Data Driven Approaches to Carbon Reduction in Design

AIAU26-TAP02

Included in subscription

1 LU

Live course date: 10/08/2026 | 02:00 PM

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Description

This course explores how integrated digital workflows can support architects and designers in evaluating and reducing the carbon impact of building projects. Participants will examine how sustainability data, performance metrics, and benchmarking can be incorporated into early and ongoing design decision making using digital tools. The session focuses on understanding how carbon related insights can inform design alternatives, support regulatory and voluntary reporting requirements, and align project workflows with industry sustainability commitments, including the AIA 2030 Commitment. Emphasis is placed on practical application, data informed decision making, and the role of technology in advancing environmental responsibility within architectural practice.

Learning Objectives

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Identify how carbon related performance data can be integrated into architectural design workflows to inform early and ongoing design decisions.

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Explain how quantitative metrics, benchmarks, and carbon factors support the evaluation of design alternatives and environmental impact across project phases.

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Describe how integrated digital workflows can support sustainability reporting and alignment with industry initiatives such as the AIA 2030 Commitment.

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Evaluate how the use of connected design and analysis tools can support more informed decision making while meeting professional responsibility for environmental stewardship.

Presented in partnership with the Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) knowledge community.

Instructors

Cesar Escalante

As Autodesk's architecture innovation evangelist, Cesar leverages his two-decade career at industry leaders like Gensler, HOK, and Flad Architects to champion cutting-edge technologies. A deep passion for computational design and digital prototyping complements his expertise in delivering multi-billion-dollar projects. A recognized thought leader, Cesar shares his knowledge through speaking engagements and education while actively shaping the industry through leadership roles in the American Institute of Architects. Cesar is the 2025 Chair of the AIA National Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community and Board Director of the AIA San Francisco.

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Sheena Zhang

Sheena Zhang is the AECO Sustainability Strategy Senior Manager at Autodesk, where she leads strategy for sustainability solutions across Autodesk's platform for the architecture, engineering, and construction, and operations industries. As a LEED AP, Living Futures Accredited professional, and registered architect, she has a record of delivering a multitude of sustainable design projects and is passionate about democratizing sustainability tools for impact in the built environment. She has taught at the Pratt Institute and the Parsons School of Design, and has served as a guest critic at the Yale School of Architecture and Columbia GSAPP.

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