Sustainability and
Climate Action

looking up at two multi-story buildings that have lots of green plants growing
Photographer: Gabor Molnar

Our commitment to climate action

2030 targets

The Australian Institute of Architects recognises that climate change is the biggest crisis facing our communities, our country and indeed, our planet and that urgent action is required.

The Institute is working across multiple fronts to advocate for and achieve net zero carbon emissions in the built environment by 2030.

We’re challenging government to urgently implement broader policies to bring about whole-scale change to ensure Australia fulfills its Paris Agreement commitment.

Carbon Neutral Institute

On 9 September, we signed the NoCo2 Certification Program Agreement with the Carbon Reduction Institute, which means the Institute is now carbon neutral.

We’re also running a campaign to encourage our more than 12,000 members to do the same.

CLIMATE ACTION SUSTAINABILITY TASKFORCE (CAST)

The Taskforce is committed to supporting the Institute and the architectural profession in a decisive and active stance with regard to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

CAST Partners

Emagn Sustainability Series

Sustainability Snacks | Bonnie Herring from Breathe Architecture

Sustainability Snacks is a series developed by the Institutes Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) and The Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA).

The series features short online sessions that aim to demystify sustainability in practice. In just 30 minutes, we will hear from a practitioner on how they are reducing their impact. So far, the Sustainability Snack series has covered topics like,  

  • Breathe’s approach to design and materials.
  • Sustainability Action Plan headlines.
  • Passivhaus Accreditation. 
  • CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) Structures. 
  • Designing cool climate buildings

Find more upcoming Sustainability Snack sessions by searching the Institutes events page.

Architects plan for zero carbon built environment

Climate-Action-Forum-YouTube-title-slide

Climate Action Forum

The climate crisis has never been more urgent. The latest IPCC report labelled this “humanity’s code red”.

How we respond to this code red is critical.

With the built environment accounting for almost 40% of all carbon emissions globally, architects must take a leadership role in the race to net zero.

The Institute’s Climate Action and Sustainability Taskforce (CAST) hosted the Climate Action Forum in September 2021 to share our progress so far on multiple fronts and to hear from international experts and local politicians.

As a profession, we need to map out our plan of action for what architects can and should be doing and championing to protect our planet.

Community Forum

Regenerative and Sustainable Design

Discussions related to sustainability and regenerative design in the architectural context and beyond.

Join the conversation on the member forum.

Exterior photo of Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture
Nightingale 1 | Breathe Architecture | Photographer: Peter Clarke | Winner of the National Sustainable Architecture Award 2018

Architects Plan for Zero Carbon Built Environment

Climate Action Forum

When: Tuesday, 28 September 2021
Time: 1pm AEST, 12.30pm ACST, 11am AWST
Where: FREE YouTube Livestream

The climate crisis has never been more urgent. The latest IPCC report labelled this “humanity’s code red”.

How we respond to this code red is critical.

With the built environment accounting for almost 40 per cent of all carbon emissions globally, architects must take a leadership role in the race to net zero.

We invite you to join the Institute’s Climate Action and Sustainability Taskforce (CAST) to hear of our progress so far on multiple fronts and to hear from international experts and local politicians for this very timely half-day forum.

As a profession, we need to map out our plan of action for what architects can and should be doing – and championing – to  protect our planet.

Going Carbon Neutral

Photographer: Markus Spiske

The Carbon Neutral Journey

The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time.

The Institute is committed to doing everything we can to advocate for stronger policies and a paradigm shift in behaviours to better protect our planet, now and into the future.

Part of this commitment is to ensure that as an organisation we become carbon neutral.

We are encouraging you, our 12,000 members, to do the same.

This dedicated page contains all the resources and information you need to join the more than 200 practices who have already started on the carbon neutral journey.

COMMIT – IMPLEMENT – ACHIEVE – CERTIFY

Why it matters

Committing to zero carbon

The Paris Agreement, to which Australia is a signatory, commits countries to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Australia’s buildings generate 23% of Australia’s carbon emissions.

Australia’s building sector can deliver up to 28% of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target.

Architects are uniquely placed to help lead the transition to a carbon neutral future.

We have called on the Australian Government to establish a national plan towards zero carbon buildings by 2030 that can be supported and led where appropriate by state and local government.

2020 Winner of the David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture | Marrickville Library | BVN | Photographer: Tom Roe

How to join the carbon neutral journey

The steps to zero carbon

This webpage will provide you with all the information, tools and resources to guide your carbon neutral decision-making and journey.

What do we mean by carbon neutral?

Carbon neutrality means that you have reduced your climate impact to net zero, including through purchasing offsets where required.

  1. The first step on the #netzerocarbonjourney is to commit to the carbon neutral journey. You can do this by connecting to our partners Climate Active and following the prompts to going carbon neutral.
  2. The second step is to undertake a carbon audit to understand your total carbon emissions. 
  3. Step three is to then develop and implement an emissions reduction strategy. 
  4. The fourth step is to organise and independently certify your carbon neutral claim
  5. The fifth and final step is optional but one we encourage – that is to publicise your carbon neutral achievement, share the story of your journey and encourage others down the carbon neutral path.

Resources

Environment Acumen Practice Notes

The Institute’s Environment publication hosts a database of over 175 peer-reviewed design notes covering sustainability in the built environment.

Read through case studies and design notes covering topics such as place, energy, health and happiness, process, equity, materials and water.

