A Time to Get Involved as Citizen Architects
The building sector is responsible for nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. Towards the end of 2017, Montgomery County declared a climate emergency and laid down the groundwork for climate action with an aggressive commitment to eliminate greenhouse gases and reach carbon neutrality by 2035. A recent milestone was Bill 16-21. Unanimously passed by Montgomery County’s County Council last April, Bill 16-21 targets commercial and residential buildings over 25,000 sf for a dramatic improvement in energy performance by establishing new standards and benchmarking requirements to mobilize the county towards its carbon-neutral goal.
Because of my outspoken interest in building performance during AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program last year, several of our Fellows encouraged me to apply for a position on the Building Performance Improvement Board (an advisory committee for implementation of the County’s energy performance standards). A few months later, I was nominated by County Executive Elrich and voted into the board by the County Council. The shared experience with knowledgeable and diverse stakeholders continues to be educational and fulfilling. So many of us in the building sector have shown enthusiasm in addressing greenhouse gas emissions and taking responsibility for our hefty slice of the pie-chart. While design solutions can and are being implemented, the legislative world beyond our drawings has even more potential for lasting impact!
Getting involved in local government may sound daunting, but participating in AIAPV chapter events and programs is a great place to begin. Striking up a conversation can often help you figure out where to get your foot in the door (or which door to put your foot in). Don’t forget to check out AIA’s Advocacy tab to see how you can engage policy makers and be a voice for the issues you’re passionate about.
The author of this article, Greg Goldstein, is an AIAPV Board member and was part of the inaugural class of AIAPV Emerging Professional Awards winners.
Gregory Goldstein, Assoc. AIA
Torti Gallas & Partners, Inc.
AIAPV Board Director
E: [email protected]
P: 301.650.2264
