It is critically important that all CIAT members and affiliates support the Institute's and the UK requirement to meet our obligations to reach Net Zero Carbon by 20501.
The construction and built environment industry's contribution to global warming and climate change is substantial, and it continues to grow. According to the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (2019), it accounts for 36% of global final energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; with 11% resulting from the manufacture of building materials, such as cement, steel and glass. Therefore, the building and construction sector is the key target for developing a mitigation strategy for global GHG emissions.
Your Institute is working collaboratively with many other organisations and professional bodies with the aim of developing support and advice. We will also signpost members and affiliates to these to ensure that the industry works in a holistic way.
This guidance is specifically for members and affiliates working in, and practising, Architectural Technology. The Institute has a separate carbon reduction statement and plan for Central Office operations.
Scope of Recommended Guidance
The Institute recognises that, as Architectural Technology professionals, you are first and foremost required to comply with building regulations and legislation around climate change and sustainability. In addition, you are ultimately required to design in line with the standards and the brief of your client. We understand that the role of the Architectural Technology professional is diverse and to prescribe a strict set of rules is unrealistic.
It is for this reason that the Institute has not produced mandates stipulating specific targets to be met or produced a document that you must adhere to as part of the Code of Conduct or Chartered Membership registration. However, we have referred to other documents that we believe are examples of good practice that you may wish to read.
This document contains information, guidance and examples of best practice for members and affiliates of the Institute. You are encouraged to use this information in three ways:
- To develop your own knowledge and understanding around sustainable design techniques
- To influence and encourage your clients to adopt a sustainable design
- To share knowledge and guidance ensuring joined up working between disciplines when working in practice
There will be changes to Building Regulations and legislation and the Institute will be keeping a watching brief and updating this document in line with these changes. If you have information, guidance or knowledge you think we should include in future editions of this document we would welcome you to send it to Joanne Rowlands at [email protected]
