Launched in 2009 as a way to help Seattle-area architects and engineers meet Architecture 2030 goals, the AIA+2030 curriculum has grown well beyond expectations. AIA Seattle implemented the course—designed with support from Architecture 2030, BetterBricks, and the city of Seattle—throughout Washington state and aided other chapters with adopting the curriculum.  The intensive, 40-hour series teaches techniques and strategies for creating buildings whose construction and operation reduce typical carbon emissions by 60 percent.

AIA Seattle recently partnered with Architecture 2030 to transfer management of this program to a national scale. AIA Seattle will continue to focus on the local education efforts using AIA+2030 guidelines, while Architecture 2030 will administer the series for other AIA chapters as well as the general public. Both organizations are eager for the program to become even more widespread and feel that Architecture 2030 can better promote that growth.

 “With this management transition we are essentially switching roles with AIA Seattle,” explains Architecture 2030’s Vincent Martinez. “AIA Seattle will continue to be a key partner on the program, while Architecture 2030 will now dedicate staff and resources to engaging new AIA chapters as well as provide support for implementing the components.” Martinez has worked with AIA Seattle on the program since its inception. He adds that as a national organization, Architecture 2030 is well positioned to bring in significant partners and collaborators to help individual chapters or other organizations launch the program.

According to Martinez, Architecture 2030 intends to increase the number of AIA chapters using AIA+2030 through broader communications and outreach efforts, and it will extend more assistance or aid for anyone offering the course. In addition, it plans to revise the curriculum next year with new guidelines taking effect in 2014. Martinez says these updates will help design professionals “prepare for the increase to a 70 percent reduction target of the 2030 Challenge in 2015.”