Earth Overshoot Day
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. We maintain this ecological deficit by consuming excess amounts of Earth’s ecological resources and accumulating waste, primarily carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Earth Overshoot Day is computed by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (the amount of ecological resources Earth is able to generate that year), by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that year), and multiplying by 365, the number of days in a year.
As Architects, we are uniquely positioned to help #MoveTheDate, by integrating sustainable design practices into our daily work. Buildings account for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 50% of the world’s energy consumption and 40% of raw materials. By 2050, between 70% and 80% of all people are expected to live in urban areas, and we must find a way to lessen the social and environmental impact of this increased urbanization.
CTA acknowledges the importance of reuse when it comes to the built environment, and is committed to building preservation, rehabilitation and restoration in the fight against the take-make-waste linear economy that is in place today. By breathing new life into aging structures, restoration projects contribute to the preservation of heritage, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable construction practices. It is our hope that our practices help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
Click through the slides to check out CTA’s most recent preservation, rehabilitation and restoration projects!
