The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Monday 8 October 2018, responded to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.
RIBA President Ben Derbyshire says,
President of the RIBA, Ben Derbyshire says, “The IPCC report published today confirms what we all know: the catastrophic consequences of climate change are unavoidable unless we all take urgent action. The views of the RIBA’s Ethics and Sustainable Development Commission are aligned with the findings of the report and they have already recommended that the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) sit at the heart of everything we do. In addition, I have joined forces with the Presidents in the other four UK and Eire Architecture Institutes to make five commitments for the future of the profession, including our contribution to saving the planet.
Buildings are responsible for nearly a third of carbon emissions and this must be cut to achieve the targets set out at COP21 and in this report. Architects and the wider built environment sector have the opportunity to contribute directly to the UN SDGs by designing sustainable buildings and retrofitting existing stock that is fit for the future. These goals apply to all countries, developed and developing, and it is only by collaborating across continents that we can truly prevent climate change from devastating our planet.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
