EducationContinuing Education System

AIA Board Decision Mainstreams Sustainable Design Education

Please Note: At December’s Annual Meeting of the AIA Board of Directors, the Sustainable Design (SD) Continuing Education Credit Requirement was terminated. Recognizing that sustainable design practices have become a mainstream design intention in the architectural community, the Board of Directors voted to allow the sustainable design education requirement to sunset at the end of calendar year 2012.

AIA members will no longer need to complete the sustainable design requirement to fulfill their AIA continuing education.  For 2013, AIA members are required to satisfy a minimum of 18 LUs per year. Of this total, 12 must meet the Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) criteria.

Sustainable Design courses will now fall under the LU/HSW credit designation.

AIA architect members need to be well informed about and have access to up-to-date sustainable design techniques and business practices so they can best serve their clients and remain on the forefront of the global market transformation.

From advocacy to the latest practice resources, there has never been a better time for AIA members to engage in AIA sustainability programs. More information can be found in the Jan. 25 2013 issue of AIArchitect.

Guidelines for Sustainability

Sustainability is the concept of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable design is achieved through an integrated design and delivery process that enhances the natural and built environment by using energy sensibly with a goal toward carbon neutrality; improves air and water quality; protects and preserves water and other resources; and creates environments, communities, and buildings that are livable, comfortable, productive, diverse, safe, and beautiful.

The COTE Top 10 are the AIA Committee On The Environment’s Ten Measures (subject areas) of Sustainable Design and Performance Metrics.

• Sustainable Design Intent & Innovation

• Regional/Community Design & Connectivity

• Land Use & Site Ecology

• Bioclimatic Design

• Light & Air

• Water Cycle

• Energy Flows & Energy Future

• Materials & Construction

• Long Life, Loose Fit

• Collective Wisdom & Feedback Loops

For more detailed information, please review the CES Provider Manual.

AIA 50>50 is a list of 50 strategies that the AIA adopted toward a 50-percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Guidelines for Sustainability

SD Definition

COTE Top 10 Measure

50>50 Strategy

More Information

AIA CES Provider Manual (.pdf)

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