Architect Group Awards Funding for Recycling Initiative

Los Angeles architects receive funding to advance community-based work developing a recycling program in commercial buildings, multi-family residences and public spaces.

The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter has been awarded $7,500 of grant funding from The American Institute of Architects for an initiative to develop a community recycling program for commercial buildings, multi-family residences and public spaces in the Los Angeles region.

There are successful recycling programs within the Los Angeles area, however, the programs reach only limited sectors of the population. Most of the cities in the area promote sustainable design and require LEED certification for new construction of public buildings. One of the prerequisites for LEED certification is the storage and collection of recyclables, yet, these cities do not provide collection for most commercial and multi-family buildings.

Specific elements of the initiative will be to implement recycling programs where none currently exists, and will seek policy changes on a local level, requiring communities to provide the necessary support to make these programs successful utilizing partnerships with government, engineers, designers, developers, grassroots organizations, businesses and residents.

Subsequently, the initiative's strategy will include all sectors, such as schools, restaurants, offices and multi-family residences. This effort enables the AIA LA members and staff to maintain public awareness regarding the impacts of discarding potentially recyclable materials and the impacts of using non-recyclable materials vital to the future welfare of Los Angeles' communities.