10 Demands
Why we have formulated the demands
The climate and environmental damage caused by the construction sector is underestimated by society and neglected by politics and business. Yet the construction sector and the operation of buildings in Germany and other countries of the global North cause about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and 55% of volume of waste. 50% of the raw materials produced are used for this sector. In Germany alone, sealing of surfaces for new settlements and infrastructure devours an area of about 80 soccer fields every day. This destroys ecosystems and increases heat effects and flood risks. Construction causes resource exploitation, environmental destruction and social injustice on an inconceivable scale worldwide.
We have to and can change this NOW -
before climate tipping points are reached and our base of life is destroyed. Knowledge and technology for environmentally friendly, climatically and socially just (re)constructions are available - local and global, innovative and traditional. The change of the construction industry (#Bauwende) is feasible. Closely linked to the success of the transition of the energy and mobility sector, it is a decisive lever to meet the Paris climate long-term goals and protection of resources and species.
Many efforts by policymakers and the economy are guided by the concept of unlimited economic growth without questioning the system itself. If we want to increase quality of life and justice within planetary boundaries, the increase of prosperity has to be decoupled from resource consumption. The need for change in the climate crisis is an opportunity to introduce the era of a regenerative economy.
Therefore, we - united as Architects for Future - designate ten demands for a holistic change of the construction industry and a building culture to be redefined.
Our demands identify essential problems in the construction sector and point out areas of action for a sustainable built environment. Every project in (interior) architecture, urban planning, open space planning and infrastructure planning, from project development to construction measures to utilization, can and has to contribute to climate protection. We want to address and sensitize all those involved in construction, politics, educational institutions and society as a whole.
Fundamental to our demands is:
- Educate yourselves and others, strengthen your know-how, share experiences and knowledge and learn from mistakes!
- Commit yourselves to political frameworks that respect planetary boundaries and contribute to meet the 1.5° limit!
The change of the construction industry is not only an urgent necessity, but an opportunity to establish a new building culture and to socially restructure the industry. Instead of limiting ourselves to causing less damage, we can add value to society across generations and make our environment livable for the long term.
We need you and your skills, your resources, your ideas, your passion, your joy. Together we can.
#Bauwende
#transformconstructionNOW
#transformconstruction
#dontbuildshit
#changeconstructionNOW
#changeconstruction
Glossar
Internationale Wissenschaftler um den schwedischen Professor Johan Rockström veröffentlichten erstmals 2009 das Konzept der Planetaren Grenzen (engl. Planetary Boundaries), das Aussagen über die Erdgesundheit und die Lebensgrundlagen der Menschheit treffen kann. Konkret handelt es sich um neun globale Prozesse, die die Widerstandskraft und die Belastungsgrenzen des Planeten bestimmen.
Vorrangmodell der Nachhaltigkeit: Einzelne Bereiche werden in ihrer Beziehung und Abhängigkeit zueinander gesehen.
Aussage: Keine Wirtschaft ohne eine Gesellschaft, keine Gesellschaft ohne Ökologie.
