When the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council jointly announced on May 28 their intent to form a strategic alliance, many in the industry wondered exactly what that meant. One question that arose: Is the AIA getting ready to endorse LEED? “No,” is the answer from both sides, although Peter Templeton, USGBC’s senior vice president for education and research, says he certainly would appreciate the association’s support. “Of course we would like AIA to recognize the value of LEED,” he says.

The announcement, which can be read on the AIA’s Web site, says the groups have agreed to collaborate in the areas of advocacy, education, and research, and have identified at least 10 possible collaborative projects. Scott Frank, AIA’s director of media relations, emphasizes that they intend to form a strategic alliance, not a partnership. He says nothing more definitive can be said until the AIA board reviews the proposed alliance, which it plans to do during its next meeting in September.