The International Union of Architects (UIA) has unanimously adopted the 2050 Imperative, committing to environmental and social sustainability, as presented to the General Assembly by Australian Institute of Architects CEO, David Parken.

The historic declaration, presented on Friday 8 August at the UIA World Congress in Durban, recognises the urgency of the UIA and its member organisations in committing to a truly sustainable and equitable future.

‘Urban areas are responsible for over 70 per cent of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions, mostly from buildings, and over the next two decades an area roughly equal to 60 per cent of the world’s total building stock is projected to be built and rebuilt in urban areas.

‘This provides an unprecedented opportunity to reduce fossil fuel CO2 emissions by setting the global building sector on a path to phase out CO2 emissions by 2050,’ the declaration stated.

‘Our responsibility is to influence ethical and socially responsible development throughout the world: to plan and design sustainable, resilient, carbon-neutral and healthy built environments that protect and enhance natural resources and wildlife habitats, provide clean air and water, generate on-site renewable energy, and advance more livable buildings and communities.’

By adopting the 2050 Imperative, member organisations have committed to advocacy and promotion pertaining to planning and design of carbon neutral cities, towns, urban developments and new buildings; engaging in research and setting targets towards meeting the 2050 goal and developing and delivering equitable access to the information and tools to deliver these objectives.

The full declaration is available to view here.