- BVN support Architects Declare in call for net zero mandate
- Say proposed changes to National Construction Code not enough
- Net zero mandate will only increase costs by 2%
Australian architectural firm BVN have supported Architects Declare in calling for a net zero emissions mandate for all new Australian housing.
Architects Declare
Architects Declare is an industry lobby group calling for major change in the Architecture and Construction industry in light of the climate crisis.
Launched in May 2019 by recipients of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stirling Prize, Architects Declare soon became an international movement.
Architects Declare has established roots in over 20 countries with Australia becoming the third to join in June 2019, since gaining 1057 signatories.
Architects Declare acknowledges the strain the construction industry places on the environment, as building accounts for almost 40% of energy-related carbon-dioxide emissions.
By becoming a signatory, architectural practices are declaring their commitment to the ten targets outlined by Architects Declare.
Architects Declare’s principles revolve around increasing advocacy and awareness surrounding the climate crisis, and overhauling building design and processes to minimise waste and reduce carbon emissions.
The group operates on a no-judgement basis, and expects signatories to self-govern their policies in meeting the commitments.
BVN on board for net zero
BVN, an award-winning Sydney architectural practice and signatory of Architects Declare, has joined in calling for a net zero mandate for new Australian houses.
According to BVN, Australian homes currently contribute between 13 and 20% of Australia’s carbon-dioxide emissions.
Proposed changes to the National Construction Code will see carbon emissions standards increase nominally, still allowing new built homes to create 5 tonnes in carbon emissions per year.
BVN along with Architects Declare say this is inadequate and call for a net zero emissions mandate to be included in the code instead.
According to BVN, homes with net zero emissions can be created cost effectively at only a 2% increase in costs as compared to the proposed new mandate, which would be paid off by savings in energy within 5-10 years.
Achieving net zero homes would require employing energy efficient designs, such as solar paneled roofs, photovoltaics and batteries.
BVN believes that introducing a net zero mandate to the National Construction Code could have immediate and profound impacts on avoiding a climate catastrophe.
