RIBA teams up to produce call climate change 'call for action'

It challenges governments and the architecture profession to work together to achieve lasting action to combat global warming.

The joint statement says architecture and the built environment can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, with buildings and cities accounting for almost half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

It covers issues ranging from the need for an international standard of accounting for carbon emissions, to appropriate planning for the effects of climate change, and incentives to ensure greater take-up of sustainable design.

Sunand Prasad, former RIBA president and now vice-president leading on climate change, helped write the joint report with colleagues from the Australian Institute of Architects, Architecture Canada and the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

He will be attending the UN convention on climate change in Copenhagen and speaking at a number of events.

The statement also contains five promises on behalf of the profession to help tackle global warming.

RIBA president Ruth Reed said: “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.”