AIA and GBI promote responsible buildings (April 2009)

In order to promote the design and construction of energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings, the Green Building Initiative, Portland, Ore., and the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C., have signed a memorandum of understanding. GBI President Ward Hubbell and AIA’s Executive Vice President/ CEO Christine McEntee recently signedthe agreement. “We are happy to have this agreement in place,” Hubbell said. “The AIA’s support and expertise in the development of the Green Globes Standard, through participation on the ANSI technical committee, has been invaluable. We look forward to continuing our work with them toward our shared goal of achieving widespread acceptance of sustainable design and construction practices.” McEntee added: “The GBI’s engagement in life cycle assessment and promotion of post-construction third-party review in Green Globes illustrates GBI’s commitment to the creation of high-performance buildings and supports the role of the architect in creating them. We look forward to working with the GBI on our common goal of reaching carbon neutral buildings by 2030.” Among other things, the agreement calls for the two organizations to:
• Promote the design of buildings that are energy efficient, healthier and environmentally responsible by providing education and training. • Offer educational opportunities that include content on Life Cycle Assessment, Green Globes New Construction and Green Globes Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings. • Encourage or undertake research to identify strategies for specific economic and environmental performance outcomes for green buildings.