Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.
The platform—minoro.org—hosts the latest guidance, methodologies, and policies on carbon management, linking the resources to a series of actions that can decarbonize new and existing buildings. This is the first time this information has been collated and centralized, according to a news release.
Free to use, the platform hosts global information and specific guidance supporting key regions including the U.K., Europe, U.S. and Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Information hosted on the platform has been contributed and reviewed by peers and organizations and will continue to be updated and informed with the latest information with more countries and regions planned to be included.
The tool can filter information from concept to operation, through specific actions or targets such as embodied carbon or procurement, or by responsibility from a client to supplier. The platform enables asset owners, investors, design teams, consultants, contractors and building operators to set targets and develop clear informed actions across every stage of a building life cycle. Responsibilities, and opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and meet targets and ambitions can be clearly identified.
Here is the full press release on the launch of Minoro:
Minoro, a new online platform designed to help accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings has been launched. Developed by Grimshaw in collaboration with over 20 supporting organisations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe, Minoro – minoro.org – hosts the latest guidance, methodologies, and policies on carbon management, linking the resources to a series of actions that will decarbonise new and existing buildings.
An international resource Minoro provides links and access to over 1000 policies, guidance and methodologies, the first time this information has been collated and centralised. With the ability to filter information - from concept to operation, through specific actions or targets such as embodied carbon or procurement, or responsibility from a client to supplier - the platform enables asset owners, investors, design teams, consultants, contractors and building operators, to set targets and develop clear informed actions across every stage of a building life cycle. Responsibilities, and opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and meet targets and ambitions can be clearly identified and actioned.
Free to use, the platform currently hosts global information and specific guidance supporting key regions including the UK, Europe, US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Information hosted on the platform has been contributed and reviewed by peers and organisations and will continue to be updated and informed with the latest information with more countries and regions planned to be included.
“Developed over two years, Minoro not only brings, for the first time, all the key information to help tackle carbon in our buildings together in one place, but will also, importantly, bring teams together to work more effectively, aligning actions and maximising opportunities to avoid unnecessary carbon emissions in building projects,” said Paul Toyne, Sustainability Lead, Grimshaw.
“We know that buildings contribute almost 40% of the global energy related carbon emissions, but equally the route to decarbonising buildings is complex. The opportunity brought by Minoro is to help navigate this complexity and bring building owners and their project teams closer together in the setting of high ambitions and realising the incredible responsibility all stakeholders have to take effective action,” said Roland Hunziker Director, Built Environment, World Building Council for Sustainable Development.
"It's fantastic to see this project take off! Shaped by global expertise and bridging diverse disciplines within the built environment, Minoro is an impressive free resource for professionals across the value chain. It facilitates informed decisions to slash emissions and embodies the collaborative spirit of UKGBC, WorldGBC, and other GBCs. I hope Minoro will help our networks to drive forward climate action like never before!" said Smith Mordak, Chief Executive, UKGBC.
“Architects play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the built environment. Minoro, developed from the collective experience of stakeholders worldwide, supports both newcomers and seasoned professionals in collaborating through a common design and building process that builds on existing industry practice,” said Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council Australia.
“Minoro comes a critical time for our industry. The access to guidelines and positive action, and the responsibility it identifies for all stakeholders in the project life cycle will serve to accelerate the change we need. Equally, the input and support of all the organisations behind its development is evidence of how vital collaborative action is,” said Andrew Whalley, OBE, Chairman, Grimshaw.
About Minoro
Minoro can be accessed via minoro,org. It has been developed over the past two years by Grimshaw and the WBCSD with the support of the WorldGBC. At its heart is the urgent action to address the decarbonisation of buildings, but also the responsibility, of all stakeholders in the built environment, to work collaboratively to turn targets into action. It supports the critical path of early-stage design and business case buy-in, the recognition of national and regional targets, and the implementation of innovation, design and financial incentives to surpass decarbonisation expectations.
A carbon management toolkit is also available on the platform to help users to track actions, identify opportunities and create a plan. Constantly reviewed and updated, feedback and contributions to Minoro platform can be provided through the feedback link on the website. It has been developed for and with the built environment industry and will continue to be managed as the most reliable platform for the latest policy, guidelines and methodologies to decarbonise buildings.
Related Stories
Sustainable Design and Construction | Jun 14, 2022
For its new office, a farm in California considers four sustainable design options, driven by data
The architect used cove.tool’s performance measurement software to make its case.
Building Team | Jun 13, 2022
Partnership rethinks emergency shelters to turn them into sustainable, resilient homes
Holcim and the Norman Foster Foundation have struck a partnership to rethink emergency shelters to turn them into sustainable and resilient homes.
Green Specifications | May 12, 2022
MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System
Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 10, 2022
Design guide for parapets: Safety, continuity, and the building code
This course covers design considerations for parapets. The modern parapet must provide fire protection, serve as a fall-protective guard, transition and protect the roof/facade interface, conceal rooftop equipment, and contribute to the aesthetic character of the building.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 5, 2022
Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels
Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.
Sponsored | Healthcare Facilities | May 3, 2022
Planning for hospital campus access that works for people
This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022
Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide
Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2022
Architecture firm Perkins&Will to deliver ‘carbon forecasts’ for clients
Global architecture firm Perkins&Will says it will issue its clients a “carbon forecast” for their projects.
Architects | Apr 22, 2022
Top 10 green building projects for 2022
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment (COTE) has announced its COTE Top Ten Awards for significant achievements in advancing climate action.