According to the United Nations Environment Program, buildings and their construction together account for 36 percent of global energy use and 39 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The Built Environment has had an enormous impact on the constantly rising greenhouse effect. Materials, construction, and even transportation have influenced our environment in numerous ways. However, will the development of technologies and raising awareness of this problem be enough for architects, designers and engineers to reduce the 40%? What are the ways to achieve this? And who or what is the problem?
The impact of the built environment on global warming is the subject of a major international symposium being organised by Architecture students of Coventry University this month.
The symposium, which is being organised in collaboration with Coventry Modern, is being held at the Old Grammar School on Thursday 12th March 2020 from 14:00 – 17:00.
The event is open to the public and you can purchase tickets on the door (please arrive well before the start time). The charge is £5 for members of the public, with discounts for university students and staff.
In addition there will be an exhibition of works showing architectural excellence in the bid to reduce the impact of design on climate change. This is being held at the Cathedral from 13th – 16th March and The Hub at Coventry University from 17th March – 9th April. The exhibition is described as follows:
“As part of Coventry Modern, discover outstanding building projects from Germany which showcase the successes of energy-efficient construction. Explore design possibilities that help combat climate change and be inspired by innovative ways of saving energy with new build and refurbished buildings.
“Presented by The Architects Chamber of Saxony with its headquarter in Coventry’s twin city of Dresden this exhibition finds its way to Coventry Cathedral and The HUB at Coventry University as part of an international tour. The content of the exhibition is also supported by the Saxon Energy Agency – SAENA GmbH. Coventry Modern is a collaboration between the Great Place Project and Coventry University.”
You can visit the exhibition during opening times at these two venues. Booking is not needed.