AIA Green Challenge Adopted by NACo

Washington, DC, July 31, 2007–The National Association of Counties (NACo) has adopted a resolution supporting the American Institute of Architects (AIA) SustAIAnability 2030 Challenge that calls for public buildings to be carbon-neutral by 2030.

AIA said that U.S. buildings account for nearly the same amount of carbon emissions as the economies of Japan, France and the United Kingdom combined, and if designed in an energy-efficient manner they can significantly reduce energy consumption, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and slow the effects of climate change.

Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, government and community elations, said that the momentum for more eco-friendly building design is continuing to gain steam and NACo has been a strong supporter of environmental initiatives, including the creation of the Green Government Advisory Board and other programmatic actions. 

NACo Commissioner Shannon Staub said it was important that the counties, like the U.S. Conference of Mayors, show their support for the initiative.

NACo said it also supports federal efforts to promote green buildings and stressed the importance of determining life cycle costs of all buildings.

 “It is great when organizations of the caliber of NACo and the AIA can work together on this important issue,” added Commissioner Kenn Gardner, AIA. “The county level is where the rubber meets the road because local government is closest to the people, and this is where you solve land use, planning, and so many other important issues. Citizens don’t generally call the federal government when they have a problem, they call their local government.”