Climate Action

The climate change emergency's far-reaching effects have positioned it as one of the defining global challenges today.

The construction and operation of the built environment has substantial impact on greenhouse gas emissions, so having an educated, skilled architecture profession able to design the built environment, including dwellings and communities, that is resilient and sustainable is paramount for the public interest. The architecture profession is ideally suited to provide new, thoughtful solutions. As its regulator, the OAA maintains a focus in its programming and framework to ensure members have the education and resources needed to incorporate climate-stable design approaches in both new construction and renovation. It also partners with other industry stakeholders to strengthen code requirements and to raise public awareness about architecture’s role in lowering environmental impacts.

"Climate Action" has been identified as a theme of the OAA as part of its five-year strategic plan. To learn more about the plan, as well as other themes, priorities, and goals, visit the Vision, Mandate and Strategic Plan page.

In January 2022, OAA Council approved a new requirement for the mandatory 2022–2024 Continuing Education cycle. All OAA members must complete a minimum of two structured learning hours focused on Climate Action. This requirement is also in place for the 2024–2026 cycle. To learn more, click here.