The American Institute of Architects (AIA) backed the Biden-Harris Administration for developing a National Definition of a Zero Emission Building for Operating Emissions. This move creates definition of zero emission buildings that are consistent and measurable.

 

While AIA stands with the administration's efforts to achieve zero emissions for buildings through building pathways, there is not clarification of their intent for the definition. The AIA further developed comments with member input that emphasized clarification on whether there is intent to include the definition in guidance or a financial incentive.

"A national definition that can be applied consistently and is standardized for new construction and existing buildings will serve as a framework for the industry, so that users, such as architects, can achieve measurable reduction in the operating emissions for buildings - both new and existing," said 2024 AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC. "AIA members have been providing input to the Administration through the development of the definition and will continue to do so as this process moves forward."

According to the Department of Energy, zero emission buildings, or zero-energy buildings, are highly energy efficient, free of on-site emissions, and are powered solely from clean energy. This definition does not include federal buildings as they fall under a separate category. Landscape architects are an integral part of incorporating the landscape with the building and must be considered in this conversation.