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AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

  • 1.  AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-12-2019 01:30 PM
    AIA Supports Green New Deal Framework
    Aia remove preview
    AIA Supports Green New Deal Framework
    WASHINGTON - Feb. 8, 2019 - The American Institute of Architects 2019 President William Bates, FAIA, issued the following statement today in response to the proposed Green New Deal:
    View this on Aia >


    ------------------------------
    Kira Gould
    Principal
    Kira Gould CONNECT
    Oakland CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-15-2019 08:56 AM
    Does 2030 align with the Green New Deal? I don't think so, and the GND seems largely aimed at jobs, not performance. This is certainly the case with New York's CCPA. Seems like we should support the CCL movement that has more bipartisan support and just starts at $10/ ton of CO2 but then steps up in future years and returns all the money to households. My neighbors are not going to install a $25K ground source heat pump system until natural gas gets much more expensive.  DCA

    ------------------------------
    David Ashley AIA
    Syracuse NY
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 10:09 AM
    ​I think those are good questions, David. Let me take a pass at addressing a few of them.

    First, as a statement of priorities, I believe that the Green New Deal's fourteen "goals and projects" align very well with what the AIA, AIA COTE, and the AIA 2030 Commitment stand for. This resolution calls for a 10-year mobilization to focus the nation on more energy efficient buildings, resilient communities, climate-ready infrastructure, low-emission public transit, ecosystem protection, and mitigating the human health impacts of climate change. I also think the AIA's response was exactly on point in supporting a "green new deal framework" and calling on Congress to take legislative action to support these goals.

    The initiatives you mention in New York State are terrific and should be supported by your chapter: the AIA New York State and their Government and Community Relations staff. I see New York's Climate and Community Protection Act (CCPA) being described as one of the most progressive climate equity acts currently under consideration by a state legislature. As a COTE member, I also agree that a carbon pricing or carbon dividend initiative should be supported by the AIA. The one you mention as being promoted by the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCP) is a good model. 

    So I don't see this as an "either/or" choice. AIA National should and will focus on federal climate change preparedness and mitigation policy – especially policies that so clearly align with our core values. And the state Chapters should actively promote similar initiatives in their respective state legislatures.



    ------------------------------
    Michael Davis FAIA
    President
    Bergmeyer Associates, Inc.
    Boston MA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 10:12 AM
    David is right.  The GND is nothing but a trojan horse for socialism.  The sustainability aspects are secondary to the social aspects, and no more feasible.  Architects who support this ridiculous plan are demonstrating their support for leftist politicians rather than the profession of architecture.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Wells AIA
    Oklahoma City OK
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 11:02 AM
    I think you need to justify that position  with some facts, Dennis, lest you find yourself subject to the same kind of political labeling. Pleases explain exactly how being green is a leftist, socialist ideology without the political invective.

    ------------------------------
    David Del Vecchio AIA
    Architect
    David Del Vecchio, Architect, LLC
    Cranford NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 04:18 PM

    I couldn't have stated my position much more clearly David.  I didn't insinuate that being green is being leftist.  I did say the Green New Deal is primarily a socialist document, and secondarily a green plan.  And that both components of the plan are equally infeasible.  Where am I wrong?

    I fully support and promote sustainability, resilience, and good stewardship of Earth's resources.  I can't support ridiculous, pie-in-the-sky socialist manifestos.  And the AIA shouldn't either.



    ------------------------------
    Dennis Wells AIA
    Oklahoma City OK
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 05:53 PM
    Dennis,

    I still haven't seen you provide any credible evidence of a "false premise" in the Green New Deal. Saying it is so doesn't make it true. I suppose you can be of an opinion that is contrary to 99% of the scientists in the world who study climate change, but to engage in ad hominem attacks, calling it a "socialist Trojan horse", and branding anyone who doesn't agree with your tenuous opinion a "leftist", all while citing no specifics and providing no proof of your position is an absurd argument.

    David Del Vecchio, AIA, CID, NCARB, LEEDap, RCS
    2010 AIA New Jersey Architect of the Year
    2007 AIA New Jersey Distinguished Service Award

    david del vecchio, architect
    a limited liability company
    architecture - interior design - sustainable design
    expert witness - building code consultations
    design-build - construction management

    4 Alden Street
    Cranford, NJ 07016

    t. 908-272-6000
    c. 908-670-8162
     
    dave@delvecchio-architect.com
    www.ddvaia.com

    NJ Registered Architect No. 11758
    NY Registered Architect No. 24330
    CT Registered Architect No.13928
    PA Registered Architect No. RA408241
    FL Registered Architect No. AR99489
    MA Registered Architect No. 951755

    NJ Certified Interior Designer No. 74
    RCS Building Inspector No. 7256

    NCARB Certificate No. 123540
    LEEDap No. 10240914
    NJ Cert. of Authorization No. AC00082900





  • 8.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-20-2019 11:10 AM
    Edited by Dennis B. Wells 02-20-2019 01:36 PM
    David,

    Please read the House Resolution.  That is my "proof."  Just read it.  You'll clearly see it for what it is…

    Human activity has exacerbated climate change, not caused it.  100% of scientists agree.  The GND's first sentence is "human activity is the dominant cause of observed climate change over the past century."  That is a false premise.  It goes on to invent several dire consequences of climate change, all of which can be refuted by science and logical thinking. 

    After several more paragraphs of alarmist dribble it states:  "…climate change, pollution, and environmental destruction have exacerbated systemic racial, regional, social, environmental, and economic injustices (referred to in this preamble as ''systemic injustices'') by disproportionately affecting indigenous communities, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, and youth (referred to in this preamble as ''frontline and vulnerable communities'')…

    This is their preamble for counteracting "systemic injustices," and improving America's democracy, which clearly is the main purpose of the resolution.  If you don't recognize that as socialist dogma, then the AIA is in much worse shape than I thought.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Wells AIA
    Oklahoma City OK
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-20-2019 02:30 PM

    I'll allow you the last word on this. I will not be responding as I have no time nor inclination to engage in this type of conversation further if all it produces is more personal attacks and ad hominem arguments and not a shred of evidence to support your untenable position. It's pointless. 



    David Del Vecchio, AIA, CID, NCARB, LEEDap, RCS
    2010 AIA New Jersey Architect of the Year
    2007 AIA New Jersey Distinguished Service Award

    david del vecchio, architect
    a limited liability company
    architecture - interior design - sustainable design
    expert witness - building code consultations
    design-build - construction management

    4 Alden Street
    Cranford, NJ 07016

    t. 908-272-6000
    c. 908-670-8162
     
    dave@delvecchio-architect.com
    www.ddvaia.com

    NJ Registered Architect No. 11758
    NY Registered Architect No. 24330
    CT Registered Architect No.13928
    PA Registered Architect No. RA408241
    FL Registered Architect No. AR99489
    MA Registered Architect No. 951755

    NJ Certified Interior Designer No. 74
    RCS Building Inspector No. 7256

    NCARB Certificate No. 123540
    LEEDap No. 10240914
    NJ Cert. of Authorization No. AC00082900





  • 10.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-22-2019 09:23 AM

    To Architects who are concerned about our planet, 

    I hear all this talk back and forth about climate change. It is happening.  We are already starting to see the changes in the oceans and the weather systems.  

    The Green New Deal Framework is a way to get the country going to become more sustainable. If HR 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, gets legislation moving along in a bipartisan approach, then let us get moving.  Other legislation is also needed.

    When climate change really hits the planet, we will be dead and gone, but our grand children will not.  Greta Thurnberg of Sweden is one of those grand children.  She is 15 years old and spoke  at the UN Climate Change Conference COP 24 in December 2018.  We need to act now and figure out how to greatly reduce our consumption of carbon fuels.

    Please read the transcript of her speech.

    Thank you

    David Dye, AIA, LEED AP

    DFD Architecture, LLC

    Spring Lake, Michigan

    dfdarchitecture@gmail.com 

    "My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 15 years old. I am from Sweden. I speak on behalf of Climate Justice Now. Many people say that Sweden is just a small country and it doesn't matter what we do. But I've learned you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to.

    But to do that, we have to speak clearly, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. You only speak of green eternal economic growth because you are too scared of being unpopular. You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess, even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like is. Even that burden you leave to us children. But I don't care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet. Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few.

