A great contradiction exists at the heart of the construction industry: in the midst of a housing and ecological crisis, every 40 minutes a perfectly functional building is demolished. That is 43 buildings per day! We, architects and professionals in the built environment, are here to ask: why are we destroying the future we already have?

In the Netherlands, construction and demolition together are responsible for 38% of total greenhouse gas emissions, 50% of the consumption of natural and raw materials, and 40% of waste production. Demolition also releases dust and toxic substances into the environment, affecting air, water, and soil quality in local ecosystems.

It is unjust that, during a housing crisis, homes and other buildings where people can continue to live are being demolished because new construction would yield more for investors. Housing is a right!

We are building against the clock - we call to save the future we already have!