Today, the AIA released updated language of rules in the organization’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to directly address sexual harassment, workplace equity, and sustainability. The AIA defines harassment as “[including], but … not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, unwelcome physical contact, or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance. Petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not rise to the level of violation of this rule.”
“The architecture profession is at a threshold moment,” said AIA 2018 president Carl Elefante, FAIA, in a press release. “The Board’s adoption of these changes provides us with another step toward ending sexual harassment in the workplace, advancing equity in our profession, and promulgating sustainable practices. I applaud the members who raised their voices to offer these improvements to the code, and the AIA delegates, board of directors, and National Ethics Council who acted on their concerns.”
The rules relating to equity and harassment now read:
- Members shall not engage in harassment or discrimination in their professional activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, disability, caregiver status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Members shall not engage in conduct involving wanton disregard of the rights of others.
- Members shall not engage in conduct involving fraud.
- Members shall treat their associates and employees with mutual respect and provide an equitable working environment.
Per the AIA Code of Ethics, the standards are aspirational, but disciplinary action is enforceable. Those who violate the rules may be sanctioned, and could have their membership revoked.
The AIA board of directors also took the advice of the National Ethics Council and the New England Committee on the Environment to add new standards relating to sustainability to the Code of Ethics.
The new rules are:
- Members should promote fairness and safety in providing professional services and make reasonable efforts to advise their clients and employers of their obligations to the environment, including: access to clean air, water, sunlight and energy for all; sustainable production, extraction, transportation and consumption practices; a built environment that equitably supports human health and well-being and is resistant to climate change; and restoring degraded or depleted natural resources.
- When performing professional services, members shall make reasonable efforts to inform their clients of the potential environmental impacts or consequences the member reasonably believes may occur as a result of work performed on behalf of the clients.
- Energy conservation: members should set ambitious performance goals for greenhouse gas emission reduction with their clients for each project.
- Water use: members should optimize water conservation in each project to reduce water use and protect water supply, water quality, and watershed resources.
- Building materials: members should select and use building materials to minimize exposure to toxins and pollutants in the environment to promote environmental and human health and to reduce waste and pollution.
- Ecosystems: members should consider with their clients the impact of each project on the natural habitat and ecosystem to promote environmental and human health.
- Climate change: members should incorporate adaptation strategies with their clients to anticipate extreme weather events and minimize adverse effects on the environment, economy and public health.
- Members shall consider with their clients the environmental effects of their project decisions.
Read the full AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct here.