    The year 2078, I will celebrate my 75th birthday. If I have children maybe they will spend that day with me. Maybe they will ask me about you. Maybe they will ask why you didn't do anything while there still was time to act. You say you love your children above all else, and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes.

    Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We can't solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. We need to keep the fossil fuels in the ground, and we need to focus on equity. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, maybe we should change the system itself. We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people. Thank you".

     



    ------------------------------
    David Dye AIA
    DFD Architecture, LLC
    Spring Lake, MIchigan
    dfdarchitecture@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-22-2019 10:08 AM
    Here's Greta's TED Talk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmmUIEsN9A

    ------------------------------
    David Del Vecchio AIA
    Architect
    David Del Vecchio, Architect, LLC
    Cranford NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-28-2019 11:08 AM
    I'm with Dennis. Absurd the AIA even bothers addressing the GND at all.

    We are supposed to LEAD. This is not leadership but blind piper-following.

    ------------------------------
    Michael Poloukhine AIA
    Owner
    ReSquare Architecture + Construction
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-19-2019 05:48 PM

    Perhaps the proper response should have been.........."The AIA supports building responsibly, but we do not wish to align ourselves and our membership with the unrealistic proposals of the far left..........What's next?..............Alexandria Ocasio Cortez for Honorary AIA?   I should gain professional credibility from my AIA membership..............not lose it!   I shouldn't have to worry about people thinking I have poor judgement because I have "AIA" after my name. National leadership should tread carefully! You are about to loose a lot of credibility and members!​

    ------------------------------
    Bill Wilson FAIA
    Vice President
    WKMC Architects, Inc.
    Corpus Christi TX
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-21-2019 10:17 AM
    Edited by Dennis B. Wells 02-21-2019 03:07 PM
    Good message Bill.  I wish more architects would push back from the increasingly leftward leanings of the AIA.  The AIA should be apolitical and more equitably represent the whole profession.

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Wells AIA
    Oklahoma City OK
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 12:37 PM
    Not sure what you gentlemen are reading into.  The statement is broad and reflects the AIA's commitment to the environment, and references policy regardless of any party affiliation.  If you don't believe in climate change, then perhaps this might not be the right forum for you.


    Germán Brun, AIA, LEED AP

    DEN Architecture
    25 SE 2nd Ave
    Suite 500
    Miami, FL 33131

    (305) 335-6085
    www.den-arc.com
    FL  AA26001743

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  • 16.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 12:37 PM
    I am in total agreement that the AIA should be apolitical and not aligned with either political party.  As a professional organization, the AIA should be supporting a responsibly built safe environment, be respectful of conservation efforts and promote sustainable design by licensed professionals.





  • 17.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 12:38 PM
    References to the "far left" in relation to the Green New Deal are reflective of the dominant culture. The ideas contained in the proposal are admittedly to the left of the prevailing orthodoxy but if we contextualize the discussion within the thinking of the last 50-80 years, thoroughly centrist. As a reminder, in the 1960's and 1970's it was mainstream thinking to design energy efficient buildings that trod lightly on the land. Some of you may be old enough to remember "Long Life, Loose Fit, Low Energy" as the mantra of the time. Stewart Brand, that well known libertarian, did not invalidate the concept by his politics with either The Whole Earth Catalog or How Buildings Learn - both immensely formative in architectural thinking.
    And as for the New Deal, FDR, a Capitalist with a capital 'C' if ever there was one, put the resources of the state to work to save capitalism from ruin. Not a bad socialist move.
    To channel Greta Thunberg, stick to the point and avoid the name calling and other distracting comments.

    --
    HUBERT MURRAY FAIA | 204 ERIE STREET CAMBRIDGE MA 02139
    T | 617.492.3532     M | 617.794.4600





  • 18.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 01:28 PM
    Why is dealing with climate change considered a political issue? We have the right wing to thank for that. If people don't like Ocasio-Cortez that's their prerogative, but don't conflate the messenger with the message. Green New Deal is aimed at investing in clean energy infrastructure and jobs - I would go out on a limb to say that a great majority of AIA membership supports this. Of course there will always be a few with their heads in the sand and in denial about climate change, but why do we need to skew the organization to cater to a fringe, discredited minority of the membership?