Environment, available on Acumen Practice Notes, is an included membership benefit.

RACE TO NET ZERO CARBON – An Australian Guide

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

This guide brings together science-based evidence on how the built environment can navigate urgently towards a net-zero carbon future. It builds on past work on strategies for sustainable low carbon design, the increasing cost-effectiveness of both onsite and off-site renewable energy and places it in the context of ‘climate emergency’ thinking to engage built environment professionals in easy to use guidance towards net zero.

people sitting on a bench in the foreground and tall green trees in the middle ground and city office building in the background

Free CPD, Acumen Notes and Resources

CPD, Acumen Practice Notes and resources

We’re providing all architects, regardless of membership, full unrestricted access to the following practice notes from our Acumen platform, and other resources which may be of assistance at this time.

The Narbethong Community Hall | BVN, Arup and a number of consultants working pro bono | Image: BVN
Through case studies and expert presentations, this specialised free CPD program explores ecology, impact, design, planning, building and rebuilding after a bushfire.
Red Cross volunteers assist people who were evacuated from Mallacoota to Hastings by Naval ship. Image courtesy of Australian Red Cross | Photographer: Mathew Lynn

AS 3959:2018, Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas was made available as a free resource last year.

Designing to heal: post-disaster rebuilding to assist community recovery

This paper outlines the significance of disasters and post-disaster recovery, highlights the need of designers to harness community skills, emphasises survivor participation in the planning and realisation of their post-disaster environment, and suggests some characteristics of design that may smooth the path to recovery.

Designing to heal: post-disaster rebuilding to assist community recovery – designing a process and product for recovery

This paper outlines the significance of disasters and post-disaster recovery, highlights the need of designers to harness community skills, emphasises survivor participation in the planning and realisation of their post-disaster environment, and suggests some characteristics of design that may smooth the path to recovery.
Bushfire rebuild, Blue Mountains, NSW | ECOdesign Architects | Photographer: Nigel Bell

This Note outlines the impact of climate change on bushfire conditions in Australia and the ensuing regulatory imperatives for planning and construction within bushfire prone areas. It provides an overview of bushfire attack, the Fire Danger Index, the regulatory framework plus development issues and concerns currently applicable to states and territories

When asked to design a ‘fire bunker’, ‘fire-shelter’, ‘fire refuge’, or the like, it is wise to be extremely careful and risk-averse about what you say in response to such a request, and preferably in writing.

Common risk areas for architects include liability for free advice, partial services, design and documentation without contract administration, contract administration on another architects’ design, certification without full inspection and contract administration, pre-purchase and other inspections, valuations, pro bono services, working in specialist areas, secondment of staff and staff qualifications.

NATSPEC TECHnotes: Bushfire protection DES018

The impact of bushfire on life and property can be reduced with responsible preparation and bushfire management plans.

Architects may provide pro bono services to a range of groups including community groups, through membership of churches, sporting or social clubs and out of a spirit of social compassion for communities in need, such as the victims of a natural disaster.

Common risk areas for architects include liability for free advice, partial services, design and documentation without contract administration, contract administration on another architects’ design, certification without full inspection and contract administration, pre-purchase and other inspections, valuations, pro bono services, working in specialist areas, secondment of staff and staff qualifications.

NATSPEC TECHnotes: Bushfire protection DES018

The impact of bushfire on life and property can be reduced with responsible preparation and bushfire management plans.

Showcase your commitment and inspire others

Photographer: Markus Spiske

Carbon neutral collateral

The Paris Agreement, to which Australia is a signatory, commits countries to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Australia’s buildings generate 23 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions.

Australia’s building sector can deliver up to 28% of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target.

Architects are uniquely placed to help lead the transition to a carbon neutral future.

We have called on the Australian Government to establish a national plan towards zero carbon buildings by 2030 that can be supported and led where appropriate by state and local government.

Showcase your support

Want to get involved? Our Going Carbon Neutral campaign collateral pieces can be downloaded. Sign up below and you’ll receive an email with the link to access the Instagram graphics and e-signatures.

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Support to government

Support to government

We’ll also reach out to relevant local, state and federal government agencies to work through how and where we can best support those affected. We will keep you updated as these discussions progress. We encourage you to keep up to date on our dedicated website page which we will continue to update once further initiatives are developed.

This is a very distressing time for many in our community. For those experiencing the devastation first hand, for those responding to it, and for those witnessing the heartbreak and damage to the country and the people close to them. It is a time to band together, to support each other and to take extra care of each other’s welfare.

Thank you to all members who are already helping at this time, and thank you to our first responders and our firefighters for their heroic efforts.

Should you require additional support, contact your local Chapter and we can put you in touch with our dedicated confidential Assistance Portal, who can provide counselling and support to those who may be struggling throughout this ongoing crisis.

We will continue to keep you updated and encourage you to seek assistance from colleagues and your local Chapter.

Photographer: Aditya Joshi

Financial donations

Red Cross volunteers assist people who were evacuated from Mallacoota to Hastings by Naval ship. Image courtesy of Australian Red Cross | Photographer: Mathew Lynn

Charity donations

There a number of national and state charities who are currently seeking donations to raise funds to support the victims of the bushfire crisis.

We are calling on our staff around the country to donate a day’s salary to charities including our own Foundation, which will be used to support various post-fire design and rebuild programs across many affected areas.

This form is now closed.