The ZeroCO2 - Sustainable Architecture Conference was first time organized by the Hungarian Union of Architects "Renewable Sources in the Built Environment for a Sustainable Future" UIA-ARES-MÉSZ work programme in 2007. This year the conference is organized third time together with UIA Sustainable Architecture work programme. The main subject of the conference is sustainable architecture and the economic crisis. The conference programme joins the Copenhagen summit.

Hungary - as other european countries - faces short, medium and long term challenges in the field of energy supply.We need a sustainable, low CO2 emission future. The EU has set ambitiotus goals by 2020: the 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (30% if international agreement is achieved), the 20% reduction of energy consumption by energy efficiency, and 20% renewable energy ratio. The security of energy supply is of vital importance both for the competitiveness of the country and the well-being of its inhabitants. Sustainable architecture offers an organic solution for sustainable future. Mitigation of climate change effects with the utilization of renewable sources and energy efficiency creates new industries and new workplaces, in the meantime increases energy supply security and competitiveness. Zero CO2 emission building category has to be estabilished, and set as minimum standard for new construction by 2020. Until that time we have to prepare in order to achieve a step by step transition (with training and support schemes).

Energy, environment and architecture are interrelated. Built environment is one of the biggest energy consuming and environment polluting sector. Rising energy prices, introduction of the new EPBD and the energy certification of buildings, the obligations of EU member states on energy saving and on CO2 emission mitigation generates a great interest towards sustainable buildings. The question is, how can we sustain this interest during economic crisis? We need a change in our thinking to secure the future of our children.

Zero CO2 emission, sustainable architecture is necessary if we want to achieve climate protection, energy efficiency and environmental goals. Construction industry, and the processes that create, modify and remove built structures represent half of our opportunity to resolve today's climate challenge. In addition, the environmental impact of our food, water and waste handling systems is determined by the form and operating characteristics of our built environment. In the 1980's the environmental focus was on energy and technical solutions. Now we know that technology alone cannot solve our problems, we must engage an holistic approach if we want to attain both sustainability and a high quality of life.

Architecture must utilise holistic, integrative methods from the smallest scale up through that of city and regional planning, never forgetting that buildings, landscapes, the natural environment and infrastructures are all essential elements in creating a sustainable future. A careful and considerate design of forms, geometry and spatial strategies, married with the appropriate materials, equipment and functional distribution should result in a 50% to 80% reduction in the use of resources, greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact.

The zeroCO2 - Sustainable Architecture conference seeks answers and solutions to these questions. The changing economic, environmental and social-cultural conditions generate deep changes in society. Architecture with its special character has complex impact on these issues. We promote environmentally conscious, professionally certified, artistically high quality architecture.

The lectures of the conference join the Copenhagen Climate Summit; refresh previous projects presented at previous zeroCO2 conferences; present the prize winning projects of the Holcim Awards; introduce new green projects from Hungary and abroad; present certified passive houses; introduce the autonomous house idea; deal with european legislation, support schemes and clean mobility.