Opinion Piece: Takeaways from The 7th Annual 1.5C Symposium on Climate Change

Written by

Luciana Varkulja – Founder & Principal, uma architecture & design

The recent AIA|LA 1.5°C conference featured an impressive group of speakers who ignited an essential dialogue on carbon, engaging in a critical conversation on the impact of construction materials on climate change, and challenging the architectural community to integrate carbon considerations into their work. Despite converging on similar subjects, the speakers exhibited a lack of a unified strategy for architects and designers. The discourse highlighted varying perspectives on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), weighed the importance of upfront carbon emissions against end-of-life considerations such as design for disassembly, and critiqued the oversimplified notion of mass timber as a carbon sink solution.

The sessions raised critical questions about the influence and responsibility of architects and designers in promoting the buzzword ‘sustainability’. A prominent concern was the apparent disconnect between the sustainable certifications of buildings and their actual embodied emissions, highlighting a need to bridge the gap between operational and embodied carbon considerations. Professionals were urged to engage deeply with the material choices from the very beginning of their designs, considering carbon issues’ potential through the entire building lifecycle, which is often a missing piece in green certifications.

An emphasis was placed on the importance of sustainable design beyond aesthetics, involving a deliberate approach to material selection and a commitment to reducing upfront emissions. Architects and designers were encouraged to leverage their creativity for low-carbon innovation and to advocate for change within the industry.

Initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors for clean construction practices were underscored, as were calls for greater alignment between building design and actual use. The push towards renewable energy and sustainable practices was illustrated through mandated net-zero emissions for new constructions. Additionally, the role of educational campuses as living laboratories to demonstrate sustainability practices was highlighted, suggesting that these can serve as models for integrating ecosystems into urban projects and for hands-on learning.

Regarding the circular economy, the conversation addressed the need for systemic change to minimize material use and retrofit existing buildings for new purposes. This approach also included the importance of bio-based materials and modular construction in reducing CO2 emissions. The necessity of public-private partnerships for these initiatives was noted as critical for success. Challenges such as the labor-intensive nature of recycling, complexities in international taxation on labor, and the potential conflict between prioritizing carbon reduction and the ease of disassembly were also recognized. These discussions indicated a need for a multi-faceted approach to sustainable building practices.

A vision was shared for the future of construction materials, pointing towards nano-scale innovation and the role of architects and designers in this arena. The keynote also explored the significance of fair and accessible certification processes for low-carbon materials and the evolution of forestry practices to support climate change resilience and carbon sequestration. It was acknowledged that such practices must also consider equitable labor and gender equity, especially in emerging economies.

A call to action was made for the adoption of embodied building codes and transparent supply chains, with a focus on stakeholder cooperation and the consideration of ecosystems in district-level planning. The conference concluded with a reflection on the societal shift required to promote policy implementation and engagement across the value chain, aiming to transform buildings into material banks for future construction and to advance a carbon-conscious approach in architecture, construction, and design.

Collectively, the speakers at the AIA conference highlighted the imperative for architects, designers, and the various stakeholders in the construction industry to critically evaluate their material choices, advocate for regulatory support, and reimagine their approach to building design. They underscored the need for a shift towards strategies that encompass not only aesthetic and functional aspects but also long-term ecological and human impacts, pushing for an integrated, circular approach to the built environment.

Luciana Varkulja – Founder & Principal, uma architecture & design

Luciana Varkulja is a Brazilian designer, educator, and researcher. She received her Master of Architecture from GSAPP at Columbia University and her Bachelor’s in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. She is the founder and principal of uma architecture & design, a design and research practice, collaborating with projects in Latin America, Africa, and the US. Varkulja’s research is focused on how architects and designers can learn from food systems and forestry management practices, engaging in a more ecological approach during the design process through a responsible choice of materials, labor conditions, and a deeper knowledge of the supply chain. She has held teaching positions and is a visiting juror at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design in Washington, D.C., at Columbia University/ Barnard College in New York City, at Cal Poly Pomona, at USC School of Architecture and USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, in Los Angeles. Luciana is currently a Senior Lecturer at Otis College of Arts and Design.