The Winterthur Declaration on Post-Carbon Construction
Sign the Winterthur Declaration on Post-Carbon Construction
The construction sector is at the heart of the transition to a post-carbon future, with architects and engineers playing a key role in delivering buildings that are sustainable, resource-efficient and high in quality. Much of today’s construction work focuses on adapting existing buildings, where uncertainty around materials, energy performance and heritage constraints can make rigid procurement processes a barrier to innovation. To address these challenges, procurement systems must allow for greater flexibility, enabling context-sensitive solutions and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
Post-carbon construction is not about compromise, but about achieving better outcomes with fewer resources while carefully balancing efficiency, comfort, preservation and innovation. This requires procurement frameworks that recognise complexity, support diverse teams and prioritise quality over simplistic scoring systems.
Call for signatories
We invite organisations across the built environment — including designers, engineers, public authorities and industry partners — to join us in advancing procurement practices that support climate-responsible, high-quality construction. Add your name to this initiative and help shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector.