Over the last thirty years, it has become clear that the risk associated with climate change will pose serious challenges to society. Architects are constantly presented with the challenge of creating durable buildings that respond to a changing environment. Architects have a major role to play, given the fact that 75 per cent of global energy consumption is produced by buildings and transportation. Buildings, neighbourhoods and cities should be designed to minimise pollution and carbon emissions. This implies not only using renewable energy sources (including wind, sun and water), but designing energy efficient buildings and masterplans that encourage vegetation and biodiversity.

New urban developments need to be designed with the ultimate aim of achieving carbon dioxide neutral environments. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners have explored these strategies in competition schemes for Lu Jia Zui in Shanghai, Parc BIT in Mallorca, Piana di Castello in Florence and the Almada Masterplan in Lisbon.

Working with clients and the public to increase awareness of the benefits of environmental design can help form the basis for a brief, and result in buildings that contribute positively to the city.