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AIA California Design Awards - Climate Action Awards

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Foundation Annual Environmental Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

AIA California Design Awards - Climate Action Awards

Funder: American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA)

Purpose: Recognize and honor the highest level of architectural design that addresses climate change and meets rigorous environmental performance standards.

Award Levels:

  • Climate Action Awards - Highest-level design award; requires strong, holistic consideration of sustainability across multiple areas

  • Honor Awards - Explicitly incorporates performance/sustainability principles effectively in at least one area

  • Merit Awards - Minimally compliant with basic but complete performance/sustainability considerations

  • Special Commendations - Recognition for design excellence in one specific principle from the AIA Framework for Design Excellence

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Architectural projects within California (some projects outside CA considered)

  • Projects must meet minimum sustainability standards

  • Climate Action Award projects must score at least 4 in technical review

  • Must submit performance metrics and sustainability data

    • Evaluation Criteria:

  • Energy efficiency

  • Water management

  • Materials

  • Health and wellness

  • Ecology

  • Resilience

  • Compliance with AIA Framework for Design Excellence

    • Process:

  • Technical review by panel of experts using Common App metrics

  • Jury evaluation (typically 4 jurors: 2 out-of-state architects, 2 in-state architects, 1 non-architect/engineer)

  • Required submittal of performance data via Common App (national standard form)

    • Resources Provided:

  • Common App submittal form

  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI) calculators

  • Title 24 conversion tools

  • Climate action webinars

  • Educational materials on sustainable design metrics

    • Geographic Scope: California-based projects (some national consideration)

    Contact Information:

  • Email: trothman@aiacalifornia.org

  • Phone: 916.642.1718

  • Organization: American Institute of Architects California

  • Address: 1931 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

  • Website: aiacalifornia.org/design-awards/

    • Recent Winners (2022):

  • Atherton Library (WRNS Studio)

  • Harvey B. Milk Terminal 1 (Woods Bagot / ED2 International / HKS / KYA / Gensler / Kuth Ranieri)

  • The Prow (Aidlin Darling Design)

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Common App Submittal:
    1. Complete the AIA Common App form (developed by national AIA COTE)
    2. Submit performance metrics including:
    - Site Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
    - Water usage data
    - Materials information
    - Health and wellness strategies
    - Ecological considerations
    - Resilience measures
    3. Provide project narratives addressing sustainability strategies
    4. Include project documentation and images

    Metrics and Documentation:

  • Use Common App calculator for energy metrics

  • For projects without energy modeling: provide Title 24 report data

  • Document all performance/sustainability strategies

  • Technical reviewers will evaluate submissions independently

    • Resources Available:

  • AIA California website: https://aiacalifornia.org/design-awards/

  • EUI explanation and calculators: https://aiacalifornia.org/operating-energy-metrics/

  • Common App webinar video available on awards page

  • Educational materials: https://aiacalifornia.org/what-you-can-do-now/

  • Climate action webinars: https://aiacalifornia.org/climate-action-webinars/

    • Evaluation Stages:
    1. Technical Review: Submissions scored 1-5 by three independent experts based on sustainability criteria
    2. Jury Review: Four-person jury reviews technical scores and project submissions
    3. Award Selection: Juries select winners across four award levels based on aesthetic design and performance

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    environment

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