New - Directory
Professionals
Resources
Home » BC Construction Industry » BC Construction Industry News
Architects Call on Federal Government to Stop Sending Mixed Messages and Get Serious on the Environment
Monday, January 22, 2007
OTTAWA, Jan. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada pointed out today that while with great fanfare the Federal Government publicly issues announcements about funding energy efficiency, it quietly cuts programs.
As evidence RAIC points to the recent announcement on the Natural Resources Canada web site indicating that all funding for the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) for New Buildings is now fully subscribed. The notice was posted January 21 2007.
"A radical statement so early in the year. Even more stunning considering recent announcements," said RAIC President Vivian Manasc, FRAIC. "Canada's Architects are disappointed. The built environment accounts for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions. Considering that Architects across Canada have between $40 to $50 billion worth of projects 'on the Boards', and that buildings last for 50 to 100 years, the Government's lack of real commitment is appalling. We think it is time they got serious and raised rather than eliminated incentives to increasing energy efficiency."
The RAIC is commited to reducing greenhouse gases and in November 2006 became part of the 2030 Challenge, a global initiative officially which calls for all new buildings and major renovations to reduce their fossil-fuel greenhouse gas-emitting energy consumption by 50 per cent immediately, increasing this reduction to 60 per cent in 2010, 70 per cent in 2015, 80 per cent in 2020, 90 per cent in 2025, and finally, that all new buildings be carbon neutral by 2030.
"That would mean that by 2030 the construction and operation of buildings will no longer require the consumption of fossil fuel energy or emit greenhouse gases," says Manasc.
Architects know that buildings can be designed to operate with far less energy than today's average - at little or no additional cost. This can be accomplished through proper siting, building form, glass properties and window location, material selection and by incorporating natural heating, cooling and ventilation and day-lighting strategies.
The RAIC is in good company joining the American Institute of Architects, the US Green Building Council, the US Conference of Mayors, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers in supporting this urgent mandate for a carbon neutral built-environment by 2030.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is a voluntary national association established in 1907 as the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada. Representing more than 3,500 architects, the RAIC provides the national framework for the development and recognition of architectural excellence.