The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has announced its support for regulation of embodied or ‘whole life’ carbon in construction, through the proposed 'Part Z' Building Regulations, as an essential step to delivering a net zero built environment sector.
As the global qualifying body in Architectural Technology, CIAT is committed to considering, and mitigating where possible, the impact of the Institute's actions and those of its members and affiliates on climate change.
The 'Part Z' Regulations are an industry-proposed amendment to The Building Regulations 2010, which would require developers to assess and report on the emissions embodied in the construction of a new building, and would allow for limits to be set on those embodied emissions, which could be ratcheted down over time, as low-carbon materials and processes improve.
President Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: "I’m delighted that CIAT has joined the many other industry bodies already supporting the campaign for 'Part Z'.
"Architectural Technology is all about creating buildings that perform to the highest standards, meeting the needs of people and planet. Building Regulations set requirements for the in-use performance of buildings, but 'embodied' emissions make up an increasingly large share of the climate impact of a building over its lifetime. This is a huge gap, and closing it is essential to achieving the emissions reductions we need to see in the built environment sector over the coming 25 years.
"Chartered Architectural Technologists work tirelessly with clients and professional colleagues across the sector to deliver the best performing, most sustainable buildings possible. Until 'Part Z' is established as a regulatory requirement, I encourage our members and affiliates to do all they can to minimise embodied carbon in the buildings they design."
Chis Halligan MCIAT, Chair of the CIAT Climate Society, said: "The decisions we make over the next few years will have a profound impact on our climate, our communities and our wellbeing for decades, perhaps centuries, to come.
"We know we need to reduce the emissions associated with construction; if cement were a country, its carbon emissions would be third only to the USA and China.
"But to deliver the best outcomes we need to go further, embedding sustainability as a design objective from the outset, rather than treating it as a bolt-on or optional extra. That way, we can deliver buildings which stand the test of time, tread lightly upon the planet, and deliver safety and resilience for building users and wider communities.
"'Part Z' only addresses embodied carbon, but by forcing designers and developers to consider sustainability from the outset, it can help raise ambitions across the sector, driving lasting change and preventing a race to the bottom. That means it’s a great place to start."
