Policy Center, this briefing will foster discussion on natural climate solutions, which leverage natural processes to reduce carbon emissions, sequester carbon, and bring new income and employment opportunities to rural America. RSVP here

Jun 11, 2 pm ET, COTE book talk - The Story of Upfront Carbon

Lloyd Alter will talk about his new book, The Story of Upfront Carbon, with Lisa Richmond, who reviewed the book for the latest issue of COTE news. The virtual conversation is generously hosted by AIA Seattle COTE.  If you'd like to purchase the book (and/or Lloyd's previous book, Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle), you can get a 25% discount when you buy from the New Society Publishers site between June 8 and 15 using this code at checkout: Cote25.

Jun 11 – 12,  Schools Clean Energy and Indoor Air Quality Summit (Denver, CO)

Join the Center for Green Schools and the U.S. Department of Energy's Efficient and Healthy Schools Program.  This in-person training for K-12 school district staff will focus on the nexus of clean energy technologies for improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) in school operations, maintenance, and renovations. School staff will connect with their peers, and will leave with resources and an action plan for identifying, implementing, communicating, and funding best practices for reducing energy use and improving indoor air quality in school buildings. This event will also include a recognition ceremony and reception for this year’s honorees of the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program.

Jun 12, Application Deadline – ACSA Fellows to Advance Equity and Justice in Architecture

The ACSA invites applications for our one-year cohort of up to five Faculty Fellows to Advance Equity and Justice in Architecture. We seek faculty members to help extend the impact of ACSA’s ongoing work forefronting racial equity and climate justice through public programming, outreach, and partnerships. Please note that the fellowship is intended to enhance ACSA’s mission and programs and to support scholarship related to ACSA’s work Evolving Towards Justice: ACSA’s Social and Ecological Shift.

Jun 12-14, The 2024 World Sustainable Built Environment Conference (WSBE24) (Virtual)

WSBE24 - one of the world’s premier scientific and technical conferences that bring together leading experts and the latest knowledge and research to support sustainable built environments. With the scale and urgency of the sustainability challenge, more than ever, WSBE24 is committed to collaborate and partner with key stakeholders of the built environment value chain across the world – local, regional and global.

Jun 13, 5 pm ET Submission Deadline:  2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply for funding to support energy improvements that lower utility costs and create healthier learning environments. With an anticipated $180 million to be awarded to school districts across the country, this prize can support energy improvements like new HVAC systems, building envelope and lighting projects, alternative fuel and renewable energy technologies, and more. Visit the HeroX page to learn more about the prize and apply 

Jun 14, Call for Proposal Deadline- AIA Women’s Leadership Summit

The call for proposals will open May 6 and close June 14, 2024. Women’s Leadership Summit, October 8-10, 2024 in Chicago founded by AIA, exists to support and empower women on their leadership journeys and break down the barriers that get in their way.  This premier event brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries who are moving into leadership roles and manifesting the careers they want—all while making a difference in the world. Questions womeninarch@aia.org

Jun 14, Application Deadline - Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) In-Depth Partnerships  

Communities can submit proposals for up to $500,000 in funding and $3,500,000 in technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for over three years to develop secure, reliable, resilient, equitable, and affordable clean energy systems. Eligibility: All applying teams must include at least one community-based organization, in addition to a local government and an electric utility. 

Jun 17, 8:30 am – 4 pm ET, Women Executives in Building Symposium (DC)

Join us for another thought-provoking Women Executives in Building Symposium. This event is focused on women's leadership in the built environment. The symposium is designed to empower and inspire women in the industry to reach new heights in their careers. From interactive discussions to networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights and strategies for success in a male-dominated industry. NIBS, with the help of our partners, are thrilled to offer this transformative experience and opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. Reach out to Jennifer Hitzke, jhitzke@nibs.org, if you are interested in attending this invitation only event.

Jun 17 -19, GreenFin -the Premier Sustainable Finance and Investing Event, NY

GreenFin 24 is the leading sustainable finance conference for professionals harnessing the power of capital markets to realize a net zero economy. Join us to form valuable connections with finance, investment and sustainability experts, get up to speed on the latest ESG trends in finance and investing, and discover essential products and services needed to accelerate your climate strategy.

June 18 + 25, Deadline - Green Schools Conference (GSC) Call for Proposals and the Call for Reviewers

Call for proposals is open until June 24th and the call for reviewers is open until June 18.  GSC is the only national event to bring together all of the players involved in making green schools a reality: people who lead, operate, build and teach in U.S. schools. The 14th annual in-person GSC will convene hundreds of champions for sustainable schools to focus on educating, connecting and inspiring one another. Each year, the GSC offers attendees opportunities to explore interdisciplinary green schools content in general and breakout sessions, collaborate to address specific challenges with peers in workshops and facilitated networking events, exchange best practices, and enhance green school initiatives nationwide.

Jun 19-22, 2024, EDRA55 (Portland, OR)

Human Centric Environments:  Promoting Design that Sustains Human Prosperity, Well-being, and the Global Environment at All Scales. The Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) invites practitioners, researchers, and educators to submit their proposals for EDRA’s 55th annual conference. The event is hosted by the University of Oregon in Portland, Oregon, and will center on promoting human-centric design that considers people’s prosperity, satisfaction, and well-being while celebrating sustainability, resilience, and diversity in the built and natural environment at all scales.

Jun 20, 4:50 ET, Summer Solstice

Jun 20, 11 am ET, The Circular Economy – a Pathway to Net Zero

The built environment consumes 40% of all resources globally, generally following the take-make-waste linear economy. By contrast, the circular economy in the built environment is a systems-based industrial framework designed to tackle global sustainability challenges, such as climate change, waste, and biodiversity loss. In a circular economy, products and materials are reused, repaired, recycled, or repurposed to create new products, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.

Jun 20, Energy Efficiency Finance Foundations

Join DOE and Berkeley Lab for a 6-part webinar training series. Designed for public-sector energy professionals, sustainability and facility managers, and finance officials seeking to deploy energy efficiency upgrades with the aid of financing, this series will support participants in navigating "finance speak," knowing what questions to ask, and strengthening public-sector knowledge of energy efficiency financing tools to successfully prepare for building energy upgrades.

Jun 23, United Nations Public Service Day

The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world.

Jun 26–27, Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training

Become a certified Building Evaluator through the Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training. You’ll learn how to help your community evaluate homes, buildings, and infrastructure after a disaster. Join and earn a nationally recognized Cal-OES registration ID card from the State of California.

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