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Building on the China Accord Momentum
Since 2005, DLR Group has advocated for and actively participated in Architecture 2030 as one of the first signatories of the initiative, as well as one of the drivers and signers of the China Accord. As our industry amasses data and knowledge from the Paris Agreement, as well as global research on building energy performance and architecture best practices, we are actively evaluating its significant impact on emissions and the health of our planet in general.
Events such as the China Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) Professional Training Program held in Shanghai, China, are actively moving the international architecture community in this direction. Co-hosted by Architecture 2030, the China Exploration and Design Association Architecture Branch (CEDAAB), and the Tongji Architectural Design Group Co. Ltd., the training is the first of its kind to prepare architects, planners, building sector professionals, and future trainers from across China to design ZNC developments and buildings. As a presenter and attendee, our workshops shared knowledge and best practices with professionals positioned to bring about change on a grand scale.
Empowering Architectural Leadership
ZNC can empower architects to assume a leadership role in the design of sustainable and carbon-neutral buildings and developments, by providing applicable and cost-effective practices through case studies. Presentations in the China ZNC Professional Training Program include sessions on urban design, setting energy targets, climate analysis, building envelope design, passive heating, passive cooling, daylighting, and renewable materials. In addition to these training topics, we also previewed the new EDGE tool created by the International Finance Organization (IFC) which partnered with Ed Mazria and Architecture 2030 to elevate the conversation of high performance design across the world through their simplified platform.
Sharing Goals and Interdependency
What are we doing to communicate commonly shared goals of high-performance design (HPD), and how are we sharing this knowledge and expertise globally? Unfortunately, many developing countries are trying to emulate western society, which isn’t necessarily a successful approach given the vast differences in geography, economy, and culture. We are trying to encourage professionals to move beyond that mindset by sharing knowledge and best practices, and applying that knowledge to every unique corner of the globe. The dialogue is not solely about design, but also about understanding where we are and where we need to go as a global industry. This approach has the potential to bring the conversation to developing countries who are seeking this kind of education.
Exploring the Deeper Questions
How can we encourage building design professionals to explore the deeper questions of high-performance design in the face of roadblocks and challenges in their communities? “How do we finance these initiatives, and how do we have those conversations with our clients, agencies, and others?” we’re often asked. Globally, we are all still learning how to communicate the benefits of high-performance design to a building owner, building occupants, and the community at large. We are learning to talk about how it is changing the true performance of a building, not just through the energy story, but how it creates a better space overall. And we are increasingly establishing meaningful metrics to measure these elements of success.
Only through our combined skills, talents, and knowledge, can we bring about change.
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