Architecture and climate change

The joint statement highlights the importance of the crucial roles architecture and the built environment can play in reducing the climate change impact on the environment, with buildings and cities currently accounting for almost half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The joint ‘Call for Action’ paper covers issues ranging from the pressing need for an international standard of accounting for carbon emissions, to appropriate planning for the unavoidable impacts of climate change and incentives to drive innovation to ensure greater and faster take-up of sustainable design.

Speaking about the joint call, President of RIBA Ruth Reed, said: “The phenomenon of climate change is a challenge that requires a truly international effort to combat both its cause and devastating effects.  However, many of the solutions – creating greener buildings, reducing energy use, and changing our individual lifestyles – will be enacted at the local level, and this is where architects can play their part in delivering an equitable solution.