2007 Green Index Reports More Sustainable Design

January 4, 2008 - With so much green home building taking place these days, you would think that sustainable design would be topic of interest to today's field of architects. And that's precisely the case according to Autodesk Inc. and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), who recently conducted their annual survey of (the 2007 Green Index), asking members if they incorporate concepts of sustainability in their designs.

According to the survey, over 90% of architects say they are expecting to incorporate elements of sustainable design into their practices by the year 2012. And many of them are already doing so. 70% of the surveyed architects report that client demand is the primary force behind the green building movement. Many architects are simply responding to the needs of their clients.

The 2007 Green Index shows their has been a 25% increase in the use of HVAC systems, an 18% increase in reflective roofing materials, and a 17% increase in energy remodeling. Compared to five years ago, these numbers have significantly risen. And while the increasing dangers of global warming have certainly become a motivation for many home owners to implement sustainability, a majority of architects say the primary cause has been the prospects of reduced operating costs.

The AIA, who set a goal in 2005 to reduce building emissions by 50% by the year 2010, and obtain full Carbon neutrality by the year 2030, say they are encouraged by the 2007 Green Index. However, considering the fact that buildings are the number one producer of greenhouse emissions, the AIA recognizes there is much more work needed. Although 75% of the surveyed architects believe the building industry is moving in the right direction in response to climate change and the need for sustainability, only 54% believe that architects are responsible for developing and implementing the appropriate solutions, while little over half of the 50% of architects whose clients inquired about green building products and design, did nothing to implement sustainable solutions.

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