Our Commitment
The climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today. Across the globe, buildings and construction activities are responsible for approximately 37% of energy-related carbon emissions. Architects hold a profound professional, ethical, and civic responsibility to act. As the national voice for excellence in the built environment, the RAIC is committed to enabling pathways for transformational change through bold leadership, collaboration, and education.
We envision a future where the built environment plays a leading role in strengthening both ecological and human health. Our goal is to rapidly accelerate the transition to a regenerative, equitable, and low-carbon future through collective action, innovation, and leadership at every level of architectural practice.
RAIC Climate Action Plan
In 2022, the RAIC established the Climate Action Engagement and Enablement Plan Steering Committee (CAEEP-SC) to lead the development of a national Climate Action Plan for architecture in Canada. Informed by a broad consultation process that engaged over 800 architects, allied professionals, Indigenous knowledge holders, youth, and experts across sectors, the result is the RAIC Climate Action Plan – A Framework for Engagement and Enablement.
Launched in 2025, the RAIC Climate Action Plan offers a profession-wide framework to help accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient, and regenerative development and design. It reflects the extraordinary challenges and opportunities of our time—and calls on architects to lead a new era of climate-responsive, socially just, and future-focused practice.
Guiding Principles:
- Upholding reconciliation and integrating the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in all climate-related work.
- Embedding social justice and intergenerational equity at the heart of architectural practice and decision-making.
- Fostering holistic health and the stewardship of living systems, supporting a regenerative future for current and future generations.
By centering these principles, the RAIC aims to support the creation of a built environment that not only responds to today’s climate and biodiversity challenges but also secures a thriving, equitable future for all
Priority Focus Areas
The RAIC Climate Action Plan is built around four key priority areas:
- Accelerate the transformation of practice toward regenerative development and design.
- Advocate boldly to create pathways for effective policy, regulatory, and market-driven change.
- Mobilize partnerships and collective action to amplify the impact across sectors and communities.
- Invest in education and research to expand climate competencies, uplift Indigenous knowledge, and equip current and future architects for leadership.
These priorities provide a roadmap for the Canadian architectural community to take meaningful, measurable action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and social equity. They align with international climate and biodiversity targets and emphasize the importance of both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Moving Forward
The RAIC recognizes that addressing the climate emergency is not a one-time effort—it is a continuous journey of leadership, learning, and collaboration. Through annual reporting, ongoing engagement with members and partners, and a commitment to science-based and culturally respectful approaches, the RAIC is dedicated to evolving the Climate Action Plan as new insights and needs emerge.
We invite all architects, students, allied professionals, and community partners to engage with the RAIC Climate Action Plan, contribute to its evolution, and be part of building a regenerative future. Together, we can turn intention into action—and create spaces that support the well-being of both people and the planet.
Our Leadership
Historical Timeline
The RAIC’s climate action journey reflects a growing and sustained commitment to leadership in regenerative, resilient, and low-carbon design. Key milestones include:
Resources
To advance urgent climate action, we’ve compiled resources including action plans, event summaries, podcasts, and educational materials. These tools enable architects and the broader design community to take meaningful action toward decarbonization and climate-responsive design.