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
Mixed-Use | Oct 18, 2022
Mixed-use San Diego tower inspired by coastal experience and luxury travel
The new 525 Olive mixed use San Diego tower was inspired by the coastal experience and luxury travel.
University Buildings | Oct 18, 2022
A carbon-neutral-ready university campus opens in Hong Kong
In early September, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) officially opened its new, KPF-designed campus in Nansha, Guangzhou (GZ).
Market Data | Oct 17, 2022
Calling all AEC professionals! BD+C editors need your expertise for our 2023 market forecast survey
The BD+C editorial team needs your help with an important research project. We are conducting research to understand the current state of the U.S. design and construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022
Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers
California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.
Contractors | Oct 17, 2022
Interior Investments, LLC, joins PARIC Holdings family of companies
PARIC Holdings announced that Interior Investments, LLC, has joined the PARIC Holdings family of companies. This strategic collaboration will leverage the strengths and expertise of each organization to deliver a comprehensive suite of turnkey services to best support their customers.
Justice Facilities | Oct 17, 2022
San Antonio’s new courthouse aims to provide safety and security while also welcoming the public
The San Antonio Federal Courthouse, which opened earlier this year, replaces a courthouse that had been constructed as a pavilion for the 1968 World’s Fair.
Market Data | Oct 14, 2022
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Jumps in September; Contractor Confidence Remains Steady
Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.0 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.
| Oct 13, 2022
Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned
Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.
Education Facilities | Oct 13, 2022
A 44-acre campus serves as a professional retreat for public-school educators in Texas
A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue.
Building Team | Oct 12, 2022
Real estate development practices worsened impact of Hurricane Ian
A century ago, the southwest Florida coast was mostly swamps and shoals, prone to frequent flooding and almost impossible to navigate by boat.