The American Society of Landscape Architects has been recognized with Power of Associations Silver Awards by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for two of its successful initiatives, the ASLA Climate Action Plan and Landscape Architecture is STEM. 

“Congratulations to the American Society of Landscape Architects for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight these award-winning initiatives.” 

“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the impact landscape architects are making—and the role ASLA plays in advancing that impact. 

The STEM designation achievement and our Climate Action Plan are strategic, bold efforts - but they are only possible because of the energy, insight and dedication our members bring every day. Their work within ASLA not only strengthens the profession, it also champions innovation through design that drives real change in communities, business, and ecosystems across the globe” said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen, Hon. ASLA. 

Climate Action Plan 

Launched in 2022, the ASLA Climate Action Plan aims to guide the landscape architecture profession toward achieving zero embodied and operational emissions and doubling carbon sequestration by 2040. What makes the plan extraordinary is its comprehensive approach. It integrates climate action into professional practice, engages underserved communities, fosters international collaboration, and contributes to global priorities such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

By uniting members, staff, chapters, and partners around a shared climate vision, ASLA has demonstrated the power of associations to lead meaningful, systemic change—within the profession and across society. 

Landscape Architecture Is STEM 

ASLA sought to gain recognition of landscape architecture as a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) profession. This pursuit was to acknowledge the extensive STEM coursework integral to landscape architecture education and gains credibility with decision-makers in government, academia, and industry. STEM recognition leads to more funding, more research, and more seats at the table when policies around climate, infrastructure, and public health are shaped. 

The culmination of these efforts was realized in 2023, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially designated landscape architecture as a STEM discipline. This official recognition is acknowledgment of what ASLA members already know: Landscape architects are using rigorous science and inspired design to solve some of the most urgent problems of our time. This designation helps society benefit more fully from the profession’s problem-solving power. 

“These recognitions from ASAE underscore the scale of what’s possible when a profession organizes around a shared purpose—and we're just getting started,” said Carter-Conneen. 

To learn more about ASLA’s Climate Action Plan, visit www.asla.org/climate. To learn more about ASLA’s Landscape Architecture Is STEM initiative, visit www.asla.org/STEM.