Our agenda for a better Maryland
Clean Energy
Focusing on encompassing all electric codes, renewable materials, solar energy, and energy storage.
We will assist the state in achieving GHG reducation across all sectors…specifically buildings. While specifics of MDE’s Climate Pollution Plan are not yet fully evolved, a few key principles will aid in tracking toward statewide goals.
- The Better Buildings Act
- Following the regulatory standards set
- Design new buildings
Decarbonization
Focusing on reducing carbon in building design and construction, working to achieve Maryland’s zero carbon 2045 goal
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change report issued in December 2023 identrified a number of recommendations to help move Maryland toward our Zero Carbon 2045 goal.
- The Building Energy Performance Standards
- Maryland EmPOWER legslation BH864
- Help accelerate solar power deployment
- The green and renewable energy hub
Affordable Housing
Focusing on creating more opportunities and faster delivery of affordable housing to help meet rising needs
This year, the administration has made accelerating opportunities for affordable housing a priority.
- Expanding opportunities for the Transportation Oriented Development projects
- Expedited development review for charitable organization projects
- The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) task force was established through legislation in 2023 and the AIA was successful in getting one of our members to be appointed.
Product Responsibility
Focusing on understanding and acting on product life-cycle management
Architects are instrumental to products selected for construction and a heightened awareness of these choices has initiated efforts in design and some legislation to make sure products are handled responsibly to minimize potential impacts to the environment.
The Practice of Architecture
Focusing on indemnity and defense and pursuit of P3 project process
While the state is aiming to codify language that precludes state entities to enter in contracts with an indemnity and defense clause HB289/SB375, certain state agencies continue to require engineer and architechts to agree to this clause to sign a contract, despite the fact that it is non-insurable.
HB158/SB031 aims to exclude indemnity and defense language from contracts with design firms. DGS has already agreed to this and now excludes such language from their design contracts.
