NEW: Sustainable Design Becomes a Mandatory Continuing Education Requirement for AIA Membership

To demonstrate our commitment to sustainable design, the AIA Board of Directors modified the AIA — member continuing education requirement to include 4 hours of education in sustainable design as part of the existing 18 — hour annual requirement. This sustainable design requirement goes into effect in calendar year 2009 and extends through 2012.

Sustainability has been a focus of architectural practice for more than 30 years, and the AIA has provided resources and tools to help its members better serve their clients and communities through environmentally responsible projects. The issue of climate change and the impact of buildings on carbon emissions created a new expectation among clients and the public to look to the expertise of architects for solutions that can help them leave a greener footprint. Social, political, and economic factors are all driving the market toward mainstreaming sustainability, and AIA architects who educate themselves in sustainable design will have an advantage, and again, have the privilege of providing ever greater service to clients and community.

What Is the Sustainable Design Continuing Education Requirement?
Beginning January 1, 2009, 4 of the total 18 CES Learning Units (LUs) required in a given calendar year must focus on sustainable design in a way that meets the established guidelines for sustainable design mandatory continuing education (MCE).

How Does the New Requirement Affect the Original AIA MCE Requirement?
The sustainable design MCE does not replace the original requirement for 18 total hours, 8 of which must be in Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) subjects, as HSW is a subset of Learning Units, and sustainable design may be a subset of HSW. It designates that 4 of the total hours be in sustainable design topics.

Is This Also a State Licensing Board Continuing Education Requirement?
This sustainable design MCE requirement is for AIA membership renewal. However, some states may develop their own special continuing education requirements in addition to HSW. To verify a specific state’s MCE requirement, contact the state licensing board directly.

How Will I Know that a Course Qualifies for Sustainable Design MCE?
All courses by AIA/CES Registered Providers will be identified as qualifying for sustainable design, much like those courses and programs that qualify for HSW learning units. AIA/CES will have reviewed and approved these courses for sustainable — design learning units.