A problem, as management consultants tend to say, is just another word for an opportunity. Which is fine provided you aren’t brought insurmountable opportunities.

It’s been a year of challenge by any reckoning: the approach of EU Exit demanding intellect and lateral thinking; the Grenfell tragedy demanding compassion and determination; the pandemic demanding invention and staying power. We have done our best and, I venture to think, have advanced on all these fronts, and others too.

Two reminders, before I get to the meat of this article. First, the deadline for paying annual retention fees is approaching fast: please pay in good time. Inside this bulletin you’ll find all the information you need, including different ways to pay the fee. Secondly, the date for EU Exit is approaching just as fast. While the precise shape this will take remains unclear, all architects must prepare now. We are issuing advice as the situation develops, and there will be plenty more in due course. Meanwhile there is an article in this bulletin which offers help with what you may need to be doing right now.

So what is the crux of this article? Quite simply, one of the defining issues of our time. The Climate Emergency is a problem which, it is no exaggeration to say, will bring either achievement or oblivion. The challenges we face are beyond any one individual, profession, nation or international organisation. On whether humankind can rise to the collective challenge, the jury is out and will not be returning a verdict any time soon.

The challenges to architects and the construction sector are palpable but, as with COVID, necessity has to be the mother of invention. There are small signs that the world and, critically, its leaders are beginning to recognise the urgency of what is required. We are lucky to be involved in an industry that is capable of making a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions. No, we can’t offer a panacea but, in a crisis, to let the best become the enemy of the good would be nothing short of professional dereliction.

Our new Strategic Statement on Sustainability is not about placing extra regulatory burdens on you. It’s about raising collective competence, now and into the future, and putting architects in the best possible position to meet the demands of clients and society.

The world does not lack views on how to best tackle the Climate Emergency. We will be part of a broad church. We will work with our partners in the profession, subject matter experts, and educational institutions to give reality to the aspirations expressed in our Statement. We will expand on architects’ existing obligations to consider the environmental impact of your work.

You know that we are reviewing the competencies architects must have, across the board, to be fit for our developing times. You will hear a lot more about that over the coming year but you can be sure that a major focus will be on what is needed to ensure that architects are equipped to play their full part in meeting this most challenging of challenges.

Christmas and other midwinter festivals look likely to be different this year, to put it mildly. I can but end by wishing you a restful break. I look forward to updating you further in the New Year. I hope you find these bulletins helpful. If not, you know where to find me.

Alan Kershaw

Acting Chair, Architects Registration Board