A meeting of 52 key Chinese and international architecture and planning firms yielded the China Accordâa pledge to cooperatively lower carbon emissions in the built environment.
The meeting was hosted by the China Exploration and Design Association â Architecture Branch (CEDAAB) and by Architecture 2030. âWe understand our moral and professional responsibility to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions if we are to stay within the 2° C threshold established by the international scientific community, and the Accord is just the beginning of our joint efforts,â said Ed Mazria, Architecture 2030 Founder and CEO. âWe have a long and exciting road ahead of us to decarbonize the built environment.â
The China Accord supports the Chinese governmentâs targets to peak and begin reducing carbon emissions, as well as the State Councilâs Green Buildings Action Plan and the recent China-US Joint Presidential Statement on Climate Change. A number of initiatives will result from the Accord, including professional training, knowledge-sharing events and programs, a broad-based stakeholdersâ forum, and the localization of design and planning strategies utilizing real-time simulation tools.
Among the international firm signatories were DLR Group, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, ARUP, Gensler, CallisonRTKL, HKS Architects, Perkins+Will, HDR, and Glumac.
Related Stories
Architects | Aug 27, 2015
How to transition leadership within your architecture firm, Part 1
In order for your firm to thrive and preserve your legacy after retirement, it is essential that you create a strategic plan to not only transition ownership of your firm but its leadership as well.
Mixed-Use | Aug 26, 2015
Innovation districts + tech clusters: How the âopen innovationâ era is revitalizing urban cores
In the race for highly coveted tech companies and startups, cities, institutions, and developers are teaming to form innovation hot pockets.
Office Buildings | Aug 19, 2015
Good design can combat open-office issues
Three tricks to maintain privacy and worker production in a cube-less world, according to GS&P's Jack E. WeberÂ
Architects | Aug 19, 2015
Despite dip, architecture billings remain strong
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the July ABI score was 54.7, down a point from a mark of 55.7 in June.
Architects | Aug 17, 2015
Historic power plant converted to modern offices in Minnesota
A landmark power plant in Owatonna, Minn., damaged in a 2010 flood has new life as the headquarters of Owatonna Public Utilities following a renovation by architects Leo A. Daly.
High-rise Construction | Aug 11, 2015
Calatrava's Turning Torso wins CTBUH's 10 Year Award
The 623-foot, 57-story tower was the world's first twisting skyscraper. Completed in 2005, the building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, rotates 90 degrees along its height.Â
Architects | Aug 11, 2015
Architecture firm compensation trending upwards
Latest AIA compensation survey finds average compensation for staff positions up 3.5 percent from early 2013
Architects | Aug 11, 2015
12 architecture schools join NCARB's 'speedy path to licensure' program
For architecture students, a license to practice may soon be available as early as graduation day
Architects | Aug 10, 2015
HDR expands its Canadian presence through merger with CEI Architecture
Public-private partnerships are expected to be one of the combined entityâs strengths. Â
Retail Centers | Aug 10, 2015
Walgreensâ flagship in Hawaii harkens back to the islandâs fishing culture
A house where canoes were made served as the model for this drug superstoreâs design.Â