Knowledge Community
Committee on the Environment (COTE®)
AIA Atlanta COTE supports advancing and advocating for thoughtful regenerative design practices and integrating built and natural systems to create sustainable, resilient, and equitable buildings and communities. Meetings provide a space where all building professionals, including owners, contractors, engineers, landscape architects, and sustainability consultants can come together to share strategies. COTE’s work includes:
The AIA 2030 Commitment
Going carbon neutral
The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that outlines a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment.
The latest climate data tells us that reducing carbon emissions is not enough. To make the biggest impact, we must all commit to net zero emissions by 2030—a path that requires strong, immediate action. Since the built environment creates a staggering 40% of the world’s emissions, architects, engineers, and owners play a key role.
Get involved
Related AIAU courses
AIA+2030 Online Series Certificate Program
This series will inspire architects to meet the 2030 goals through design strategies, efficient technologies and systems, and renewable energy resources.
Performing Beautifully: Lessons from 2021 COTE® Top Ten Award-Winning Teams
This 90-minute on-demand course explores the design strategies and outcomes of the 2021 COTE® Top Ten Award winners. It includes videos from each team and commentary from 2021 jury chair Michelle Amt, AIA, and COTE® 2020 Chair Julie Hiromoto, AIA.
The State of Climate Action in the Building Sector: How Architects Can Make a Difference
A more sustainable future starts with the built environment. Join this session to explore the latest state of knowledge on climate change, targets, goals, and regulations set to mitigate its worst effects, and what you, as an architect, can do to help.
Building Spotlight
The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design
Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and Lord Aeck Sargent, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech is zero-energy, becoming the first in Georgia and 28th in the world to earn the Living Building Challenge certification. This designation certifies the development to be among the world’s most ambitious and holistic green buildings. It is fully regenerative, with its photovoltaic system supplying over 200% of the building’s energy needs.
Building Spotlight
The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design
Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and Lord Aeck Sargent, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech is zero-energy, becoming the first in Georgia and 28th in the world to earn the Living Building Challenge certification. This designation certifies the development to be among the world’s most ambitious and holistic green buildings. It is fully regenerative, with its photovoltaic system supplying over 200% of the building’s energy needs.