BY TYLER BUTLER
In green building, few are as influential as Anthony Floyd. With a career rooted in sustainability, Floyd has transformed environmental practices in Arizona and beyond. As a licensed architect and senior green building and energy code consultant for the City of Scottsdale, Floyd has been instrumental in positioning Arizona as a leader in sustainable construction. Through initiatives like Scottsdale’s Green Building Program and the adoption of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), Floyd has reshaped urban development, fostering a more sustainable future and inspiring the next generation of green innovators.
Floyd’s journey into sustainability was sparked in the 1970s during the environmental awakening of that era. Studying civil engineering and architecture while influenced by groundbreaking works like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, he became deeply aware of the dangers of unchecked industrial growth. A pivotal moment came during a visit to an autonomous house in the Virgin Islands. This innovative home – which generated its own electricity, harvested rainwater, and recycled wastewater – left a lasting impression, solidifying Floyd’s lifelong commitment to sustainable living and design.
Floyd’s commitment to sustainability deepened during a summer apprenticeship at Arcosanti, an experimental town envisioned by architect Paolo Soleri in Yavapai County. Designed to harmonize architecture with ecology, Arcosanti’s philosophy profoundly resonated with Floyd. While there, he attended a seminar exploring the evolution of Earth and human civilization, juxtaposing untouched nature with modern urban life. This transformative experience instilled in him a lasting appreciation for the delicate balance between development and conservation—a principle that has guided his career ever since.
In 1988, Floyd joined the City of Scottsdale as a building official, embarking on a journey that would reshape the city’s approach to building regulations and sustainability. His impact was first felt in 1998 when he launched Scottsdale’s Green Building Program, making Scottsdale the first city in Arizona, and only the fifth in the nation, to implement such a program. The initiative, aimed at advancing environmentally responsible building practices, featured a comprehensive rating checklist, builder incentives, and public outreach efforts such as lecture series and home tours, all designed to increase awareness and adoption of sustainable practices.
This program laid the groundwork for Floyd’s next major achievement: Scottsdale’s adoption of the IgCC, a comprehensive building code that mandates green construction practices. Championing the IgCC positioned Scottsdale as a trailblazer in sustainable urban development. Implementing the IgCC required reconciling differing views among Scottsdale’s advisory groups, but Floyd’s commitment to collaboration ultimately brought stakeholders together, enabling Scottsdale to set a national example.
Floyd’s impact extends far beyond Scottsdale, shaping sustainable building practices on a global scale. As a committee member of the International Code Council’s Sustainable Building Technology Committee, he helped draft the IgCC and the National Green Building Standard. He also served as Vice Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Codes Committee, working to remove barriers to sustainable building methods. His expertise has garnered speaking invitations at international conferences, including the World Organization of Building Officials in Dubai.
One of Floyd’s recent accomplishments is his pivotal role in Scottsdale’s LEED Gold mandate, which requires all new city buildings and major renovations to meet rigorous sustainability standards. As a liaison with Scottsdale’s Public Works division, Floyd ensures that new projects are designed with sustainability at their core, positioning Scottsdale as a model in environmentally conscious urban planning.
In addition to his professional work, Floyd shares his expertise with students and aspiring architects as a faculty associate at Arizona State University and Scottsdale Community College. Through courses on green building codes and sustainability practices, he emphasizes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource management, preparing the next generation to drive sustainable building innovations forward.
Looking ahead, Floyd envisions tremendous potential for innovation in renewable energy, heat island mitigation, and construction waste management, particularly in the arid Southwest. He believes that by embracing these opportunities, Arizona can further minimize its environmental footprint and become a model for regions facing similar climate challenges.
Floyd’s impact on sustainable building in Arizona has been transformative. Through his groundbreaking work with Scottsdale’s Green Building Program, his leadership in implementing the IgCC, and his dedication to education, Floyd has established a benchmark for environmental responsibility that resonates well beyond Arizona’s borders. His journey is a testament to vision, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to building a more sustainable future. Floyd’s career stands as an inspiring example of how one individual’s dedication to sustainability can spark meaningful change and leave an enduring legacy.
