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Australian Architects Declare
a Climate & Biodiversity Emergency (AAD)

Learn more about AAD

Latest resources:

We aim to
Empower Architects to take responsibility and act
In a way that
We can realise our potential as a community of action
So that
We can be catalysts for regeneration of our ecosystems

The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time. Globally, buildings and construction play a major part, accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats.

For everyone working in the construction industry, meeting the needs of our society without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries will demand a paradigm shift in behaviour. Together with clients, architects need to commission and design buildings, cities and infrastructures as indivisible components of a larger, constantly regenerating and self-sustaining system.

The research and technology exist to begin that transformation now, but what has been lacking is collective will. Recognising this, AAD architects are committing to strengthen our working practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us.

In Australia, AAD architects are aware that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long espoused the cultural, social, economic and environmental benefits embedded in the holistic relationship of Caring for Country.

Australian Architects Declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency seeks to:
Raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity emergencies and the urgent need for action amongst clients and supply chains.
Advocate for faster change in the industry towards regenerative design practices and a higher Governmental funding priority to support this.
Establish climate and biodiversity mitigation principles as the key measure of industry’s success: demonstrated through awards, prizes and listings.
Share knowledge and research to that end on an open source basis.
Evaluate all new projects against the aspiration to contribute positively to mitigating climate breakdown, and encourage clients to adopt this approach.
Upgrade existing buildings for extended use as a more carbon efficient alternative to demolition and new build whenever there is a viable choice.
Include life cycle costing, whole life carbon modelling and post occupancy evaluation as part of our basic scope of work, to reduce both embodied and operational resource use.
Adopt more regenerative design principles in studios, with the aim of designing architecture and urbanism that goes beyond the standard of net zero carbon in use.
Collaborate with engineers, contractors and clients to further reduce construction waste.
Accelerate the shift to low embodied carbon materials in all our work.
Minimise wasteful use of resources in architecture and urban planning, both in quantum and in detail.
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Assess
A good place to start is to complete an assessment as a team for your organisation or simply as an individual. Completing an assessment identifies gaps in your sustainability knowledge and will direct you to a 10-point action plan with recommended resources tailored to kick-start your learning. Or you can browse the resources below and in our catalogue.
Assessment
Learning Pathways
Member Admins can set up an individual learning pathway and allocate it to any individuals in their company account. Then, choose from the School’s entire catalogue of resources to pick your curriculum of specific activities relevant to your sustainability requirements. It’s handy for Admins who wish to ensure their colleagues have completed specific resources. Or you can browse the resources below and in our catalogue.
Resources

Sustainability action plans

Climate change

Embodied carbon

Operational carbon

Regenerative design