Co-sponsored by Mohawk Group and Acoufelt

Join COTE chapters from AIA Northern Virginia, AIA DC, and AIA Potomac Valley for this Tri-COTE event as Melanie De Cola and Eana Bacchiocchi of the American Institute of Architects and Tanya Eagle of JLL present the AIA Materials Pledge initiative. The presenters will share the benefits and importance of participating in this pledge and will provide a deeper dive into each of the five pledge statements pertaining to human health, social health, ecosystem health, climate health, and a circular economy. Becoming an AIA Materials Pledge signatory grants access to numerous resources, a starter guide, and a peer-to-peer network. By the end of this presentation, leave with the knowledge and readiness to participate in this pledge and join the almost 300 architecture and design firms that have made this commitment.  
 
The AIA Materials Pledge is a commitment by architects to promote the use of sustainable materials in construction projects, and to holistically consider all aspects of the creation and use of materials. It focuses on encouraging responsible sourcing, reducing environmental impact, and improving the health and well-being of both people and the planet. By signing the pledge, architects are signaling their dedication to responsible material choices that align with broader sustainability goals in the built environment. The initiative is part of a larger movement within architecture to create buildings and spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also socially and environmentally responsible.

Learning Objective 1:
Explore how to encourage responsible sourcing that aligns with sustainability goals by applying more intentional material specifications, such as using sustainable materials in construction projects and preferring products that reduce carbon emissions.

Learning Objective 2:
Analyze how to better improve health and wellbeing by evaluating emissions and harmful substances in products and consider the importance of equity by selecting products from manufacturers that secure human rights in their own operations and supply chains to positively impact their workers and surrounding communities.

Learning Objective 3:
Evaluate Key Environmental Strategies by examining products that support and regenerate the natural air, water, and biological cycles of life through thoughtful supply chain management and restorative company practices.   

Learning Objective 4:
Discover how the pledge can contribute to a circular economy by reusing and improving buildings and by designing for resiliency, adaptability, disassembly, and reuse, aspiring to a zero-waste goal for global construction activities.

Doors will open at 5:30 pm following the presentation at 6:00 pm. There will be a meet and greet after from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  

About the Speakers: 

Melanie De Cola is the Director of Climate Action Pledge Programs at The American Institute of Architects and joined AIA staff in 2019 after many years working in research, sustainability and marketing at large firms in the DC and San Francisco Bay Area. Initially trained as a graphic designer, she has a passion for data visualization, high performance design innovation and biomimicry. 

Eana Bacchiocchi is Climate Action Program Manager at AIA, working on the 2030 Commitment and Materials Pledge. As program manager, she works with over 1,400 signatory firms across both climate programs, supporting firms in their data reporting and creation of firm-wide Sustainability Action Plans. Eana is also responsible for the data analysis and project management and the author of the annual 2030 and Materials Pledge By the Numbers reports. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy and English from Colby College and has previously held positions at environmental non-profits doing climate policy and environmental justice work. She is passionate about urban sustainability and resilience within the built environment and centering just solutions in creating a more zero-carbon, healthy, resilient, and equitable world.  

Tanya Eagle, Assoc. AIA’s career is motivated by the positive impact the built environment can have on community well-being, human happiness, and environmental prosperity. She applies her broad expertise with integrated design, green building certification systems, material health, and urban and environmental planning to enhance the value of project outcomes. In her role as Director, Sustainable Buildings Team Lead at JLL, Tanya leads a team of subject matter experts in providing market standard application, master planning, embodied carbon, sustainable building guidelines, and volume program services to scale impact across real estate. Tanya is actively involved in industry leadership groups and passionate about sharing practical steps toward a sustainable future.

Learn more and become a Pledge signatory here: https://www.aia.org/design-excellence/climate-action/zero-carbon/materials-pledge 

Read AIA’s very first Materials By the Numbers Report here: https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-materials-pledge-numbers 

AIA NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Provider Number: A058
Course: NOVA2025-015
Session: 1
1.0 AIA LU | HSW