Architects for Future

ongoing

Architects for Future is a European initiative committed to transforming the construction sector to operate within planetary boundaries and contribute to a climate-neutral future, as outlined in the EU Green Deal. Our mission in this work programme is to shift the industry’s focus from demolition to adaptive reuse and renovation, crucial for decarbonizing the building stock, which accounts for 35% of EU greenhouse gas emissions. Advocating for reuse tackles environmental and biodiversity challenges, energy inefficiency and poverty, while advancing the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the transition to clean energy. We intend to strengthen our EU-wide network and influence, building on our role as a partner of the New European Bauhaus and past collective actions, to establish adaptive reuse as the European standard. This will be achieved by advocating for regulations that encourage sustainable practices and raising awareness of the benefits of reusing existing buildings across the EU. In parallel, A4F will focus on policy advocacy to ensure regulations prioritising renovation over new construction remain central in political agendas. To empower volunteers and civil society in advocating for the decarbonization of the EU's building stock, we will offer events, activities, and resources tailored to various contexts. By linking public concerns such as affordable housing, climate change, and energy security with EU policy on energy, climate, and environment, we will highlight how adaptive reuse can address these challenges comprehensively. In the first year, we will lay the foundation for growth and deeper impact in the second year. To support these efforts, we are committed to strengthening A4F’s organisational capacity, fostering resilient, agile structures that enable us to operate more efficiently and effectively as a key partner in achieving EU environmental objectives.