Here we are since Wednesday in San Antonio with 20,000 architects at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention where the theme is "Growing Beyond Green."

The connection between my professional life and my political life becomes increasingly evident at events like this where sustainability, urban design and historic preservation provide directions where Richmond can find health, economic success and civic pride.

This morning, for example, I attended a session led by an architect who is in the Chicago ("Greenest City in America") Public Works Department and heads up the Streetscape and Urban Design Program.

Today's closing speaker is Al Gore.

And what a city San Antonio is! I have always wanted to see the San Antonio River Walk, and it is truly amazing. This is a city that knows how to use its water to create an urban design miracle that hums with activity.

From the AIA Convention:

Green is the Word: AIA Kicks off National Convention
AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee and President RK Stewart, FAIA, welcomed a crowd of 2,700 to the kickoff session of the “greenest AIA convention ever” in San Antonio on May 3. The presence of 21 former AIA presidents served as a living reminder that—as the architects explore “Growing Beyond Green” and prepare for a sustainable future—they also are celebrating a rich history during this, the Institute’s 150th anniversary. San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger welcomed attendees to the seventh-largest U.S. city, and Stewart set the tone for the rest of the convention: “How we respond will not only speak to the sustainability of our profession, it will speak loudly to the sustainability of the planet itself.”

Keynoter David Suzuki Issues “The Nature Challenge”
Norbert W. Young Jr., FAIA, former American Architectural Foundation Board of Regents chair and current McGraw-Hill Construction president, drew the privilege of introducing Thursday’s keynote speaker. “Dr. David Suzuki has inspired millions to recognize the importance of the natural world,” he said. He quoted Suzuki: “Nature is our home. And just as we take care of our house, we also must take care of nature. But nature takes care of us, too. Nature cleans our air and water, makes the soil that grows our food and provides the resources to make all our material goods. Unfortunately, with six billion of us now living under one roof, we are gradually eroding the services nature provides—even though we depend on them for our quality of life and our future.”

Stewart Issues Call to Action for 2030 Carbon Emissions Targets
Provision to reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings
AIA President RK Stewart, FAIA, issued a call to action from the AIA national convention floor May 4 for AIA members to contact their U.S. senators to support legislation that would reduce the amount of energy used in new and significantly renovated federal buildings. The measure would require an immediate 50 percent reduction, with further reductions every five years until all new and renovated federal buildings are carbon neutral by 2030.