Sustainability vital for Ireland’s architects
Ireland’s architects must embrace the sustainability agenda and keep the environmental impact of their buildings at the front of their minds. This was the central message of Environment Minister John Gormley when he spoke at the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2009. He launched his speech with a quote from John Ruskin, “When we build, let us think that we build forever”, saying the phrase succinctly conveys why form, function and sustainability are central to successful architecture. He outlined how the recently-approved government policy on architecture, Towards a Sustainable Future, aimed to provide a coherent framework for the development of the contribution of architecture. “The new policy builds on the progress achieved to date placing a stronger emphasis on environmentally sustainable development and on urban design,” said Mr Gormley.
