Summary: On November 24, the AIA launched the eleventh of 12 short video episodes for architects to share with clients who want to plan a new building or renovate an existing one using green building principles. “Carbon Offsets” explains to clients how a financial transaction—such as buying wind-power credits—can be used to represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (The first video is on water conservation; the second covers smart controls; the third, radiant heating and cooling; the fourth, vegetation and sun control; the fifth, the whole building approach; the sixth, green tags; the seventh, energy modeling; the eighth, green roofs; the ninth, daylighting; and the tenth, choosing green materials.)

Greenstep is the new aspect of the AIA’s “Walk the Walk” marketing campaign to help clients and the public learn more about sustainable design elements and how architects are providing energy-efficient solutions to help lower our collective and individual carbon footprints. The video series resides on the “Walk the Walk” Web site, and new videos appear biweekly. Check it out and share with your clients.