AIA Testifies for Architect to Fill Architect of the Capitol Position; Congress Takes Energy-Related Actions

UIA Declares Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions the Theme for World Architecture Day
The International Union of Architects (UIA) announced on June 8 that the theme of this year’s World Day of Architecture is achieving zero carbon dioxide emissions. In choosing this theme, the UIA is calling on architects’ capacity to reduce carbon dioxide emissions drastically in the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and cities. Because almost half of the emissions of this greenhouse-effect producing gas comes from the construction and transportation sectors, the UIA notes, mobilization of the world’s architects is crucial. Several UIA Member Sections already have joined the efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. World Architect Day is celebrated on October 1, concurrently with the United Nations’ World Habitat Day. The UIA aims to highlight architects’ awareness of the current ecological emergency and invites all its member sections to organize programs on this theme for the first of October. For more information, visit the UIA Web site.

Gold Medal and Firm Award Reminder!
AIA Gold Medal and Architecture Firm Award submissions are due July 13. Nominations from AIA components, members of the AIA Board of Directors, Knowledge Communities, and by petition are welcome. For submission forms and binders, visit the Honors and Awards Web site or contact Molly Roche in the Honors and Awards Department, 202-626-7586 or mroche@aia.org. (Pictured is Haystack Mountain School of Arts and Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine, by 2007 Gold Medalist Edward Larrabee Barnes. Photo © Joseph Molitor.)