Architects Climate Action Network ACAN

The Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) also referred to as Architects CAN was established in the spring of 2019 as a reaction and realisation stemming from the overwhelming scientific consensus of catastrophic consequences from climate change and the need for immediate action. It is a "network of individuals within architecture and related built environment professions taking action to address the twin crises of climate and ecological breakdown."

The organisation aims to address the way the built environment is made, operated and renewed in response to the climate emergency. As a network of individuals, channelling energy, expertise and action towards a common goal - the systemic change of the profession and the construction industry as a whole, as a matter of urgency. They describe their mission as:

"...to mobilise a new movement of professional activists towards this goal by building an open, supportive and inclusive organisation. ACAN empowers individuals to proactively seek change and facilitates collective effort through a shared platform built on collaboration."

They describe routes to creating change through; political campaigning and lobbying, direct action and public engagement, research and knowledge sharing, and they welcome members who share this vision for change

The organisational structure includes a steering group of 11 members who are responsible for ACAN’s overall strategy, constitution and governance. The steering group members assume directorships of the Community Benefit Society and are responsible for all financial, legal and regulatory duties relating to this, with a key role in keeping an overview and coordinating the decentralised activities of the ACAN network as a whole.