COP26 Built Environment Virtual Pavilion Open Call announced

Yesterday, as part of a coalition of over 100 partner organisations, Max Fordham helped launch an international Open Call for projects and a centrepiece installation to form part of the global COP26 Built Environment Virtual Pavilion, which will be delivered as part of COP26 in November.

COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, is a critical moment in the fight against climate change. To enable maximum participation, regardless of the status of the physical Summit, The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has announced a coalition of partner organisations across the built environment sector who will support the delivery of a Built Environment Virtual Pavilion, ahead of the physical COP26 Climate Summit scheduled to take place in Glasgow this November. A smart virtual presence which aims to give the sector a voice at COP26, the Built Environment Virtual Pavilion will generate a reach and legacy that can stretch beyond COP26 itself. It will comprise an exhibition of global exemplar projects and places within a bespoke virtual reality (VR) space, as well as a major series of events and downloadable content – to include keynotes, panel discussions and more.

Organisations are now able to submit up to two projects to be part of the exhibition, as well as proposals for the centrepiece installation: register your interest

“The Open Call provides a unique opportunity to showcase how your work is helping to mitigate climate change and the associated issues. We are looking for projects from around the world, representing a diverse range of scales and typologies. Please consider submitting your work to help us showcase the breadth of sustainable innovation within our industry.” – Katie Clemence-Jackson, Senior Engineer and Partner at Max Fordham

Over 30 ‘Delivery Partners’, including CIBSE, CISL and RIBA, are working together to support the initiative, consisting of non-profits, trade bodies, government agencies and professional institutions from across the built environment.

As CIBSE's representative and Chair of the Built Environment Virtual Pavilion Working Group, our Katie Clemence-Jackson will play an integral role in providing a voice for Building Services Engineers at the virtual COP26 Built Environment Pavilion:

“The Virtual Pavilion is a way for the built environment industry to communicate how our work relates to climate change, and what we are doing to tackle it. The Pavilion is aimed at the general public as well as people in our industry and COP26, and will provide engaging ways to understand the issues and solutions.
I am proud to represent CIBSE as part of the group coordinating the virtual exhibition. Through this work I can raise awareness of the role that building services play in mitigating the climate emergency, and the key issues relating to our work. Not only this, I also get to work with a group of people who are passionate about tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency. It is a pleasure and an honour!” – Katie Clemence-Jackson, Senior Engineer and Partner at Max Fordham

 

“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. This unprecedented collaboration, for what promises to be a truly unique virtual experience. This 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.” - Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC