Culture ministers from across Europe have launched an alliance to create more sustainable and climate-friendly buildings and urban landscapes, Switzerland said Monday.

"In future, politicians, business and civil society will be working together to create better-designed cities, villages and landscapes," the Swiss government said, announcing the launch of the new "Davos Baukultur Alliance".

Baukultur is shorthand for the preservation and development of quality, sustainable and culturally relevant buildings and cities.

Swiss President Alain Berset had invited culture ministers from 31 European countries to a two-day meeting in Davos, ahead of the World Economic Forum that kicks off in the luxury ski resort on Monday.

Along with civil society organisations and major companies from the building and real estate industries, they agreed to launch an international network to help meet planning and construction challenges, including transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.

"Its aim is the sustainable, quality-oriented management of buildings, infrastructure, public spaces and landscapes for the benefit of all," a statement said.

The alliance was created to pursue goals set out in the so-called Davos Declaration aimed at "high-quality Baukultur for Europe", which was adopted in 2018.

"Good Baukultur has never been as important as it is today. There can be no sustainable development without it," said Berset, who also serves as Switzerland's interior minister.

A commitment to high-quality building culture is "an indispensable part of achieving a swift energy transition," the statement said.

It can also help "combat increasing overdevelopment and enables cities and villages to evolve to meet the needs of an inclusive and diverse society," it said.

Related Links

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Two dead in China chemical plant explosion
Beijing (AFP) Jan 16, 2023
A chemical plant explosion in China has killed two people and injured 34, state media reported Monday. The blast happened on Sunday afternoon at a factory in northeastern Liaoning province's Panshan County, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Twelve people are missing after the explosion and the injured have been hospitalised for treatment, CCTV said, citing local officials. "The fire is currently under control and the remaining flames are in a stably burning stage," CCTV said. Videos a ... read more