COTE
AIA San Diego’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) is dedicated to advancing sustainable design and climate action in our region. Drawing on expertise and resources from AIA California’s Climate Action programs, as well as the broader efforts of AIA National, the committee connects architects, designers, and community partners around shared goals of resilience and environmental stewardship.
key principles
Support rapid decarbonization of the built environment
Reduce embodied carbon
Reduce potable water waste
Educate clients, policymakers, and communities
Encourage innovative practices, policy making, and implementation strategies
Our Focus: Education with Impact
While advocacy and policy are essential in addressing climate change, San Diego COTE places a strong emphasis on education—for practitioners, consultants, end users, and the public. We aim to:
Clarify obligations (such as what is required of licensed architects)
Provide resources, tools, and roadmaps accessible to firms of all sizes
Define San Diego’s unique role in shaping design culture and achieving measurable environmental impact
AIA 2030 Commitment
The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that sets meaningful goals for architects and the built environment. By joining this national initiative, firms pledge to track progress and implement design strategies that move toward a carbon-neutral built environment by the year 2030.
San Diego COTE actively supports this framework, helping local firms understand the requirements and share strategies for success.
Learn More About the 2030 Commitment ►
Upcoming events
IN-CASE-YOU MISSED IT…
AIASD COTE Dives into the 2030 Commitment utilizing Revit Insight 360 to Achieve Energy Modeling!
Committee Leadership
The AIA San Diego COTE Committee is co-chaired by:
Thomas Brothers, AIA – Co-Chair
Matt Dunbar, AIA – Co-Chair
Interested in joining the committee or learning more? Contact the chairs directly or fill out our below.
Get Involved
Help shape the future of sustainable design in San Diego. Sign up to join COTE, present a case study, or volunteer in leadership roles.
Resources
Stay informed with curated resources and tools to help you design smarter, build greener, and advocate effectively:
Climate Action
The AIA recognizes that the planet is experiencing an urgent climate emergency, and that California should continue to elevate its position as a global leader in addressing the grave challenges of advancing climate change and natural resource depletion.
The architectural profession must take a leadership position in the development of energy, carbon, water and resource-related practices and policies that will lead to a viable future.
AIA 2030 Commitment
The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives us a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment.
The latest climate data tells us that reducing carbon emissions is not enough. To make the biggest impact, we must all commit to net zero emissions by 2030—a path that requires strong, immediate action. Since the built environment creates a staggering 40% of the world’s emissions, architects, engineers, and owners play a key role.
More than 1,000 firms have already committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. Are you ready to join them?
