Lire la version française

UIA President Regina Gonthier presents stakeholders’ engagements at the Building and Climate Global Forum. 

The International Union of Architects (UIA) was present at the Buildings and Climate Global Forum held on 7-8 March 2024 in Paris, France.

The UIA delegation, led by President Regina Gonthier, spoke during key sessions at the Forum and supported the ‘Declaration de Chaillot’ resulting from the deliberations. Speaking during the Global Engagement Plenary Session, the UIA President announced the collective stakeholders’ engagements developed in collaboration with the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) and the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Architectes (CNOA).

Presenting the UIA-ACE-CNOA declaration for ‘Sustainable Architecture to Turn the World of Today into the World of Tomorrow’, she recalled the commitments made by architects in favour of sustainable and responsible architecture.

"The  responsibility for the built environment and the future of humanity is a matter of shared social, ethical and political responsibility amongst governments, public and private sector, society and professionals."

“Considering the global impact of our built environment the solution cannot only be “green buildings”, but must also be “green practices”, “green policies “and “green procurement.” The goal must be a “green built and living environment” as a long term value.”

“It is our duty as architects to advocate for the best solutions for the built environment, while improving the quality of life of people and communities. Our collective approach must be multidimensional - respecting culture, society, identity, nature, biodiversity and humanity; advocating for responsible land use and settlements, energy efficiency, and for the use of sustainable construction materials and methods during the whole life cycle, in harmony with local culture. The long term value should have priority. 

The proposed measures can only be effective in a context of peace. Sustainability and resilience are not compatible with wars and all the damage they cause. ”

The President presented the stakeholders' engagements: 

The Sustainable Architecture to Turn the World of Today into the World of Tomorrow Declaration is the result of a collaboration between the International Union of Architects, the Architects’ Council of Europe and the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Architects.

We, architects, leaders and representatives of the architectural profession

Recalling our multiple commitments previously made towards sustainable development and responsible practice,

Recognising that reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a path to near-zero emissions by 2030 and decarbonisation by 2050 are ambitious, yet achievable, goals,

Aware of the importance of the entire building sector value chain towards influencing ethical, socially responsible and sustainable development throughout the world,

We pledge to make architecture an economic lever at the service of inhabitants and the planet by abiding by the following guidelines:

• Prioritise rehabilitation of existing buildings in a virtuous way instead of building new. The most effective waste management is to prevent waste from being generated.
• Decarbonise construction by encouraging the development of new channels for materials. Transition away from carbon- and energy-intensive towards carbon-neutral and renewable materials. Implement short supply chain architecture by promoting the use of local production channels for building eco-materials based on local resources.
• Prioritise responsible land use by influencing urban planning to prevent urban sprawl, promoting innovative solutions, encouraging the renovation and use of existing urban stock, and implementing multi-disciplinary expertise.
• Protect and promote biodiversity by influencing urban planning to develop and maintain agricultural land and natural areas, as well as green areas in urban spaces.
• Highlight the urgent need for high-quality Baukultur, which puts culture on centre stage in order to achieve sustainable and vibrant communities with a better quality of life and well-being for all.
• Advocate appropriate funding and public aid to cover any additional costs induced by the introduction of new sustainable architecture construction techniques. Support academic research in ecodesign and innovative sustainable solutions.

This is our renewed commitment for a more sustainable architecture to turn the world of today into the world of tomorrow.