Architects Around the World Join Forces to Call for Copenhagen Commitment

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Australian Institute of Architects, Architecture Canada and the Commonwealth Association of Architects joined forces to deliver a 15 point "Call for Action" at next month's United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen (COP15, 7-18 December 2009) in an effort to lobby world leaders to deliver an ambitious and effective international response to climate change.

The joint statement highlights the importance of the crucial roles architecture and the built environment can play in reducing the climate change impact on the environment; with buildings and cities currently accounting for almost half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

It challenges Governments, and the global architectural profession, to work together towards achieving significant and lasting action to combat climate change.

The joint Call for Action paper covers issues ranging from the pressing need for an international standard of accounting for carbon emissions, to appropriate planning for the unavoidable impacts of climate change, and incentives to drive innovation to ensure greater and faster take-up of sustainable design.

"Our Call for Action statement is designed to encourage governments, architects and the broader global community to act," said Ruth Reed, RIBA President.

"I am delighted to join forces with architecture institutes around the world to tackle this vital issue."