COTE SC Carbon-Focused Webinar Series

Part Three: Mastering AIA 2030 Commitment Reporting: From Signatory to Sustainability Champion  

Tuesday February 10, 12-1 PM

Presenters: LS3P

Format: Live One-hour lecture-based webinar accompanied by slides, reporting portal and Q&A

CEUs: Yes, 1 CEU/LU
Course Description:

This hands-on webinar empowers architectural firms to confidently navigate and fulfill their reporting requirements under the AIA 2030 Commitment. Attendees will explore the step-by-step process of signing on, managing the Design Data Exchange (DDx), and strategically presenting predicted energy data to align with the net-zero by 2030 vision. Featuring practical tools, real-world examples, and expert insights, the session aims to equip firms with the knowledge and confidence to meet annual reporting mandates and drive continual performance improvement.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Purpose & Significance
   • Describe the mission of the AIA 2030 Commitment and how it upholds the architecture profession’s role in achieving carbon neutral buildings by 2030.
2. Become a Signatory
   • Identify and navigate the initial steps to sign the Commitment, including creating a firm account in AIA’s Design Data Exchange (DDx) and submitting the commitment letter. 
3. Master Annual Reporting via DDx
   • Clarify reporting windows—typically January through March with the due date of March 31—and recognize that firms may access and input data year-round.
4. Capture Required Data Parameters
   • Enumerate the essential data fields required for each project, including:
     • Project stage (conceptual, schematic, development, construction docs)
     • Project scope (architectural with HVAC/envelope changes or interiors with lighting design)
     • Geographic location (country, zip code or city)
     • Baseline Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and predicted EUI (pEUI), leveraged via AIA’s Zero Tool or other baselines
     • Whether actual energy use data is tracked
     • For interiors-only: lighting power density and applicable energy code defaults
5. Engage with Expanded Metrics
   • Incorporate new elements into the reporting, such as:
     • Fuel sources to enable Operational Carbon Intensity (OCI)
     • Embodied Carbon Intensity (ECI) via Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA)
     • Participation in the new Embodied Carbon-Only project page within DDx 
6. Interpret Reporting Outcomes
   • Analyze “By the Numbers” reporting summaries—e.g., in 2023, 490 firms reported ~24,742 projects across nearly 4 billion GSF; a 50% pEUI reduction plateau; 7,067 projects included embodied carbon data; renewables featured in 2,163 projects; and approximately 38.5 million metric tons of CO₂ avoided.Improve Firm Performance Year-over-Year
   • Learn how consistent annual reporting fosters data-driven improvements in design outcomes, supports firm benchmarking, elevates sustainability culture, and informs recruitment or client proposals. 
7. Leverage AIA Resources & Community Support
   • Navigate available support tools such as DDx help pages, how-to videos, recorded webinars, and open office hours—especially helpful