Architects across Ireland are set to descend on Dublin today, 03 November, for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Annual Conference.

This event, which represents the largest gathering in the architectural calendar, will put a large emphasis on architects and the wider construction industry to step up and play their part in tackling the current climate emergency.

RIAI members will be urged to sign up to its '2030 Climate Challenge' - a climate change initiative which encourages the profession and wider construction industry to achieve net zero whole life carbon for all new and retrofitted buildings by 2030.

Alongside the role architects can play in fighting climate change, other topics to be discussed at the annual gathering include how architects view the Government's 'Housing for All' plan, while ideas will be heard about the creation of sustainable communities in our cities and towns and developing innovative models for housing.

The RIAI will also present their industry view on 'Housing for All' to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien who will be in attendance.

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Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I welcome the ambition outlined in the RIAI Climate Challenge 2030 which sets out very progressive targets to 2030, to deliver the significant reductions in carbon emissions needed to meet our overall climate goals, and support Ireland's ambitious plans to decarbonise our built environment. The Construction Industry has a key role to play in providing leadership and education in the Climate Change Transition, whilst supporting our Housing for All targets."

Ciaran O'Connor, President of the RIAI added: "The RIAI is delighted to host our 2021 Annual Conference in Dublin today and hear from our members and expert speakers on a range of important topics. Our members are at the forefront of delivering on the ambitious plans set out by Government in creating sustainable communities and in tackling the current housing crisis. Those speaking at today's conference will bring best-practice thinking to how we should design and create our cities, towns and houses to deliver the most sustainable future for all. I look forward to hearing the ideas that are shared and to RIAI members continuing to bring innovative approaches to addressing societal and economic issues."

Discussing the RIAI's 2030 Climate Challenge initiative, Kathryn Meghen, CEO of the RIAI commented: "Our profession, like many others is facing huge challenges. Today we are proud to tackle one of these in particular by calling on all architects in Ireland to take up our 2030 Climate Challenge. The current climate emergency is the biggest challenge to face our planet, our people and our industry and we need urgent action and leadership by architects and the wider construction industry.

"The task is urgent, and we need to work immediately to reduce our carbon emissions in order to limit the devastating impacts of global warming. The RIAI is encouraging architects and our colleagues in construction to take the RIAI Climate Challenge, to evaluate the way they currently design and to make the necessary changes needed to meet the reductions targets. As professionals we have solutions, and we want to play our part in addressing this emergency by collectively rising to this challenge."