The Australian Institute of Architects has issued a statement calling for greater climate action following the “disappointing” outcome for decarbonization at the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt.
Despite calls for greater action in response to growing climate concern, the COP27 decision has not implemented strategies for phasing out the use of fossil fuels, only reconfirming commitments made by the previous Glasgow summit.
The Institute’s national president Shannon Battisson said the outcome from the climate conference was not sufficient, with the UN already acknowledging construction industries were not on track to achieve decarbonisation by 2050.
“Building operations and construction account for about 37 percent of global emissions,” Battisson said. “As professionals in the built environment, we have a responsibility to develop low or no-emission solutions. And we have to do it now.”
The Institute has called on the commonwealth, state and territory governments to develop an industry-specific roadmap for decarbonisation, in line with the UN Environment Program 2022 Global Status Report for Building and Construction recommendations.
“As architects, we recognise our built environment represents a legacy not just for ourselves but for future generations,” Battisson added.
“We are increasingly seeing the outcomes of extreme weather events and harsh environments. Our built environment must be designed sustainably and with resilience.”
The Institute’s Victorian chapter also released a statement reiterating a call for a roadmap for zero carbon buildings and reforms to improve building design in the lead up to the 26 November election.
“We need a practical plan that incentivises retrofitting, innovation and upgrading existing buildings, cuts red tape for sustainable design and supports local manufacturers to produce sustainable building materials,” said Victorian chapter president David Wagner.
Read the Institute’s comprehensive pre-election policy here.
