Architecture for Humanity
Diana Bianchini
310.288.0077
press@architectureforhumanity.org
Joint Design Fellowship will support sustainable reconstruction efforts in Haiti
For immediate release
June 2, 2010 (Washington, DC) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have announced their support for an Architecture for Humanity Sustainable Design Fellow, who will help play a critical role in rebuilding the infrastructure in Haiti that was demolished in the devastating earthquake. The qualified design professional selected will make a two-year commitment to work directly with community members on the ground in Architecture for Humanity’s Rebuilding Center based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“As the dust begins to settle, Haiti is faced with critical need for new and structurally sound homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “The Sustainable Design Fellowship will equip a seasoned green building design professional with the tools he or she will need to help Architecture for Humanity in its rebuilding of sustainable communities in Haiti.”
“The widespread devastation from the earthquake in Haiti was exacerbated by the lack of building codes, which is something we hope to address with the appropriate parties,” said AIA Executive Vice President & CEO Christine McEntee. “Having a dedicated licensed architect who is well versed in design for disaster- prone areas will be a tremendous benefit for the country as it begins the rebuilding process.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to tap our collective resources and provide an on-site resource for community groups and NGOs seeking assistance in Haiti,” said Kate Stohr, Managing Director of Architecture for Humanity. “We are grateful to the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects for creating this opportunity for their members to give back.”
As a key member of Architecture for Humanity’s Haiti rebuilding team, the USGBC-AIA sponsored Sustainable Design Fellow will provide tools and training for safe and sustainable construction to mitigate similar building failures in the future both to the informal trades and by increasing local professional capacity through training and assistance.
To learn more about or to apply for the U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architects sponsored Sustainable Design Fellowship with Architecture for Humanity, please visit: http://architectureforhumanity.org/get_involved/volunteer.
About U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. Visit www.usgbc.org
About American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org
About Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. Through a network of building professionals, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services to communities in need. We are building a more sustainable future using the power of design. To learn more about Architecture for Humanity, please visit http://architectureforhumanity.org. To learn more about Architecture for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts in Haiti, please visit http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/haiti_reconstruction. To learn more about Architecture for Humanity’s Design Fellowship Program please visit http://architectureforhumanity.org/getinvolved/designfellowship
