The AIA is applauding Congress as the latest iteration of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this week includes for the first time key provisions that it says will help modernize the built environment at a critical junction for building safety and adaptability nationwide.

Speaking in a press statement, AIA President Peter Exley said that “to meet the challenges of the 21st century, our nation’s infrastructure funding needs to move beyond roads and bridges to include schools, hospitals, homes and more, especially as buildings contribute nearly 40 percent of worldwide carbon emissions.” 

He added: “This bipartisan legislation represents an important step toward improving our nation's buildings. However, we urge lawmakers to ensure greater funding for building improvements is included in the Budget Reconciliation package. By doing so, we can make meaningful progress on reducing the built environment’s impact on climate change."

The new provisions include $3.5 billion in funding for the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, another billion for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, $500 million in grants, and $250 million in funding to help establish the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program and an additional $40 million for grants that will help train future generations of surveyors and auditors.

The bill also includes money for training at colleges and universities and language that mandates cities’ mass transit systems to promote more versatile and walkable communities. A full list of provisions can be found here.