Architecture 2030

Architecture 2030 is an exciting new initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of humans on earth. A carbon footprint is caused when humans use anything that is not organic. Architects all over America are banding together to make building more efficient by harvesting sustainable energy; for example: the use of solar energy. As young architects, we are told, “Architects transform everything in their paths.” And “The process is messy.” We must use these thoughts to think of our carbon use as a Storm.
The 2030 Challenge is an initiative to combat this powerful storm of human activity. The goal is to become “Zero Carbon”, or “Carbon Neutral”. This will be achieved by using the 2030 Blueprint: Measurable target goals, benchmarked timeline, adoptive design leaders, and the operation of buildings. Currently, the 2030 is supported by ASHRAE, IESNA, USBGC, and DOE. It is also adopted by the AIA. The goal is to reduce fifty percent of our carbon use immediately, sixty percent by 2010, and so on until we are Carbon Neutral in 2030.
This will be started by AIA 50>>50. A program which slogan is “Fifty percent now, fifty ways to do it.” AIA 50>>50 gives architects fifty steps they can follow to begin reducing the carbon footprint immediately. It focuses on the carbon that is used when the building is in place, not as it is being built. Another motto is “Long life, loose fit.” Which means architects must create buildings that will be efficient for years to come.
Overall, I found the lecture very interesting. I am excited about aiding Architecture 2030 in reducing our carbon footprint.