Architects oppose pullout
I am writing on behalf of the American Institute of Architects, and on behalf of my family, living and working here in western Pennsylvania. I am looking to you to help publicly support the U.S.’s commitment to The Paris Agreement on climate change.
As an architect, one of my key goals is designing sustainable buildings for current and future generations who will live and work in the structures I’ve created. A sustainable and resilient built environment is one of the best solutions we have to combat the effects of climate change.
That is why I am concerned about President Trump withdrawing the United States from The Paris Agreement, which聽 195 countries – including the U.S. – adopted this first-ever universal climate deal in 2015 that sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change.
Architects have a unique role to play in achieving the agreement’s goals. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings are responsible for 73 percent of all electricity consumption in the U.S., with about half of that coming from commercial buildings. American architects are focused on designing buildings that are energy efficient and in some cases, nearly carbon neutral. We have worked hand-in-hand with the federal government to help make our profession and country competitive global leaders in the quest for an energy efficient built environment.
Withdrawing from The Paris Climate Agreement is a major step back for America’s global leadership in sustainable design.
Patricia Culley is a resident of Zelienople, Pa.