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Knowledge Communities

Committee on the Environment (COTE®)

AIA Atlanta COTE® supports regenerative design practices and integrating built and natural systems to create sustainable, resilient, and equitable buildings and communities. Our meetings unite owners, contractors, engineers, landscape architects, and sustainability consultants to share strategies. COTE’s work includes:

  • Workshops and monthly lectures
  • Advocacy with government and civic organizations
  • Supporting the 2030 Commitment towards a carbon-free built environment
  • Synergies with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence to create better buildings
Resources

AIA 2030 Commitment

Going carbon neutral

The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that outlines a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment.

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.

Get Involved

Join the AIA Atlanta COTE® Email List

COTE® is one of  AIA Atlanta’s most engaged Knowledge Communities. Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and resources.

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Unified with AIA 2023

Architectural, engineering and educational organizations’ sustainability commitment initiatives:

Be part of the climate change solution

Joining the 2030 Commitment benefits your clients, your firm, and the planet. Learn what to expect when you sign on.

Read the article

Create a Sustainability Action Plan

A Sustainability Action Plan is your firm’s unique strategy for prioritizing and meeting sustainability goals. This guide shows you how.

Review the guide

Get tips for meeting the 2030 Commitment

Explore tips from LPA Design Studios to help you develop a plan to meet your goals.

Read the article

See the impact firms are making

Since 2009, participants in the 2030 Commitment have reported the performance of their firm portfolios over each calendar year. See their annual progress.

View the 2030 By the Numbers report
Building Spotlight

The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design

Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and Lord Aeck Sargent, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech is zero-energy, becoming the first in Georgia and 28th in the world to earn the Living Building Challenge certification. This designation certifies the development to be among the world’s most ambitious and holistic green buildings. It is fully regenerative, with its photovoltaic system supplying over 200% of the building’s energy needs.

Explore

  • Related AIA Courses

  • AIA+2030 Online Series Certificate Program

    The AIA+2030 Online Series is an educational program aimed at providing AIA members and other design professionals with the high-performance building knowledge necessary to meet the 2030 Challenge targets.
    Learn More

  • Performing Beautifully: Lessons from 2022 COTE® Top Ten Award-winning Teams:

    Examine 2021 COTE Top Ten projects through the lens of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence to highlight innovative, replicable models for more sustainable development regardless of project type, size, or location.
    Learn More

  • The State of Climate Action in the Building Sector: How Architects Can Make a Difference

    Join this session to explore the latest state of knowledge on climate change, targets, goals, and regulations set to mitigate its worst effects, and what you, as an architect, can do to help.
    Learn More

  • Zero Energy Buildings

    This session on zero energy buildings introduces their foundational terminology, concepts, and strategies. Topics covered include defining zero energy, understanding site energy vs. source energy, the cost of zero energy buildings, setting goals, historically informed architecture, and passive design strategies.
    Learn More

  • Leadership

    Chairs

  • Chair

    Frances Hamilton, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

  • AIA Advisor

    Bill Abballe, AIA

  • Apply
    Educational Coordinator

    Position Open

  • Apply
    Co-Chair

    Position Open

  • Apply
    Communications

    Position Open

Subcommittees

To apply for an open position, please contact us here
Chair: Paul McKeever, AIACo-chair: Open

Sustainable Sites

Chair: Meg Needle, AIACo-chair: Open

Water Efficiency

Chair: Kelly RobertsCo-chair: Open

Energy & Atmosphere

Chair: Bill Hotch, AIACo-chair: Open

Indoor Environmental Quality/Materials & Resources

Chair: Erich R. Swett, AIACo-chair: Open

Technology

Chair: Delton MooreCo-chair: Open

Education & Outreach