A few years ago, members of the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE) Advisory Group began discussions on the fact that greening of the built environment was concerned with increasing efficiencies of systems and the use of materials and not larger concerns.  It seemed that little effort was invested in a holistic response to the vital issues of our times including – ecological degradation on an unprecedented scale, climate change, loss of systems that provide food and water and peak energy. 

 

To continue the discussion, move beyond the efficiencies of green to sustainability and share a hopeful vision of the future, large continuing education sessions on True Sustainability were given at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 AIA Conventions. In these sessions, the best examples in the world of actual places – ones that can be detached from a water, waste, energy and industrial food system and indefinitely provide the necessities for human and other forms of life -- are discussed.  This work and site are dedicated to those extraordinary members of COTE and other organizations who have given so much of their knowledge, energy, passion and time to the realization there are more skillful means to making our world. 

 

Those who share a vision of the positive power of planning, design and construction, and the expectation that the places we create together will give lasting economic, social and ecological vitality to all, are invited to form a community in this social networking website.