The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has announced a coalition of almost 100 partner organisations across the built environment sector who will support the delivery of a Built Environment Virtual Pavilion, ahead of the UN’s COP26 Climate Summit scheduled to take place in Glasgow this November.
To enable maximum participation, regardless of the status of the physical Summit, UKGBC is acting as secretariat to a huge number of organisations who have joined forces to establish a smart virtual presence, which aims to give the sector a voice at COP26, and generate a reach and legacy that can stretch beyond COP itself.
The Virtual Pavilion will comprise an exhibition of global exemplar projects and places, within a bespoke virtual reality (VR) space, as well as a major series of events and downloadable content – to include keynotes, panel discussions and more. Partners will shortly launch an open call for a creative and innovative virtual centrepiece for the Pavilion, with a detailed brief expected to be formally announced within the next few weeks.
At least 30 ‘Delivery Partners’ are working together to support the initiative, consisting of non-profits, trade bodies, government agencies and professional institutions from across the built environment.
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC, said: “The eyes of the world will be on COP26, for what must be a key milestone moment – a historic turning point in our battle against climate change. It is an opportunity for nations, cities, businesses and civil society to demonstrate that the Paris Agreement is effective, momentum is unstoppable and – perhaps above all else – we are moving from targets to action.
“The built environment is fundamental to many of the themes of COP26. It has a critical role to play in mitigating climate change, responsible for 39% of energy related CO2 emissions and is central to building resilience against climatic extremes too late to avoid, through nature-based solutions. It is key, also, to the aspiration of building back better after COVID.
“I’m delighted that the built environment sector is coming together to work in an unprecedented collaboration, for what promises to be a truly unique virtual experience. This will enable widespread access and engagement with built environment issues at COP26 that will complement whatever activities are able to happen in person, and provide an online legacy that will last far beyond November.”
