Obama Should Green the White House, Says AIA

The AIA hopes Obama will appoint a high-level advisor on green buildings to the White House team.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 11/26/2008

The White House will become an international symbol of green architecture if the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has anything to say about it. The organization has proposed a series of green building initiatives to President-elect Barack Obama--among them, a sustainable revamp of the national landmark.

This isn't the first time the AIA has tackled the White House: In the 1990's, the organization was a key player in the Greening the White House project. According to the AIA, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue should embrace the technology to become an international model of energy efficiency.

In addition to the energy goal, the AIA proposal includes the development of the White House Urban Policy mentioned during Obama's campaign and the appointment of a high-level advisor on green buildings to the White House team.
 
"During the campaign, Barack Obama voiced plans to invest in infrastructure, advance energy efficiency and sustainable buildings, and to develop a 21st century transportation system," says Christine McEntee executive vice president and chief executive officer of the AIA. "These are all longstanding AIA goals, and we look forward to working with the new administration as they tackle these important challenges."

Above: The north face of the White House in 1941. Photo: Library of Congress/Jack Delano