As architects, we strive to support meaningful projects that do not harm the world but improve it instead. Many architects already work hard to reduce the carbon emissions associated with their designs – but we believe we can always do more. The Green Dream Foundation was created to contribute to a sustainable, social, and exciting future. Our approach is informed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in particular goals 13 (climate action), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 15 (life on land). We do this through a combination of investment in carbon offsetting projects, funding inspiring green initiatives that align with the expertise and interests of architects, and initiating high-impact advocacy that increases people’s understanding of sustainability. Within this three-pronged approach, we especially seek initiatives that blur the boundaries to fulfil multiple objectives at once.
Green is the dream, green is the future!
Carbon offsetting
While the architecture sector works to reduce the emissions related to its products, who is there to address the emissions created by architectural work itself? The Green Dream Foundation targets carbon offsetting projects that are attractive to architects, and is the first charity to focus specifically on offsetting architects’ operational emissions such as project-related travel. The foundation aims to follow the Oxford Offsetting Principles. These offer a pathway to net zero carbon by diversifying investments between low-cost projects that reduce emissions and remove atmospheric carbon through approaches such as reforestation, as well as (currently) high-cost, long-term carbon removal and storage technologies. Projects funded through this approach provide certified carbon credits to the architecture firms that donate to The Green Dream Foundation.
Local green initiatives
The Green Dream Foundation supports green initiatives by other organisations or individuals that contribute to a sustainable, social, and inspiring future. Projects that increase biodiversity or add greenery to our communities, even when they do not involve certified carbon offsets, are of interest to us. Whenever possible, we encourage our network of donors to add architectural and urban expertise to these initiatives to maximise their social impact. With these projects, we strive for sustainable impact that people can see with their own eyes.
Impact initiatives
The Green Dream Foundation engages in initiatives that enhance awareness and understanding of sustainability-related topics, in both the architecture profession and society at large. Providing people – especially young people – with an introduction to issues such as sustainable landscape and urban design, we strengthen the position of architects and other urban professionals as stewards of both urban and natural environments. From starting or sponsoring education initiatives to creating sustainability awards or sustainable design competitions, these are projects that magnify our impact.
Growing our network
As a young charity, The Green Dream Foundation is currently working to expand its network of donors, inviting architecture firms and affiliated companies to contribute financially to our goals.
