Design for Economy
Good design adds economic value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet—regardless of the project size and budget.
Learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Reproduced with permission of The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20006
Design for Economy
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
Feature Article
Offsite modular construction not only cuts costs and construction times but also benefits people and the planet.
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Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects
Feature Article
A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.
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The Problem with Net-Zero Buildings (and the Case for Net-Zero Neighborhoods)
Feature Article
It can be tough to make an individual building into a zero energy building, while working at the community scale can offer up opportunities for energy efficiency and cost-effective renewable energy generation.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This program funds clean-energy projects, including building-scale technologies, primarily through grants to nonprofit financial institutions.
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IRA’s Section 48 Investment Tax Credit for Energy Property: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This program provides a tax credit for investment in renewable energy projects. It includes bonus credit for projects in energy communities and projects that use certain amounts of U.S.-manufactured products, including steel and iron.
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A Framework for All: How AIA Is Democratizing Excellence
News Analysis
The AIA Framework for Design Excellence helps designers start vital conversations. Recent revisions have surfaced four core outcomes and sharpened focus on “how” to complement “why.”
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Inflation Reduction Act Pays Nonprofits to Build Green
News Analysis
Under the IRA, hospitals and other nonprofits can now afford long-hoped-for resilience and emission strategies. And the investments are biggest in communities with the least.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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