As part of the wider design and construction industry, the architectural profession contributes significantly to climate change. The fabrication, occupation, maintenance and demolition of the world’s built environment consumes about 50% of all the raw materials annually; it also creates 45% of UK CO2 emissions.
Now, the RIBA is urging architects to act, and become part of the solution rather than the problem. In June 2019, it declared an environment and climate emergency, and in October it launched 2030 Climate Challenge Targets for RIBA Chartered Practices.
In this book club event, two RIBA Publishing authors explore how architects can ameliorate climate change. Duncan Baker-Brown, author of 'The Reuse Atlas', will talk about the importance of architects as ‘resource managers’, sourcing reusable and reused materials and components. What are the key moves that architects need to make to change the way they specify and motivate their clients and collaborators to do the same thing?
Ed Barsley, author of 'Retrofitting for Flood Resilience', will highlight how architects can work creatively and strategically with increased water levels induced by shifting climate conditions.
