Australian Builders Declare Climate & Biodiversity Emergency
The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time. Globally, buildings and construction account for almost 40% of our carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, we need to change the way we build to take into account the limits of the natural environment in which in which we construct. Together with our clients, we will need to design and build homes, cities and infrastructure that work with and strengthen, rather than degrade, the resilience of natural systems. The research and technology exist for us to begin that transformation now, but what has been lacking is collective will. Recognising this, we are committing to strengthen our working practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us.
As a member of the construction industry aware of the Climate & Biodiversity Emergency I pledge to:
Raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity emergencies and the urgent need for action amongst our clients and supply chains.
Advocate for faster change in our industry towards an improved standard of construction and more regenerative construction practices.
Collaborate with professionals and policy makers within our industry to work towards improved environmental outcomes.
Establish climate and biodiversity mitigation principles as the key measure of our industry’s success: demonstrated through awards, prizes, listings, & information sessions.
Share knowledge and research to that end on an open source basis.
Create buildings of a superior quality and performance, to meet the challenges of a low carbon future.
Construct buildings that require minimal energy input to maintain a satisfactory internal living environment.
Embrace the shift to low embodied carbon materials, and prioritising materials with minimal environmental impact more broadly.
Implement on-site waste management and construction systems to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Incorporate ecologically sustainable development principles.
Founding signatories:
Aligned Building, Sustainable Homes Melbourne, Positive Footprints, Michael Limb Builders, Sanctum Homes, G-Lux Builders, Green Building Institute, ISMART building group.
We hope that every building practice operating in Australia will join us in making this commitment. Practices should sign through their CEO, Chairperson or appropriate Board Member, with the email address provided. Approval will be sought by email before the company name is added to the declaration. If you are not a building practice or are based outside of Australia, please visit our global hub, Construction Declares here. #buildersdeclare