Built Environment Virtual Pavilion @ COP26

27th May, 2021

LCA is working in partnership with UKGBC to launch a Built Environment Virtual Pavilion for COP26.

We have joined forces with UK Green Buildings Council to give the built environment sector a strong voice at 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

The built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint with almost half of this being from the energy that is used in buildings. As such, they have a critical role to play in mitigating climate change, and this can only be done by coming together collectively, as a sector, to affect real structural change.

The Virtual Pavilion is being curated by a coalition of almost 100 partner organisations across the built environment sector.  Establishing a smart virtual presence will enable widespread access and engagement with built environment issues at COP26 that will complement whatever activities are able to happen in person, and provide an online legacy that will last far beyond November.

The Virtual Pavilion comprises the following three main elements:

  1. Exhibition; to include a showcase of global best practice within a bespoke VR space, which (if allowed) will also be accessible via ocular rift headsets in the Green Zone.

  2. Open call; to design an inspirational and artistic centrepiece for the Pavilion.

  3. Events series and conference; a programme of tours and talks, keynotes, panels and other downloadable content

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC:

“The eyes of the world will be on COP26, for what must be a key milestone moment – a historic turning point in our battle against climate change. It is an opportunity for nations, cities, businesses and civil society to demonstrate that the Paris Agreement is effective, momentum is unstoppable and – perhaps above all else – we are moving from targets to action”.

Simon Crowe, Managing Director at Low Carbon Alliance:

“In whatever format the eventual summit takes place, it is vital that the built environment sector demonstrate our drive to deliver on the UK’s climate ambitions for 2035 and putting Net Zero within reach for the whole industry towards 2050”.

The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021.