Designing for a More Sustainable Future: Earth Day 2019
Earth Day is celebrated each year around the world on April 22. Started in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson and a community of committed environmental activists, Earth Day brings together millions of people worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and everything that lives on it—including us.
Although the earth is currently facing serious degradation due to a host of factors—from deforestation and habitat loss to plastic pollution, poaching, pesticide use, and more—it’s not too late to make a positive impact. Check out these organizations we're partnering with through the Autodesk Foundation that are using design and innovation to create a more sustainable future.
Solar Fire Concentration
Solar Fire Concentration is addressing climate change and deforestation (along with poverty and women's rights) by developing cost-effective solar thermal technology.
Kenya Climate Innovation Center
In Kenya, farmers commonly lose 60% of their harvest because they have no access to cold storage. Kenya Climate Innovation Center is supporting efforts to create solar-powered refrigeration units as part of their mission to provide assistance, training, and financing for innovative climate change solutions in East Africa.
Closed Loop Ventures
Closed Loop Ventures catalyzes solutions for the circular economy through investments in sustainable consumer goods companies, advanced recycling technologies, and other services.
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences connects people to the power of science and solutions for a sustainable future. Their environmental literacy initiative provides free science and environmental education materials with an emphasis on K-12 teachers and after-school programs.
Make a difference
Ready to get involved? The Autodesk Sustainability Workshop offers sustainable design and engineering education through free online sessions. Or join a growing set of designers at Making for Impact to create products with positive environmental and social impact in their communities.
Related learning
Ready to learn more? Check out these AU sessions related to the environment and sustainability:
How Generative Design Can Make Your Product More Sustainable (and Help your Company Make More Money)
We all have sustainability goals we’re trying to meet. Get useful tips for designing greener products using generative design.
How to Meet Your 2030 Challenge Goals with Revit and Insight 360
The AIA 2030 challenge aims to transform the practice of architecture to respond to the climate crisis. Get the tools you need to implement the 2030 challenge at your firm with Revit and Insight 360 and make a difference by reducing your carbon footprint.
Energy Modeling—From Conceptual Design to an Energy Model
Learn how to calculate an energy model, interpret the results, and view it in Green Building Studio and Insight 360 in this industry talk from Andrew Leavitt and Nik Weller.
Sustainability Case Studies: Perkins+Will and Johnson Controls
Learn how Autodesk sustainability design tools were used for the Architecture 2030 initiative with case studies from Perkins+Will, Johnson Controls, and MasterGraphics.aec.
CFD Simulation Workflow: The Botanical Institute of Rome Case Study
Reduce energy costs and improve indoor air quality in your architectural designs with airflow simulation. David Hick and Riccardo Pagani walk you through it.
