HKS Joins AIA Delegation to COP26
As global leaders gather in Glasgow today for COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, we celebrate two historic milestones for architects. COP26 will celebrate Buildings Day on November 11, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sends its first official delegation to COP26.
HKS is proud to announce that HKS Principal and Director of Integration, Julie Hiromoto, FAIA, joins AIA President Peter Exley, FAIA, of Architecture Is Fun; Michael Davis, FAIA, of Bergmeyer Associates; and Dr. Mark Breeze, University of Cambridge and AIA UK Sustainability Chair; as the official AIA delegation of NGO observers. Read the full AIA press release here.
“Architects must be at the table with world leaders while they make decisions and commitments that will shape the future of humanity at COP26. As designers of the built environment, we are responsible for buildings and approximately 40% of the US total greenhouse gas emissions. I am proud to build awareness of the role architects will play in charting a more just, zero carbon economy and learn from policy makers from around the world,” says Hiromoto.
COP26 has four key themes:
- Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
- Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats by protecting and restoring ecosystems.
- Mobilize finance.
- Work together to deliver by finalizing the Paris rulebook and accelerating action between governments, business, and civil society.
“Architects must be at the table with world leaders while they make decisions and commitments that will shape the future of humanity at COP26.”
At HKS, we have a role to play in collaborating with our clients, colleagues, and communities to mitigate global climate change. We stand alongside our global peers by joining them in signing on to Architecture 2030’s 1.5°C COP26 Communiqué. We articulated our commitments by signing on to the UN Global Compact in 2020 and share our progress toward meeting our goals for all to see.
For more information on what architects are doing at COP26, see: