Committee on the Environment

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

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Who we are

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.

Enjoy our latest on COTE news (and follow us on X and LinkedIn). 

To learn about the Framework for Design Excellence (formerly the COTE Top Ten Measures), click here.

Check out COTE's history and timeline. 

Starting a local COTE or sustainability group and need some guidance? Check out the AIA COTE Network Resources here.

A big thank you to our 2024 sponsors: 
Founding sponsors: Building Green
Premier sponsors: Sherwin-Williams
Sustaining sponsors: GAF Roofing, Milliken, Andersen Windows,
BlueScope Buildings
Green sponsors: EPIC Metals
Allied sponsors: TLC Engineering, Sierra Pacific Windows

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An Open Letter to AIA Architects

  • 1.  An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-14-2016 01:22 PM

    Architects play a critical role in creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally responsible built environment. For the last quarter century, the AIA Committee on the Environment has represented the leading edge of this movement and sets an example for others to follow. We have no intention of stopping now.

    In an open letter to AIA Architects, COTE reaffirms our determination to remain dedicated to creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally-responsible built environment. I ask for your continued support by reading and joining your fellow leaders in adding your name to the online letter. Now is the time for you and your Chapter’s COTE Committee to continue to build on our 25-years of leadership. Working together we will make a difference.

    http://tinyurl.com/hvug6qt 

    Paula McEvoy, FAIA, LEED Fellow, 2016 Chair AIA Committee on the Environment

    ------------------------------
    Paula McEvoy FAIA, LEED Fellow
    2016 Chair, AIA Committee on the Environment
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-16-2016 02:44 PM

    Thank you for your leadership!

    Regards,
    John D. Kelley, AIA Architect









  • 3.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-18-2016 10:55 AM

    Thank you for your dedication and leadership.

    ------------------------------
    James White AIA
    Professor
    Texas Tech University, College of Architecture
    Lubbock TX



  • 4.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-18-2016 10:56 AM

    Was refreshing to read some rational thoughts.






  • 5.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-16-2016 03:17 PM
      |   view attached

    I wholeheartedly agree with the premise and purpose of this letter/petition.
    While the scope covers many issues - I find even those Architects that agree with the position of this paper often ignore the responsibility of assuring hazardous materials are properly handled on renovation, demolition and new construction projects. I have written a white paper on this subject (http://www.aiacc.org/2016/05/16/architects-and-design-professionals-hidden-liability-hazardous-materials-in-construction/) which discusses this specific issue and is published on the AIA's California Council's website.  I have also attached a copy to this comment for anyone interested in this issue.

    ------------------------------
    Michael Sharp
    CEO / Director of Training
    Hazard Management Services, Inc. (hms, Inc)
    Modesto CA



  • 6.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-21-2016 01:31 PM

    Well said, Ms. McEvoy -

    There appear to be serious threats in the making for our issues. Our President-elect, Carl Elefante, has spoken well on the importance of remaining committed to the AIA's core values and advocating against moves inconsistent with them. Here is his statement.

    11.12.16

     AIA Colleagues,

    The past few days have been a whirlwind. The election results seem to have shocked everyone, including the Trump campaign team. Potential changes to federal policies and programs will certainly impact the building sector and architecture profession.

    First thing Wednesday morning, AIA broadcast a "standard" post-election statement under the signature of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. The statement acknowledged the election results and indicated AIA's readiness to work with the new adminstration on relevant issues.

    When I read the statement, I was troubled by what it said, and, far more by what it didn't. To say the least, I was not alone. Reaction from AIA members and industry partners has been widespread and forceful. As an elected by not yet sitting officer of AIA, I have been included in discussions about the post-election statement and its aftermath.

    First, I can say without equivocation that AIA leadership, and specifically Robert Ivy and 2017 AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA, believe the post-election statement was a terrible mistake and failed to respond appropriately to a crucial event.

    Second, the election in no way alters the responsibility of AIA leadership, and all AIA members, to promote and defend AIA's long-standing and deeply-held values. Indeed, in the face of positions articulated during the campaign, AIA is called upon to redouble its efforts to advocate for the profession and the communities our work impacts

    .

    During the campaign, candidate Trump took positions that are undeniably at odds with many of AIA's duly constituted, non-partisan, Public Policies and Position Statements. For example, the intention to reject the Paris Agreement on climate change is ill-informed and threatens the wellbeing of all Americans. Delaying the adoption of zero net carbon practices across our profession, industry, and economy, even by four years, could have irreversible consequences.

    More over, candidate Trump's hurtful bullying of women, Muslims, ethic minorities, immigrants, even the disabled, is diametrically opposed to AIA's views regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. A new generation of architects is tasked with resolving great social and economic challenges. We need the insights, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of everyone.

    As the future AIA President, I pledge my full commitment to AIA's core values, to achieving Paris Agreement targets, and to resolving our profession's systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges. Despite the deeply regrettable post-election statement, I know I speak in unity with AIA's staff and elected leadership.

    ------------------------------
    Ralph Bennett FAIA
    Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
    Silver Spring MD



  • 7.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-23-2016 10:31 AM
    Thanks to Ralph Bennett for sharing a thoughtful letter regarding the highest standards of AIA to stand on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way forward for ZNE building and for embrace of principles that protect people and planet through thoughtfully designed architecture.

    Bravo!

    Tiffany


    Tiffany Z Ivins, PhD
    Principal
    64 E 6400 S, Ste 100
    SLC, UT 84107 | 801.824.0153






  • 8.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-28-2016 05:24 PM

    People,

    Has the AIA issued a NEW  ,   ' corrected ' statement  which addresses  our values , and  commitments,  to  the president elect ?

     

    Lee Gamelsky AIA, LEED AP BD + C

    Lee Gamelsky Architects P.C.

    2412 Miles Rd. SE

    Albuquerque, NM 87106

    505.842.8865

    lee@lganm.com

    www.lganm.com

     






  • 9.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-30-2016 05:21 PM

    Where is the  Committee on the Environment regarding the proposed pipeline being built on sovereign lands?   Have we no opinion on this critical juncture?     This is not about politics - it is about health, safety and welfare of the environment.

    ------------------------------
    Sally Grans-Korsh FAIA
    National Association of College and University Business Offices
    Washington DC



  • 10.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 12-08-2016 01:01 PM

    Thank you so much for bringing this up.  I recommend that we stand up to support their effort to stop this pipeline, not for their sake, but for all our sakes.  The danger to this water supply, not if but when there is a leak, will affect us all.

     

    Lydia Straus-Edwards, AIA






  • 11.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-23-2016 10:31 AM
    I agree with your letter. It is critical that AIA stand up for protecting the environment and our nations diversity.

    Robert Sotolongo, AIA LEED AP
    DTW Architects & Planners, Ltd.
    229 North Gregson Street
    Durham, NC 27701
    P: 919.317.4020
    F: 919.317.4023





  • 12.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 11-28-2016 05:24 PM

    Ralph; Bravo and good luck!

    ------------------------------
    John Dugger AIA
    Principal Architect
    J S Dugger, AIA & Associates
    Gloucester MA



  • 13.  RE: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

    Posted 05-19-2017 12:52 PM
    Edited by Sally Grans-Korsh FAIA Member Emeritus 05-23-2017 09:05 AM

    This was written Nov 23, 2016 - and now just appeared. 
    Odd.  Suggest the concept is still valid but certainly the specific is done (until we get leaks from the pipeline)

    We need to stay vigilant – thank you Ms Burns McEvoy, for bringing up these concerns.

     

    Sincerely hope we can stay true to ALL environmental goals.   Has your committee  taken a stand on the  police action in Standing Rock that are attacking American citizens on private property in North Dakota for peacefully protecting local water from being poised from a company run by Texas fracking billionaire?    Or do we only deal with environmental issues when we can be the designers?

     

                     

     

    Sally Grans Korsh

    FAIA, LEED AP
    202-861-2571