AIA Pennsylvania Attends Governor’s Signing of New Environmental Standards

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed the first statewide climate goal to reduce carbon emissions by 26 percent by 2025 from 2005. Up until now, Pennsylvania did not have a greenhouse gas emissions goal. The executive order establishes the first statewide goal to reduce carbon pollution, which is contributing to climate change. The executive order also establishes the GreenGov Council to boost green and sustainable practices in state government to help achieve the goals set in the executive order, while saving taxpayers money and creating jobs in the state’s clean energy economy. The Governor’s leadership will help improve millions of people’s health and the state’s green economy for generations. The goals continue to 80% reduction by 2050. The executive order also has goals for state-owned energy-efficient buildings, replacing part of the state’s auto fleet with electric vehicles, and the significant procurement of renewable energy.

Our own Marc Mondor was proud to be at the signing as AIA Pennsylvania Committee on the Environment Chair, and as Appointee to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Advisory Committee. Marc sees this executive order as a game changer, stating:

“This is a win-win, which will save taxpayer money, help clean the air and create jobs.  These goals will also tie into the forthcoming Pennsylvania 2018 Climate Action Plan for both mitigation and adaptation.”

Governor Wolf signing the Commonwealth Leadership in Addressing Climate Change and Promoting Energy Conservation and Sustainable Governance Executive Order. From Left: Alex Dews, ED of GBU; Chip Desmone, President of AIA PA; Steve Krug (seated), Chair PA Climate Change Advisory Committee; Steve Swarney, ED of AIA PA; Marc Mondor, Chair of AIA PA COTE and Appointee PA Climate Change Advisory Committee; Julian Boggs, Legal Director of KEEA; PA Governor Tom Wolf (seated); Shannon Crooker, Sustainable Energy Fund; Amal Mahrouki, Legislative Affairs Director of AIA PA; Scott Compton (seated), AIA PA Past President; Isaac Smith, 2030 District Manager of GBA; Katie Bartolotta, Legislative Affairs of GBU; Olivia Perry, Membership Director of AIA PA; Mary MacClenaghan, chair of AIA PA Legal Affairs Subcommittee.

Architects are able to lead the crucial early project goal setting process that leads to the establishment of high-performance targets and the incorporation of renewable energy in buildings. Higher energy efficiency for building projects reduces their operating costs, which gives them a higher valuation. AIA Pennsylvania is pleased to have initiated the legislative strategy over 4 years ago, and rallied the idea with the Green Building Alliance, Green Building United, USGBC Central PA and the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance.

For more information, see AIA Pennsylvania’s statement.