AIA Seattle Reaffirms its Commitment to Combating Climate Change

AIA Seattle opposes President Trump’s move to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the world’s ability to deal with the impacts of climate change. We stand with AIA President Thomas Vonier, FAIA, in our shared belief that “by adhering to our values as a profession that is concerned with human habitat and the health of our environment, we will help to mitigate the harm this decision will do to our economy and to America’s stature across the globe.”

The built environment consumes nearly half of the energy in the United States – more than transportation and more than industry. As the first point of contact when conceptualizing spaces, architects are ideally suited to designing buildings and communities that mitigate climate change. Every day our members design more sustainable, resilient and energy efficient buildings that reduce emissions and transform the way communities use energy. AIA Seattle and our members remain committed to the 2030 Challenge, a pledge to design to carbon neutral standards for all new buildings, developments and major renovations by 2030. We will continue to educate and advocate for sustainable design and energy efficiency while promoting vibrant, sustainable places.

Although we are disappointed with the President’s decision to abandon our nation’s responsibility to its citizens and the citizens of the world, AIA Seattle, like organizations and individuals across the country, will join with the global community by supporting state and local efforts to reduce the use of carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Together, we will design and build a healthier future.