WATA BOOK 2022 October 2022 | Page 6

This second edition of WATA in 2022 finds us in a world arguably on the precipice of self destruction . The earth has an alarming amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide growing at an unprecedented pace , severe heat event frequency is increasing — the hottest five years on record occurred in the last seven year period — and significant weather events have more than doubled in the last 40 years . The outlook is full of doom and gloom , but there is hope …
WATA has added a Sustainability Award category this year to acknowledge the significant role architects and the built environment play in contributing to and combating climate change . We may not be world leaders or scientists , but our industry collectively has both the capability and responsibility to help slow the effects of global warming in numerous ways , foremost by pursuing design solutions that reduce embodied and operational carbon . Subsequently , by putting sustainability thoughts at the forefront of design and engaging our clients / end users in respective discussions , perhaps we can encourage them to incorporate added sustainability initiatives into their own lives .
I hope the inspiring , varied and esteemed entries in this edition of WATA and , in particular , the addition of the Sustainability Award , will further compel our profession to not only strive to create buildings that are beautiful to the eye , but also buildings that will ensure the beauty and integrity of Mother Earth will be preserved for generations to come .
Brian Kleiver President of the Jury
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