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 Communiqué they call for a faster transition to net-zero emissions. Signatories to the Communiqué demonstrate their commitment to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5oC 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.

National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Tony Giannone, said globally, governments, companies, communities and individuals must all start responding to the climate crisis with the urgency that is so clearly required.

“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.

He said the products, materials and design expertise exist to make the shift; what is needed 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 more than 12,000 members to do the same.

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