An educational program focused on sustainable design created by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Chapter with Architecture 2030, will soon be offered by several other AIA chapters. The AIA+2030 Professional Series, launched in 2009, was designed to help AIA architects and structural engineers working in all sectors meet their 2030 commitments to reach 60 percent reduction in fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions by designing super-efficient buildings, with the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

AIA Seattle’s intermediate-level, 40-hour educational series has turned out to be very popular with its members, according to program manager Cassandra Delaune. Each of the 10 four-hour sessions is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in the preceding courses, beginning with the basic goals of the 2030 Challenge, moving through key energy-reduction strategies—including climate-responsive design, passive systems, daylighting, and renewable energies—and culminating in strategies for successful project hand-off and implementing 2030 goals in a firm setting.

The program brings architects and engineers together and working toward the same goals, says Delaune. In fact, many of the sessions are taught by both an engineer and an architect, helping to show both sides of the topic, she notes.

AIA Seattle decided to roll it out nationally when other AIA component leaders heard of the program and made known their interest in adopting it for their local members. Using a franchise structure, the chapter trains representatives of other AIA components in program implementation and management and provides all the materials necessary, including a curricula that can be adapted for local codes and regulations.

Currently, AIA Houston, AIA Portland/AIA Oregon, AIA Denver, AIA Atlanta, and the Washington (DC) Chapter AIA will launch their own AIA+2030 Professional Series programs beginning in the first quarter 2011. Delaune says that 9 other chapters are in various stages of implementation, as well.

For more details about the educational series and its availability by chapter, visit www.aiaplus2030.org.