Reframing Climate Action in the AEC Industry: An Economic Perspective

In the face of significant opposition to climate action, it is more crucial than ever to press forward with our decarbonization efforts. Given the recent unveiling of 'Project 2025,' a comprehensive plan by conservative groups to dismantle the federal government’s climate change mitigation efforts, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry finds itself at a unique crossroads. Over the next few months it's going to feel like the Empire Strikes Back as clients and investors pause to see the results of the election.

Those of us in the AEC sector understand the profound potential that resides within our industry to foster a sustainable, resilient future. We design, construct, and operate the buildings and infrastructure that form the backbone of our cities and our societies. As such, we have a unique responsibility—and opportunity—to address climate change head-on.

There is an erroneous perception that climate action is a burden on our economy. Yet, when we examine the potential for job creation, energy cost savings, and resilience against climate disasters, we find that the opposite is true. Emphasizing this economic perspective offers us a new approach to climate action, one that sidesteps direct confrontation with big-oil propaganda and aims instead to create an undeniable business case for sustainability.

The emerging narrative of conservative groups and their Project 2025 seeks to take us backwards, undermining the progress made towards clean, renewable energy sources and essentially handing control back to fossil fuels. The plan includes actions such as blocking the expansion of the electrical grid for wind and solar energy, slashing funding for environmental justice, and shifting regulatory power to Republican state officials. If enacted, it will undoubtedly stymie the transition to clean energy and bolster industries that we, as a society, should be moving away from. We should remember that the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act are going primarily to conversative areas so there will be a backlash against removing these popular programs.

Yet, the AEC sector is already proving that climate action and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Advanced technologies and innovative tools are transforming the way we design and construct buildings. At cove.tool, for example, we use simulation-based software and AI to optimize building performance, reduce costs, and lower carbon footprints. We are not alone in this endeavor; numerous manufacturing companies are developing solutions to optimize energy use, design high-performance buildings, and even recycle construction materials.

Emphasizing these economic opportunities is the AEC industry's path forward in a climate of political uncertainty. Our sector can demonstrate the economic viability and benefits of sustainable construction and operations, proving that decarbonization isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business, too.

Thirty years ago, we embarked on a journey of climate action that has since been stunted by political infighting and vested interests. The rhetoric of Project 2025 shows that these barriers are not disappearing anytime soon. However, we can choose to focus our energy on a more effective path forward—one that bypasses the battlegrounds of political ideology and speaks directly to the economics of climate action.

The AEC industry has a major role to play in this narrative shift. It is up to us to highlight the economic benefits of sustainable design and construction and to demonstrate the real, measurable value of energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings. We must show that an investment in decarbonization is an investment in a resilient, prosperous future—for our industry, our economy, and our planet.

If the fight against climate change is going to be a battle, let's ensure it's one we can win. It's time to view climate action not as an economic burden, but as a driver of innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. Let's forge a new narrative for the AEC industry—one that embraces the economic imperative of sustainability and leads the way in the face of political headwinds.

In the meantime, keep your head down and stay on target!