The AIA 2030 Commitment
The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives us a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. Join more than 1,300 architecture firms who have already made the commitment.
Let’s get to carbon neutral, together
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.
More than 1,300 firms have already committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. Are you ready to join them? Help clients save money by further integrating energy analysis and metrics into your practice.
- Validate design approaches for energy savings
- Create a firm culture that values sustainable design
- Benchmark your firm’s progress and impact and use it to help recruit staff or win projects
- Be part of a community that is working to design a better world, together
The Design Data Exchange (DDx)
After you join the commitment, use the DDx to track energy performance and progress toward goals, visualize your portfolio, and benchmark projects against industry averages. Projects typically take less than 15 minutes to enter.
Download and sign the official commitment letter, then browse resources about what to expect, tips for meeting energy goals, and program information.
Sign the 2030 Commitment Letter
Join 1,300+ firms who have already committed to reaching carbon neutral. Create an account on the 2030 DDx page and sign the commitment letter.
· Create a Sustainability Action Plan
· Get LPA Design Studios’ top five tips for meeting the commitment
· Read our latest annual report, which shares data for 23,276 projects in 107 countries
Once you join the 2030 Commitment, you can start tracking your firm’s progress. These resources will help you get started with the DDx.
· Access or create your DDx account
Types of projects to report
· projects in an active design phase including conceptual, schematic, design development or construction document phases
· architectural projects with minimum scope that include HVAC system modifications or substantial envelope modifications
· interiors-only projects that include lighting design
· projects in the construction administration phase, if design changes triggered revisions to either the energy model or the code compliance documentation
· international projects (see special guidance)
Minimum data to report
· project name or identifier
· country and zip code for US projects, city for international
· project design phase
· project use type
· building area
· energy modeling status
· Energy Use Intensity Baseline (EUI): This is a site EUI, not source EUI, derived through a default national average or via Zero Tool integration with the AIA 2030 DDx. You can also use an alternative baseline established by another baseline tool (i.e. Labs 21) or through firm research.
· Target/Predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI): This anticipated building energy consumption of a project is based on computer modeling. If you are not using energy modeling, an equivalent reduction percentage will be calculated based on the design energy code.
· whether you are collecting actual energy use data
· on interiors-only projects: ASHRAE 90/1-2007 Lighting Power Density (LPD) Baseline, default or space by space
· target/predicted LPD
· Design Energy Code: If your project does not use energy modeling, default performance equivalents will be calculated based on the design energy code.
Ask the network
Join the 2030 Commitment Peer-to-Peer Community Hub to ask questions, share lessons, and engage with others on the same sustainability journey. Email us for access
Explore the 2030 Commitment directory
Around the world, more than 1,300 firms—ranging from one to more than 1,000 employees—have signed the 2030 Commitment. Explore the directory
Visit the 2030 Commitment YouTube page
Our how-to videos provide community support for uploading your commitment letter, navigating the DDx, and more.
AIA staff regularly host webinars for new signatories. Topics include how to track and analyze data on your portfolio's performance, drafting your Sustainability Action Plan, annual reporting, and more. Participants receive 1 AIA LU|HSW for attending.
Courses & certificate programs
AIA+2030 Certificate Program
This certificate program is tailor-made to help firms meet their 2030 goals. Discover new design strategies, technologies, and renewable energy resources. 2030 Commitment signatories get the first course free.
Embodied Carbon 101
In this 12-course series, expert practitioners discuss how to measure, manage, and implement practical solutions for reducing the impact of embodied carbon in projects.
Materials Certificate Program
The materials we use affect the embodied carbon in our projects. In this five-course certificate program, industry experts explain best practices for reducing negative impacts on projects, people, and the environment.
Guides
Architect's Guide to Building Performance
Conducting energy modeling early and often in the design process is the best way to improve building performance. Discover how to leverage performance simulation effectively.
AIA-CLF Embodied Carbon Toolkit for Architects
This practical resource consists of three parts: Introduction to embodied carbon, Measuring embodied carbon, and Strategies to reduce embodied carbon.
Architect's Primer on Renewable Energy
This guide can help you bring efficient design and renewable technologies into your projects to meet your clients' goals while contributing to a more sustainable electric grid.
Renovate, Retrofit, Reuse
This guide can help you uncover the tremendous opportunities in existing buildings including energy efficiency and social and economic benefits.
The ROI of high-performance design
Access talking points and supporting research to communicate the benefits of high-performance design to clients, potential clients, civic leaders, and other key stakeholders.
TEOP for Architects
Find out how to use the Tenant Energy Optimization Program process to harness the energy-conservation potential of existing buildings, save clients money, and stay at the forefront of sustainable design.
Energy Transparency Brief
Learn how your firm can leverage transparency in the building sector to improve client satisfaction and explore new business opportunities.