In recent years, sustainability has become a major discussion issue for many politicians, organizations, and citizens across the nation. For the AIA, it has been an issue even longer. Before it became a popular theme, architects have taken up the issue of stewarding the environment in their designs.
The AIA’s position statement on sustainable architectural practice states:
“The AIA recognizes a growing body of evidence that demonstrates current planning, design, construction, and real estate practices contribute to patterns of resource consumption that seriously jeopardize the future of the Earth’s population. Architects need to accept responsibility for their role in creating the built environment and, consequently, believe we must alter our profession’s actions and encourage our clients and the entire design and construction industry to join with us to change the course of the planet’s future.”
As a result of this strong position, and the personal commitment of many architects, AIA members have called and e-mailed to ask where Sens. McCain and Obama stand on many issues, especially sustainability.
Grist, an environmental commentary Web site, has a great comparison chart for voters to review where candidates stand on environmental issues. The site also has more general information and resources on the candidates and their environmental records and positions.
So what can you do other than educating yourself on the candidates’ position? Try to get the 2030 Resolution into the national parties’ platforms. The Republican Party has opened up the platform development process to the public. By going to http://gopplatform2008.com/intro.aspx, citizens can submit a text or video suggestion on what should be included.
The Democrats are taking a similar route. At http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/listening/, the Obama campaign encourages individuals to host platform meetings and discussions about the issues important to them which they believe should be important in the fall election campaign.
Want a suggestion on what to propose? The AIA’s 2030 resolution is available here. For more information and info, contact designvote@aia.org.
The Angle Blog will explore more issues important to architects in the coming weeks. Let us know the issues, topics, etc. that you want us to explore.