MISSION


   The Committee on the Environment - COTE - works to sustain and improve
   the environment by advancing and disseminating environmental knowledge
   and values, and advocating the best design practices to integrate built and
   natural systems to the profession, industry, and public.

   COTE is charged with maintaining an essential level of involvement in envi-
   ronmental and energy-related areas. It reflects the profession's commitment
   to providing healthy and safe environments for people to live and work in,
   and is dedicated to preserving the Earth's capability of sustaining human
   existence.

   As an open committee—that is, one that invites non-AIA member partici-
   pation—COTE will provide the AIA with a body of knowledge on environmental
   and energy-related issues and advise the Institute on related policy matters
   affecting the practice of architecture nationwide. The Committee supports
   cooperation with manufacturers, government agencies, environmental organ-
   izations, and industry groups in developing and testing environmentally
   sound materials.