History records the evolution of architecture over thousands of years. As architects, we appreciate that this evolution represents a great deal more than stylistic change. It illustrates evolving expectations and demands. In 1871, the need for fire-safe buildings rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire. In 1906, from the rubble of San Francisco came understanding that earthquake risk is a design imperative. But today’s emerging design imperative, zero net carbon design and construction, will not be revealed in a single catastrophic event that forces society and our profession to acknowledge it.
What does carbon have to do with architecture? Why should eliminating the release of greenhouse gases guide every architect’s design decisions? Can architects make a difference? Answers to these questions define the evolution of architecture in the 21st century.
Transition to the “carbon economy” is proceeding at the global scale, and quickly. It represents the most profound economic realignment since the dawning of the industrial revolution. These days, we hear a lot about the bubbles people live in. Today, one that defines our nation is the climate-change-denial bubble, and because of it, America is being left on the sidelines of the carbon economy. Thankfully, California is taking the lead by developing its carbon economy, and hundreds of cities are finding ways around federal inaction.
The architectural profession, the construction industry, and the building sector are woven inextricably into the fabric of climate change response. The building sector releases far more greenhouse gases than either the transportation or industrial sectors. There is no climate change solution without our profession, our industry, and our economic sector.
There is pressing urgency to this work. Once released, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide remain in the atmosphere and oceans for generations. Reducing carbon now matters most. Buildings release carbon throughout every stage of their life cycle. The decisions architects make affect every stage.
At the Paris summit on climate change, the achievement of America’s architects was the most hopeful story. In the decade leading up to Paris, the U.S. building sector grew by 20 billion square feet, yet overall energy consumption remained flat. This seemingly impossible feat was accomplished by making energy a design imperative, by retrofitting existing buildings, and by designing new high-performance buildings. By achieving Paris Agreement goals, architects have the opportunity to usher in a generation of prosperity. Architects must seize opportunities to help our clients and communities realize climate solutions. A zero net carbon building sector is the architectural design imperative of our time.
