Architects to Call for Action in Copenhagen

27th November 2009

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has joined the Australian Institute of Architects, Architecture Canada and the Commonwealth Association of Architects to deliver a 15 point ‘Call for Action’ at next month’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen (COP15, 7-18 December 2009) in an effort to lobby world leaders to deliver an ambitious and effective international response to 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. It challenges Governments, and the global architectural profession, to work together towards achieving significant and lasting action to combat climate change.

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, Ruth Reed, RIBA President said: “Our Call for Action statement is designed to encourage governments, architects and the broader global community to act. I am delighted to join forces with architecture institutes around the world to tackle this vital issue.

“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, we recognise the vital importance of sharing knowledge amongst the global professional community, and learning from others’ skills and experience. We want to play a full part in that process.”

Sunand Prasad, RIBA Immediate Past President and the RIBA’s Vice-President leading on Climate Change contributed significantly to the drafting of the statement and will be representing the RIBA in Copenhagen at the time of the UN conference. Sunand will be speaking at, and attending, a number of events including the Culture Futures Conference (9 December) and the Danish Architecture Centre (10 December).

The Call for Action statement can be viewed at www.architecture.com