Global building industry leaders urge stronger government action ahead of COP26

The Australian Institute of Architects is joining more than two dozen global built environment peak bodies and over 60 of the largest and most influential building industry firms around the world to challenge government leaders in the lead up to COP26.

Collectively these organisations represent more than one million building industry professionals worldwide and are responsible for over US$300 billion in global annual construction.

In a special 1.5^oC COP26 Communiqué they call for a faster transition to net-zero emissions.

Signatories to the Communiqué demonstrate their commitment to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5^oC carbon budget and 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 corporate powerhouses across the architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, planning, and construction sectors.

Collectively these organisations represent more than one million building industry professionals worldwide and are responsible for over US$300 billion in global annual construction.

National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Tony Giannone, said the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) was a time for leadership.

“Globally, governments, companies, communities and individuals must all start responding to the climate crisis with the urgency that is so clearly required,” Mr Giannone 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.”

In 2021 the Institute achieved carbon neutral certification and is encouraging each of its 12,000+ members to do the same.

For more information and the full list of signatories visit architecture2030.org