Architects Unite for Climate Action

As the fight to stop climate disruption has grown exponentially in the past several decades, many different professions have united to call for action - from healthcare professionals to faith leaders to business owners and more. Recently an alliance of architects calling for climate action came together: Architects Advocate for Climate Change (AACC).

“Architects are marathon-running juggling artists - our projects frequently last years, and we are juggling numerous and frequently competing interests in order to arrive at integrated and prosperous solutions,” said Thomas Jacobs of Krueck and Sexton Architects. “As such, we are experts at turning constraints into advantages, which is the best way to look at climate change. Architects can turn ambition into action through good design and smart implementation.”

That’s why Jacobs joined with several colleagues to form AACC - he saw the value as well as the lack of movement previously. “In my 20 years of working as an architect I don't recall ever having a discussion with a professional colleague who said climate science is made up,” he explained. “We remind our professional peers that we all agree action is needed, but that the profession collectively hasn't said so in the past.”

Kevin Boyer of the architecture firm Holabird & Root was drawn to AACC because it was a perfect connection between his professional work and his environmental interests as a member of the Illinois Sierra Club. “I found out about AACC through an email from the Illinois Sierra Club,” said Boyer. “Shortly after that (Jacobs) contacted me about having Holabird & Root support the effort.”

Jacobs said collaborating with organizations like the Illinois Sierra Club has helped increase their reach. Sierra Club midwest press secretary Renner Barsella said the relationship with AACC thus far has been excellent and makes complete sense.

“When I read about AACC I recognized an opportunity to strengthen our conversation into a sphere we don't get into that often,” Barsella said. “AACC has the great potential to help us paint that image of the future that will not only motivate people to act because pollution affects local economies and health, but actually gets people excited about the innovative days ahead.”

“Additionally - architects are already doing this stuff every day,” added Barsella. “It's not so much a question of what might the Sierra Club do with AACC as much as how can we highlight what they're already doing because it is the innovative spirit at the heart of our nuts and bolts.”

AACC has continued to grow quickly both in its home city of Chicago and nationwide. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Jacobs. “The small number of firms that have declined to participate have done so for legitimate reasons; however, all of those firms agree with and act on the need for more sustainable solutions through their work and projects.”

Boyer said there is definitely a common theme of working for a greater good for everyone. “One of the statements that has generated the most discussion is that ‘a healthy environment is a civil right,’” he said.

So far AACC has well over 100 supporting firms in Chicago and Jacobs says it’s slowly growing nationwide as well. “What we’re looking for in cities across the country are similar initiative ‘champions’ who contact all their professional friends and colleagues  and get them to join,” said Jacobs.

Inspired by what’s to come, Barsella is excited for further collaboration with AACC. “AACC will be a vital voice for climate in discussing things like building codes, energy efficiency standards, and sustainable urban planning.”

Jacobs agreed, knowing that architects can make a huge difference in the climate fight.

“We have to carry the case for responsibility and prudence in our planning and decision making, which leads to healthier environments.”