We have 3 overarching aims:

1. DECARBONISE NOW!

We seek to radically transform the regulatory, economic and cultural landscape in which our built environment is made, operated and renewed in order to facilitate rapid decarbonisation of the built environment.

2. ECOLOGICAL REGENERATION!

We advocate the immediate adoption of regenerative & ecological principles in order to green the built environment, prioritise communities and ecosystems at threat and promote the recovery and restoration of natural environments.

3. CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION!

We call for a complete remodelling of our professional culture. We must challenge and redefine the value systems at the heart of our industry and education system. We seek to create an open network to share resources and knowledge to aid in this transition.

Why?

We are in a state of climate and ecological emergency. There is a compelling body of scientific work indicating our present trajectory will lead to catastrophe if we do not make ambitious and radical changes as a matter of urgency.

We also acknowledge that the construction industry and the existing built environment are major contributing factors to the crises and as such both require complete and rapid transformation. In the UK, the built environment as a whole is responsible for 42% of national emissions.

The manner in which we produce, operate and renew our built environment continues to curtail biodiversity, pollute ecosystems and encourage unsustainable lifestyles.

This state of emergency calls for a new kind of professionalism. We can no longer remain secluded within our personal and professional silos. Instead we are harnessing our collective agency; as citizens with a shared professional background and a common goal, mobilising to bring about necessary changes to our industry.

1. We seek urgent, radical change

advocating for what is necessary rather than what is convenient, or currently considered to be achievable

• We set ambitious aims and goals, recognising that through collective action we can create new possibilities and agitate for far-reaching change at the pace and scale needed

2. We recognise the systemic nature of the problem

tackling the climate and ecological emergency requires an unprecedented shift in the systems and norms that have brought us to this point of acute crisis

• We seek systemic change, recognising the limitations of consumer choice and individual lifestyle changes
• We do not shame or blame individuals, recognising that to varying extents, we all participate in and are dependant upon a business as usual which is deepening this crisis
• We seek to make visible, and challenge, the power structures and entrenched interests of organisations and institutions. We will call-out and hold these groups to account where appropriate

3. We need a new kind of professionalism

prioritising our duty to the wider public and the living planet

• We seek to redefine the role of the professional as one driven by a duty of care to the general interest. This means prioritising, above all else, the environmental and social impacts of our work
• We use our skills to increase awareness of the damaging impacts of our industry among our peers, clients and the public
• We practice ways of working together as a network that demonstrate alternative models and are indicative of the necessary cultural shift in education and practice

4. Our focus is action

the scale and urgency of the emergency demands an activist mentality. We place our trust in deeds, not words, embracing a diversity of tactics to reach our shared aims

• We see discussion as the start point, not the objective, of our work and campaigns
• We embrace a diversity of tactics, acknowledging that there are many forms of action. Each campaign or situation has its own set of circumstances and considerations – there is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach
• ACAN exists as a platform for anyone with an interest in the built environment to take action on climate and will support all actions taken towards the aims that are consistent with these values and the ACAN Code. At times actions might conflict with our own personal ideas of how things ‘should’ be done or happen outside of our personal comfort zones: “too radical”, “not ambitious enough”, etc. As described in the code, any concerns should be raised within ACAN and there are processes for this

5. We seek radical honesty

from all parties, including ourselves, the media and industry organisations, about the severity of the emergency, and the construction industry’s role in it

• We aim to honestly appraise the severity of the situation, speaking the truth – based on science from credible sources – even, or especially, when it may be difficult for others to hear
• We seek to shout loudly about the role the building industry plays in the climate emergency, in order to prevent practitioners, institutions and the public from going back to sleep or ignoring this issue
• We seek an honest dialogue around what is and isn’t working in the industry

6. We value transparency

we seek to be open and clear in our activities and positions wherever possible

• We make information public and accessible wherever practical
• We use mandates to define the scope of ACAN groups and to define certain roles
• Our meetings are free to attend, open to all, and shared publicly where possible

7. We believe in collective agency

working through collaboration and cooperation, complementing but not replicating work of others

• We strive to empower people and unlock agency through shared aims, holding that this is where our greatest strength lies
• We celebrate and promote the efforts of others, across disciplinary and societal boundaries (inc practitioners, clients and politicians) through our events, and through our media channels e.g. inviting people to speak at our events, recording events and making them open access where possible
• We actively engage with other events and groups, building meaningful partnerships so that we can serve a useful role in bridging gaps within and beyond the network
• We make efforts to reach beyond geographic borders – recognising that the global scale of the crisis requires an international response
• We practice humility – being aware that there are gaps in our knowledge

8. We are independent and autonomous

we are a collective of individuals with a shared purpose, independent from organisations and vested interests

• We are, and seek to remain, a place for individuals to work actively and collectively towards shared aims
• We are independent from other organisations, be that companies, industry bodies or governmental departments
• We accept donations but have and seek no affiliation to other organisations

9. We value everyone

including the unique perspective and contribution that each individual brings. We seek to avoid replicating the structural inequities, prejudices and injustices prevalent in our industry and society

• Anyone who shares in our aims and values, is welcome to participate in ACAN regardless of background and demographic
• We recognise inequalities inherent in our profession and wider industry, and seek to avoid replicating and perpetuating these disparities, actively seeking to amplify voices that are currently underrepresented
• We strive to be an organisation comprised individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences, encouraging and widening participation in a shared endeavor