A couple of months ago, I updated you on our work to help architects and the built environment address the climate emergency and, earlier this month, we published our Built for the Environment report, demonstrating the transformative role we must play to reach net zero. It therefore feels like a timely opportunity to provide a further update on our climate action programme, including our plans for COP26.
Helping architects tackle the climate crisis
In June, we re-launched our 2030 Climate Challenge with revised – in some cases tighter – targets for new build and major refurbishment projects to reduce embodied carbon, operational energy and potable water consumption. We have worked with experts across the built environment sector to reflect current industry intelligence and, whilst some modifications have been made to the interim targets, the ambitious 2030 energy and water targets remain unchanged.
We also recognise that there are significant variations in the scope for carbon reduction even within one sector, depending on building typology and form. To account for this, the updated targets comprise of averages, based on our growing knowledge of embodied carbon.
As with all targets, the figures should be read as maximum thresholds. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions across both embodied carbon and energy in use across the sector as much as possible – we urge practices to attempt these targets now.
We are also calling on those practices who have signed up to submit their project’s operational performance data. Data sharing is key to help grow industry knowledge. This will also enable us to track progress and provide the support you need.
To help upskill the profession we published The Way Ahead, which included Climate Literacy as a proposed area of mandatory competence alongside Health and Life Safety and Ethical Practice, to be assessed every five years. The knowledge schedule for this area will be based on the Climate Framework which has been developed by an industry wide working group endorsed by the Construction Industry Council.
Influencing COP26
COP26 – which will take place from 1 to 12 November 2021 – has provided a laser focus for government, industry and individuals to concentrate on reducing the devastating effects of climate change. It marks a critical juncture, with stark warnings that without immediate, rapid, and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting global warming to 1.5°C or even 2°C will be beyond reach. The RIBA will not only be attending this crucial event, but we have a whole programme of associated activity.
As part of our work leading up to COP26, we published the Built for the Environment report with Architects Declare, which brings together research and evidence from industry experts to prompt the built environment sector to up its game and sets out bold recommendations to governments ahead of the conference. We’re now seeking endorsement from organisations around the world.
The report trails the Built Environment Summit a two day conference on 28 and 29 October – that will provide an opportunity for our whole sector to unite ahead of COP26.
In terms of young people, we’re attending Expo 2020 in Dubai where we will be showcasing a panel event featuring architecture students from across the world to explore sustainable city design. We are also developing a new suite of learning resources for our Building for the Future programme. Hosted by Lionheart – the video will see architect ambassadors encourage school children (aged 13 to 16) to discover how the built environment can tackle climate change using our 2030 Climate Challenge as inspiration.
We’re also one of over 40 delivery partners of the COP26 Built Environment Virtual Pavilion organised by the UKGBC. There are three key elements to the pavilion: a virtual reality exhibition showcasing some of the most sustainable buildings from across the world, a centrepiece to the exhibition which will capture the imagination of those “in” the pavilion, and an event series.
Last but certainly not least, the RIBA has been granted Observer status by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This means that the RIBA will be attending COP26 and has access to the Blue Zone – a UN-managed space that hosts the negotiations. The space brings together country delegations, alongside observer organisations, to share their stories at panel discussions and events. I look forward to sharing what we get up to.
We cannot deny the link between rising man-made greenhouse gas emissions and climate change acceleration, and we know that global temperatures will rise unless deep reductions occur over the next few decades. Our commitment to supporting members and society to make the changes required for a sustainable future for generations to come remains stronger than ever.
