The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has called on the architectural community to be more active in the global climate change agenda and minimise the negative impacts of buildings.
The Minister, Lekan Adegbite, made the call at the Building Information Modelling Workshop organised by the Association of Consulting Architects of Nigeria.
He said, “For those of us involved in the design of buildings and cities, there is a deep responsibility to be aware of this impact. With buildings consuming 36 per cent of world energy and cement accounting for eight per cent of global emissions, the architectural community should be more active in the global climate change agenda and its mitigation.
“One of the key mitigation solutions we need to promote is green architecture. This is an evolving method of minimising the negative effects built structures have on their surrounding environment. It’s a philosophy that draws on the environment as inspiration to deliver low-impact, adaptable, and healthy spaces.”
According to the minister, green architecture essentially minimises the harmful effects of construction projects on human health and the environment.
“The ‘green’ architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. It involves making buildings carbon-neutral,” Adegbite said.
The President, ARCON, Gabriel Ajayi, said, “To survive in the COVID-19 era, our economy calls for swift adoption of tools and technology, diversification of products and/or services, and fast delivery channels.
“The building information modelling affords us as an architect to properly and adequately collaborate with colleagues in the allied profession in proffering solutions to the challenges of our industry.”
According to him, ARCON, as a regulatory body, is ensuring that there is implementation of policies that will enhance the quality of architectural services delivered, and create enabling environments for us to perform their roles within the society.