Moving towards net zero emissions a is critical element of addressing climate change. Together, building and construction are responsible for almost 40% of global carbon emissions. Figures from the World Green Building Council attribute around 11% of global carbon emissions to the “upfront” carbon associated with the materials and construction processes through the whole building lifecycle* – with the remainder attributed to operational emissions (energy used to heat, cool and light buildings). A series of presentations and panel discussion hosted by the Association of Polish Architects examined the urgent need for sustainable construction and what is preventing us from changing now.

Nobody responded to the first attempt of Brinda Somaya to organize a conference for female architects in 1990. Ten years later she was overwhelmed by the interest shown in the inaugural “Women in Architecture 2000 Plus” conference – and two decades later 600 delegates and more than 30 speakers from around the globe have converged upon Mumbai, India, to celebrate the diversity and richness of women-driven design practices. “Some women architects from South Asia have transformed their offices into creative powerhouses,” explained Brinda Somaya. “Much has changed – but much more must still change,” she said in the opening panel discussion.