Welcome to our fifth podcast in our new series hosted by the AIA Utah BEC | COTE Committee called Building Resilience that encompasses all these wonderful things about:

• Architecture
• Building technology
• Materials 
• Methodologies specific to this building’s region
• An open conversation about how buildings can make the built and global environment better

On this episode we talked with Congressman John Curtis, who founded the House Conservative Climate Caucus in 2021, and has been a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship within the Republican Party. Despite opposition from Republicans to bills like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which offer substantial funding for climate initiatives, Congressman Curtis acknowledges their potential for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, while also highlighting challenges such as resistance to newer building codes and electrification efforts for home heating and cooling systems.

As buildings contribute substantially to emissions, with residential structures alone accounting for up to 40%, collaboration between the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and congressional representatives is crucial. The congressman emphasizes the need for architects to engage in discussions on legislation aimed at reducing emissions and encourages designers to consider the public benefits of sustainable building practices. His unique perspective, shaped by experiences across the political spectrum and in his personal life, underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing climate challenges in Washington and focusing on the little things at home.

Music: Outdoors in Summer by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com
Congressman John Curtis - www.curtis.house.gov

AIA Utah has launched the fourth podcast on Building Resilience! Join the Building Enclosure Council and the Committee on the Environment (BEC | COTE) for engaging conversations about:

• Architecture
• Building technology
• Materials
• Methodologies specific to this building’s region
• An open conversation about how buildings can make the built and global environment better

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Emerson, the lead for energy efficiency and building decarbonization programs, policy, and regulatory activities for Utah Clean Energy. Kevin has spearheaded efforts to pass local and state policies to enable innovative financing clean energy projects, improvements to energy codes for Utah homes and buildings, advanced energy transparency for residential, municipal and commercial buildings, and championed policies to expand electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure.

We’ll talk through the latest in building code amendments and how the legislature and the home builder's association can hinder or accelerate green policy, how individuals or architects can become involved in affecting change, using energy codes can clean up Salt Lake City's air pollution and the relationship between applying sustainable principles to save money.  Also included, the role of certifications in moving building efficiencies forward and incentive programs that anyone can tap into to save money.

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

• It's time to update our building codes: https://utahcleanenergy.org/opportunity-to-reduce-pollution-and-save-money-by-updating-our-building-codes/
• Rocky Mountain Power Whole Building New Construction program: https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business/wattsmart-efficiency-incentives-utah/ut-incentive-lists/wbnc.html
• E3 analysis: The economics of all electric new construction in Utah: https://www.ethree.com/economics-of-all-electric-new-construction-in-utah/
• Utah Uniform Building Code Commission schedule and meeting information: http://dopl.utah.gov/programs/ubc/index.html

 In this episode, we talk with Ajla Aksamija, the new Chair of the University of Utah School of Architecture, former Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and from the architectural firm Perkins & Will, where she contributed her knowledge as a Researcher and Associate on building technology.

We’ll explore the role of technology in contemporary design, how it affects the building assemblies, the costs associated, and the manifestation of current trends and philosophies on the built environment.  This podcast scratches the surface of critical thinking in the environmental realm and promises to yield many more conversations in the future.  Wall assemblies, global warming, extreme elements, micro-grids, mass-timber structures, embodied carbon, and many other topics are discussed in this hour-long conversation.

Check the AIA Utah website to find more information, diagrams, pictures, and resources.  We want to thank the University of Utah for using their recording studio.  Stay tuned to Building Resilience for additional episodes coming soon.

AIA Utah has launched the second podcast on Building Resilience! Join the Building Enclosure Council and the Committee on the Environment (BEC | COTE) for engaging conversations about:

• Architecture
• Building technology
• Materials
• Methodologies specific to this building’s region
• An open conversation about how buildings can make the built and global environment better

The second episode is now live and takes a look at High-Performance Residential Buildings in Harsh Mountain Environments. The BEC | COTE hosts Dijana Alickovic, Bryan Markkanen, and Jörg Rügemer sit down with Chris Price, founder of Klima Architecture, to discuss his design strategies when it comes to high-performance residential buildings at elevations above 7,000'  Listen in to this latest episode to learn about his buildings and the building technology behind it.

Chris Price AIA, CPHC, LEED AP
The founder and principal of Klima Architecture. Originally from Northern New Mexico, Chris has always had a deep connection with this wild, fragile planet we call home. He spends his time between the harsh deserts and the lush mountains in and around Utah. Upon receiving his bachelor of arts in Architecture from the University of New Mexico and moving to Utah in 2009, he established Park City Design + Build where he embarked on designing and building more eco-conscious homes in Park City. During his early years of PCD+B, he earned his Masters of Architecture from the University of Utah. Chris is a Licensed Architect, General Contractor, and Passive House Consultant through PHIUS.

https://klimaarchitecture.com/

Presented by The Building Enclosure Council and the Committee on the Environment

Welcome to our first podcast in our new series hosted by the AIA Utah BEC | COTE Committee called Building Resilience that encompasses all these wonderful things about:

• Architecture
• Building technology
• Materials 
• Methodologies specific to this building’s region
• An open conversation about how buildings can make the built and global environment better

In this episode, we’re taking an in-depth look at the “Living Building Challenge.” 

We’ll be talking about the Arch Nexus Sacramento Office design and building technologies it embodies. The office is an adaptive reuse of an existing one-story structure that has been certified under the Living Building Challenge.

Our special guest today is Erica McBride from Architectural Nexus, who is the building manager for this wonderful building.-We would like to thank our fiscal sponsor AIA Utah for supporting this endeavor. Check AIA Utah website to find more information, diagrams, pictures, and resources you may hear on this show as well as an archived copy of this and other future podcasts. 

We’d also like to thank Utah Arts Alliance and Midnight Records Productions for allowing us to use this amazing studio. At Midnight Records Productions, their primary focus is on the artist and providing a comfortable, relaxed, creative environment where artists can come together to achieve their common musical goals and get their best performances recorded. See how you can help them accomplish their goals by visiting www.midnightrecordsproductions.com and www.utaharts.org.
Music: Outdoors in Summer by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com