The Australian Institute of Architects and the Green Building Council of Australia have joined the more than two dozen global built environment peak bodies and 60 of the world’s largest building industry firms to call for a faster transition to net-zero emissions in the lead up to the COP26 climate change conference.
In their 1.5oC COP26 Communiqué, the organizations “call on all sovereign governments to ramp up their Nationally Determined Contributions, and 2030 emissions reduction targets, to limit planetary warming in line with the remaining global 1.5ºC carbon budget.”
The signatories say they are each taking specific steps towards reducing emissions and they demand that governments do the same.
Spearheaded by US-based non-profit Architecture 2030, the group includes the American, British and Canadian institutes of architects together with big architecture firms such as Grimshaw, SOM, Studio Gang and Perkins and Will and engineering and building companies.
Collectively these organisations represent more than one million building industry professionals worldwide and are responsible for over US$300 billion in global annual construction.
Australian Institute of Architects national president Tony Giannone said the United Nations conference known as COP 26 represented an important moment.
“Globally, governments, companies, communities and individuals must all start responding to the climate crisis with the urgency that is so clearly required,” he said.
“The latest IPCC report was more than a wake-up call; it was an ultimatum to act now. Architects have the capacity, and we believe the responsibility to be at the forefront of this action.
“The Institute is championing a transition to net-zero emissions in Australia’s built environment by 2030.
“The products, materials and design expertise exist to make the shift; what we need now is the will and determination to achieve it.
“It is imperative that Australia is not only represented at COP26 by our Prime Minister but that we embrace more ambitious emissions reductions targets as a nation.”
COP 26 is happening in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November and will be attended by world leaders including Joe Biden and Boris Johnson. Scott Morrison has been cagey about his plans for the conference, and is yet to confirm attendance.
At the Youth4Climate summit held in Milan in late September, prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg denounced world leaders for their lack of action and empty words. “Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah,” she said. “This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
