Program Manager, Architecture 2030
Erin McDade is a Program Manager for Architecture 2030 and the 2030 Challenge for Products Lead. She brings to the organization a background in architecture, with a focus on sustainable building research and analysis. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Washington and worked at the Integrated Design Lab in Seattle before joining Architecture 2030. While with the Integrated Design Lab she helped to develop Targeting 100!, a tool for deep energy retrofits and aggressively sustainable new construction in the healthcare sector. She also completed lighting and thermal analyses on the revolutionary Bullitt Center. She leads Architecture 2030’s Products Challenge and helps manage the development of each of Architecture 2030’s programs and initiatives with a focus on the AIA+2030 Series and the 2030 Districts Network.
Courses
2030 and Beyond: Architecture2030 and the AIA’s Work Towards Net Zero Emissions
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 2-3pm ET
Now five years away from the year 2030, leaders from AIA 2030 Commitment and Architecture2030 come together on this panel to discuss where progress is being made in the buildings sector and where needs improvement. Speakers will chart the history of Architecture 2030, the AIA 2030 Commitment and then outline what specific actions are needed from the industry to mitigate the worst emissions pathways. In doing this, they will deep dive into two new reports, the AIA 2030 By the Numbers (RY24) and Architecture2030’s 2030 Beyond the Numbers (RY24), that analyze the reported predicted energy data from over 450 AIA 2030 Commitment signatory firms that culminate to >40k projects and 4 billion gross square feet (GSF).
The Built Environment’s Carbon Challenge
Learn actionable strategies to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change through sustainable design and construction practices in the AEC industry. Gain a comprehensive understanding of carbon’s impact on the environment, explore the critical role of the built environment in global emissions, and learn practical methods to reduce both operational and embodied carbon in design and construction.
Key topics include the principles of embodied, operational and avoided carbon, energy-efficient and passive design strategies, and sustainable material selection. The course also covers critical U.S. policies and frameworks such as LEED certifications, federal and local regulations, and AIA 2030 Commitment—equipping professionals with the knowledge to navigate evolving sustainability standards while leading decarbonization efforts.
Carbon Reduction Strategies for the AIA 2030 Commitment
Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools to meet the goals of the AIA 2030 Commitment—AIA’s actionable climate strategy for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment by 2030. Achieving these goals requires understanding sustainable design principles and mastering the practical skills to implement them effectively. Explore key concepts and strategies for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in building design and construction. Topics include the integrated design process, passive design strategies, energy modeling, high-performance building systems, post-occupancy evaluations, and renewable energy integration.