    ------------------------------
    Craig Graber AIA
    Brooklyn NY
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 02:05 PM
    The Green New Deal was an aspirational statement. There are no bills associated with the HR, yet. I'd like to see what other Senators and members of the House have in mind in terms of specific legislation to deal with the problem.


    David Del Vecchio, AIA, CID, NCARB, LEEDap, RCS
    2010 AIA New Jersey Architect of the Year
    2007 AIA New Jersey Distinguished Service Award

    david del vecchio, architect
    a limited liability company
    architecture - interior design - sustainable design
    expert witness - building code consultations
    design-build - construction management

    4 Alden Street
    Cranford, NJ 07016

    t. 908-272-6000
    c. 908-670-8162
     
    dave@delvecchio-architect.com
    www.ddvaia.com

    NJ Registered Architect No. 11758
    NY Registered Architect No. 24330
    CT Registered Architect No.13928
    PA Registered Architect No. RA408241
    FL Registered Architect No. AR99489
    MA Registered Architect No. 951755

    NJ Certified Interior Designer No. 74
    RCS Building Inspector No. 7256

    NCARB Certificate No. 123540
    LEEDap No. 10240914
    NJ Cert. of Authorization No. AC00082900





  • 20.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 02:54 PM

    Eliminating air travel,  cattle expulsions and all fossil fuels is an interesting aspiration.   That is not what many of us pay annual dues to support.   Many AIA members (including myself) have somewhat different aspirations........................leadership of the Institute should be more careful about what and how they support ideas.     If we are only going to support aspirations,  then get specific about those aspirations and state them.   

     

     

     

    Bill T. Wilson II, FAIA, NCARB

    Vice President/Principal

    WKMC Architects, Inc.

    (361) 561-2125 – Direct

    (361) 887-6696 – Main Line

    909 S. Tancahua Street

    Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

    www.WKMCarchitects.com

     

    WKMC-Logo-Color for mini-site

     






  • 21.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-25-2019 01:29 PM

    What is it about President Bates' suggestions that "...align ourselves and our membership with the unrealistic proposals of the far left"?

     

    "We applaud the efforts of Congress and its committees this week to find new ways to support achieving a carbon neutral future by 2030, which is critical to our global future. By investing in infrastructure, upgrading the existing building stock, and improving resilience in the built environment, we can make progress towards AIA's 2030 Commitment goals. However, there's a great deal of work that needs to be done. AIA encourages Congress to swiftly enact public policies today that will address the dire consequences we're facing."

     

    John Messervy AIA  

    Somerville, MA 

     

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  • 22.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-26-2019 11:43 AM
    All,

    The announcement says it supports the 'framework' not the specifics of the deal. The concept is in alignment with the Architecture 2030 goals the organization has long supported and the organization's own AIA 2030 Commitment which individual firms have signed on to as they choose. If you are not on board with and support mitigating climate change and architect's speaking up and taking the lead on this then perhaps you should find another professional organization to belong too because that train left the station in 2010 when the 2030 Commitment went live.

    Jason

    ------------------------------
    Jason Kliwinski AIA, LEED Fellow, CSBA
    Principal, Designs for Life llc
    Lambertville NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-26-2019 01:35 PM

    Jason,

    You have an interesting interpretation of the 2030 Challenge.    I believe it refers to buildings...............not elimination of all fossil fuel usage.   I found nothing about reducing cattle emissions in our aspirational statement.     I also find it interesting that the idea of tolerance of and open-minded, means "my way or the highway",  or as you stated,  "find another professional organization.   It is my belief  that mankind has more to fear from those that would demand that they give up their freedoms than from climate change.   History seems to validate that view.   Bill T. Wilson II,  FAIA

     

    Bill T. Wilson II, FAIA, NCARB

    Vice President/Principal

    WKMC Architects, Inc.

    (361) 561-2125 – Direct

    (361) 887-6696 – Main Line

    909 S. Tancahua Street

    Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

    www.WKMCarchitects.com

     

    WKMC-Logo-Color for mini-site

     






  • 24.  RE: AIA supports Green New Deal Framework

    Posted 02-28-2019 11:08 AM
    Bravo, Bill.

    ------------------------------
    Michael Poloukhine AIA
    Owner
    ReSquare Architecture + Construction
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------