Architecture’s 2030 Challenge is industry’s voluntary response to urgently needed solutions for our changing climate. The challenge proposes new building designs be carbon neutral by 2030. That’s less than 15 years away, yet architects are still getting away with building dysfunctional expensive art and condos that are nearly 100% glazed. These buildings will saddle future generations with civic infrastructure that looks cool but performs badly and is maladapted to our changing climate. We believe in the value of civic pride and pushing design but in the end buildings need to be loved and need to be functional – both can be had with careful planning.
The only way Canada will achieve the 2030 Challenge goals is through better planning and physical testing. Specifically, very few buildings in Canada have their performance optimised in the planning stages using a computer energy simulation, and fewer buildings still are air tightness tested to meet a minimum air leakage standard.
So, how does Canada stack up internationally? Did you know that Qatar, Latvia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic have air tightness minimums for new residential construction? Did you know that Estonia, India, Lithuania and Scotland all have air tightness minimums for new commercial construction. Canadian architects require very little in their specifications when it comes to future resiliency and meeting the 2030 challenge. Better buildings require better planning and site testing and as time marches on, its become apparent that industry won’t do it voluntarily, it might have to be dragged kicking and screaming as mandated by building codes.