Design Studio Architects are committed to making a change and ensuring our design approach is based on sustainability and meeting the RIBA 2030 climate challenge. 

Climate change is a huge interest topic at the moment with large organisations and corporations getting together to help tackle the problem. The RIBA, (The Royal Institute of British Architects) is a professional body for architects who started this challenge as they believe the built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions and architects have a significant role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

This is why RIBA have set up the 2030 climate challenge, to encourage RIBA chartered practices to join and show their commitment by meeting key sustainability targets on the buildings they design. It’s a huge step into approaching net zero gas emissions.

Why are sustainability targets important?

Traditionally, the construction industry has stayed away from analysing building performance as some may fear it can bring litigation or reputational risk. 

However, as the built environment is an industry that will keep expanding and innovating, it is important to improve their knowledge and create effective and efficient building designs that will ultimately help reduce carbon emissions. 

The RIBA Climate challenge is a great way to push industries towards a cleaner and a more efficient built environment. 

What are the 2030 Climate Challenge targets?

The 2030 Climate Challenge targets are the latest recommendations from the well renowned Green Construction board that has been developed in agreement with industry experts and professional bodies all across the UK from various different environmental industries. The targets include:

• Operational energy
• Embodied carbon
• Potable water use
• Health and wellbeing

The RIBA Climate Challenge focuses on three of the main issues in the built environment. Energy, carbon and water. These are the three common elements of all building typologies.

This challenge is effectively a call to action for all industries to take part and do their bit to help the planet. Although this challenge is completely voluntary, it is highly encouraged and recommended to help enforce a shift towards creating better building outcomes for both the plant and the people.

Read more about this topic over on the RIBA Architecture website.