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What is the COTE?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

The Committee on the Environment (COTE) was founded in 1990 by a group of individuals interested in promoting energy research in combination with the practice of architecture. Although under a different title, the group had been established since the 1970s as the American Institute of Architects’ Energy Committee. As time progressed, the group began to collaborate with various organizations and governments to promote building energy research, environmental design, sustainability, and a variety of “green” issues.

The mission of COTE is to promote and spread the word – to other architects, contractors, and the general public – about architectural practices that improve the design of the building and the way it affects the environment. Those who are part of COTE believe that people deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment, while still sustaining the earth’s resources. Through the committee, the hope is to make architects aware of environmental issues, especially those that are related to energy. It is the committee’s belief that architects can become role models for preservation and conservation of natural resources, while still performing their job duties.

Planting trees is one way to improve air quality and the environment.
Planting trees is one way to improve air quality and the environment.

COTE works hand in hand with the American Institute of Architects. They provide the organization with information on issues relating to the environment and environmental policy, specifically how such concerns have an effect on architects. Informing architects on the ways their design decisions may impact the environment is one of the primary goals of COTE. The group also strives to educate the public and several private groups in the hopes of forcing them to consider the ways that their designs may affect the environment.

COTE educates fellow architects about architectural practices that improve the design of a building and the way they affect the environment.
COTE educates fellow architects about architectural practices that improve the design of a building and the way they affect the environment.

Leadership is one of the chief means that COTE hopes to disseminate its message. By encouraging leadership in the architectural community and by recognizing those who demonstrate leadership in their design decisions, the committee will increase the number of architectural professionals who will consider the environment in their designs. Leadership roles can extend beyond those in the practice of architecture and may include those in roles of education, government, and other aspects of the industry.

Every year the American Institute of Architects and COTE select ten projects that exemplify environmentally sustainable architectural designs. The top projects are recognized at the Institute’s National Convention. The project may, for example, show a new approach to the practice of architecture while still maintaining comfort and safety for the inhabitants of the building and lowering the affect that the design may have on the environment. Some examples may include reusing materials or even building structures, conserving water and energy, using sustainable materials, finding ways to connect the building occupants to mass transit, and improving the quality of the air inside the building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a cote in the context of animals?

A cote is a shelter or enclosure designed to house and protect birds or small mammals. Historically, the term is most commonly associated with dovecotes, which are structures intended to house pigeons or doves. These shelters provide a safe space for breeding, nesting, and protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.

How does a cote benefit the animals it is designed for?

Cotes offer numerous benefits to their inhabitants. They provide a secure environment that shields animals from predators and inclement weather. Additionally, cotes facilitate breeding by offering a stable and safe location for rearing young. This can be particularly important for species conservation efforts, as it helps maintain healthy populations in a controlled setting.

Are cotes used for any specific type of bird or animal?

While cotes are traditionally associated with pigeons and doves, the concept can be applied to a variety of birds and small mammals. For instance, bat cotes are used for bat conservation, providing roosting sites that mimic natural habitats. Similarly, bee cotes are designed to support bee colonies, crucial for pollination and biodiversity.

What are some historical uses of cotes?

Historically, cotes, particularly dovecotes, played a significant role in agriculture and economy. They were used to house pigeons for their meat, eggs, and guano, which was a valuable fertilizer. In medieval Europe, owning a large dovecote was a status symbol and often a privilege reserved for nobility and monasteries, reflecting wealth and prosperity.

Can cotes be found in urban environments?

Yes, cotes can be integrated into urban environments. Urban dovecotes, for example, help control pigeon populations by providing a designated space for them to nest, which can reduce the number of birds roosting on buildings. Additionally, bat cotes in city parks can support local ecosystems by encouraging natural pest control through bat populations.

How do cotes contribute to wildlife conservation?

Cotes play a vital role in wildlife conservation by offering safe havens for various species. They can be used in reintroduction programs, where endangered species are bred in captivity and then released into the wild. Cotes also support biodiversity by ensuring the survival of species that might otherwise struggle to find suitable habitats, especially in areas affected by human development.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to AllThingsNature.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to AllThingsNature.

Learn more...

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    • Planting trees is one way to improve air quality and the environment.
      By: mirpic
      Planting trees is one way to improve air quality and the environment.
    • COTE educates fellow architects about architectural practices that improve the design of a building and the way they affect the environment.
      By: olly
      COTE educates fellow architects about architectural practices that improve the design of a building and the way they affect the environment.