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 1,350 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.
In 2005, Architecture 2030 issued the 2030 Challenge. The initiative comprised incremental carbon reduction goals over a 25-year timeline that were consistent with those called for by the global scientific community at the time. In response, AIA created the AIA 2030 Commitment to give firms a framework to track their progress towards net zero. More than 1,350 signatory firms have already committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. Are you ready to join them?
- 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.
Get started
Follow these steps to become a 2030 firm signatory and engage with the program:
- Create an account on the DDx webpage and sign the commitment letter.
- Input your project data utilizing our DDx resources and report your project's data during our annual reporting period.
- Create a Sustainability Action Plan to document your firm-wide prioritization and sustainability goals.
- Discover the impact of the 2030 Commitment program in our latest annual report,
- Read Five tips for meeting the AIA 2030 Commitment to help your architecture firm rise to meet the challenge of the AIA 2030 Commitment.
- Explore the full list of 2030 signatory firms and data on their engagement in the 2030 Firm Directory.
Once you join the 2030 Commitment, you can start tracking your firm’s progress in the DDx. These resources will help you get started with the DDx.
· Access or create your DDx account
Each year, signatories are required to report their predicted design data from active projects in the past year. The 2030 reporting window is from January through March, with the deadline of March 31st for portfolio submission. However, firms are able to access and input data year round.
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
· For 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.
Visit the 2030 Commitment YouTube page
Our how-to videos provide community support for uploading your commitment letter, navigating the DDx, and more.
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. Email us for the promo code.
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. Download now >
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. Download now >
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. Download now >
Renovate, Retrofit, Reuse
This guide can help you uncover the tremendous opportunities in existing buildings including energy efficiency and social and economic benefits. Download now >
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. Download now >
Learn more about the impact and progress 2030 Commitment firms are making in the annual AIA 2030 Commitment By the Numbers report.
The AIA Materials Pledge seeks to inspire a positive shift in materials specification. Join almost 300 signatory firms that have taken the pledge.