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| 12 Apr 2023 | |
| Climate Action and Leadership |
| Committee on the Environment (COTE) |
By: COTE Co-Chairs, Danielle Fleischmann & Roshni Krishnan
AIA Philadelphia's Committee on the Environment is a band of leaders working to realize a healthy, equitable built environment. We educate designers, campaign for policy change, influence design culture, and join forces with other organizations advocating for change. We have 5 subcommittees that work to support the AIA's Climate Action Plan, the Framework for Design Excellence, Zero Waste, Environmental Justice, and the 2030 Commitment.
Here is some more information about our subcommittees and their dedicated members!
The Zero-Waste Sub-Committee is made up of many members deeply committed to the mission of debunking myths about waste and to correcting inequity in our consumption-based culture. Our work is based on a philosophy of waste reduction and strives for the elimination of all plastic as single-use materials. Meeting bi-weekly, we are developing resources for the purpose of educating others and inspiring change. In 2021 we will inaugurate a first-of-its kind AIA Zero-Waste Planning Guide for local and national events. This guide will be used for events held at the Center for Architecture and will help inform the forthcoming renovation of the space.
While holding plastic producers accountable for their lasting impacts on the environment is a primary initiative, the group also strives to promote urban agriculture and farming to reduce waste. It strives to provide equitable opportunities and access to nature, as well as, support for circular economies in agriculture, waste cycles, and our construction processes. The group also hosts lectures on technical practices of reuse from composting and bio fuel reuse to deconstruction and material recycling.
Stay tuned for a full release of the Zero Waste Events Planning Guide!
Check out our Zero Waste playlist on youtube for some of those lectures or reach out to the group on our Committee page to find out more.
Special thanks to our particularly dedicated members: Katherine Urbaniak, Mary Ann Duffy, Kaetlin McGee, Jonathan Weiss, Lauren Powers, Elias Agia, Brian Smiley, Eugenia Ellis, Steven Krug and others!
The Committee on the Environment is always looking for volunteers in a wide-range of capacities, and we thrive on matching your interests, skills, or professional development opportunities with our Committee's initiatives. COTE meetings are held virtually at 8:00 AM on the third Thursday of each month. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to attend! Subscribe to our Newsletter to find out more! Or follow us on our Committee page and social media accounts @aiaphillycote
