As the climate warms, many architects are concerned about more than aesthetics. Buildings consume nearly 40% of the energy used in the U.S each year.

Elefante: “So getting the carbon footprint of the building sector down soon is a really important goal.”

Carl Elefante was the 2018 president of the American Institute of Architects. He says design can make a big difference.

Elefante: “Part of it is making them tight buildings – making them so that the weather stays on the outside. Part of it is really making them so that every energy-consuming system they have is more and more and more efficient. And then of course we’ve really gotten to be creative with including renewable energy in building design.”

Through its 2030 Commitment program, the American Institute of Architects encourages firms to make all of their new buildings and major renovations carbon neutral by the year 2030. So far, more than 500 firms have signed on.

Elefante: “For architects I think it’s really an opportunity. We love doing meaningful work and really showing that great design and great performance really add to each other …”

… and to a healthier climate.

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media.