For far too long, the focus of the AEC industry was failing to highlight the substantial impact of embodied carbon throughout the lifecycle of our built environment. As Whole Building Lifecycle Assessment (WBLCA) tools begad to develop, the seriousness of the broader issue was more fully understood. Massachusetts has demonstrated its leadership by spearheading innovative initiatives aimed at addressing these emissions, identifying best practices, and engaging stakeholders in this critical issue.

Climate change continues to threaten communities worldwide. Issues of racial and economic equity are causing many to re-evaluate practices that have been customary for centuries. And Boston has its first elected female mayor of color. At this crucial moment, the BSA is hosting "Intersections: Equity, Environment + The City" in conjunction with BSA Women in Design and BosNOMA.

At the third annual Housing Innovation Workshop, “Distributed Density: Middle-Scale Housing for Sustainable Communities'', participants were asked to apply an anti-racist lens to their proposed solutions and strategies to address the ways in which racially exclusionary policies have materialized as barriers to the creation of multifamily housing today.

The BSA’s Race and Architecture series kicked off in July with an engaging town hall featuring a panel of Black architects. Following the town hall, the BSA introduced a new visual identity for the series, created by a diverse group of talented teenage graphic designers in partnership with Artists for Humanity. The series continued with M. David Lee FAIA furthering the discussion on barriers to equity and inclusion within the industry.

The BSA Foundation is proud to announce that we are one of 130 Massachusetts nonprofits to receive a 2020 grant through the Cummings $20 Million Grant Program, to strengthen our support of children, communities, and cities through architecture and design.

The BSA keeps its focus on housing equity.

Greg Watson, Director for Policy and Systems Design at the Schumacher Center for a New Economics and former executive director of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) joined the Placemaking Network to share his insights on equitable community development.