In this issue:
· AIA Launches Walk The Walk
· New Institute to Manage LEED AP Program
· Professional Practice Committee Offers Tri-State Practice Requirements Matrix

AIA Launches Walk The Walk
“Walk the Walk” is a multi-faceted campaign launched by AIA National to promote sustainable design among consumers, business owners, and member architects. The program intends to inform the marketplace on the benefits of more energy-efficient homes and buildings, in line with the AIA’s goal of making all buildings carbon neutral by 2030, and helping the U.S. design and construction industry reduce fossil fuel consumption in buildings. The AIA offers two environmental toolkits:

· SustAIAnability 2030 Toolkit — encouraging city leaders to promote a 50% fossil fuel reduction by 2010 and carbon neutrality by 2030.

· 50to50 Toolkit — a set of 50 strategies, tools, and techniques to help designers achieve significant reductions in energy use and carbon emissions for the buildings they design.

New Institute to Manage LEED AP Program
A new addition to the green building community, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), shares the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) mission to transform the building industry and achieve a sustainable built environment. GBCI was formed to provide balanced, objective management of the LEED Professional Accreditation program, including exam development, registration, and delivery. The USGBC will continue to handle development of the LEED Rating Systems and offer LEED-based education programs. Nothing will change for current LEED Accredited Professionals except that LEED AP Directory listings can now be updated at the GBCI website.

Professional Practice Committee Offers Tri-State Practice Requirements Matrix
The AIANY Professional Practice Committee is offering a comparison of key state requirements affecting the practice of architecture in NY, NJ, and CT. For example, members may be surprised to learn that each state has different requirements governing document retention and firm ownership.

The Tri-State Matrix is a simple outline. You must consult with state authorities and/or legal counsel for up-to-date, detailed information. The committee welcomes comments to the co-chairs, Daniel Garbowit, AIA, or Mark Behm, Assoc. AIA. Professional Practice Committee meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of every month from 8:30-10:00am at the Center for Architecture.