Celebrating the 181st 22@Breakfast at T3 Diagonal Mar, an example of how buildings can address the sustainability challenges and embrace “Regenerative futures” 

The 22@Network Barcelona celebrated its 181st 22@Breakfast on May 30th. The event took place in the new T3 Diagonal Mar building, the first T3 project in Europe, a pioneering initiative in sustainability and a clear example of how buildings and cities can reinvent themselves to address 21st-century challenges. It was clearly the perfect location to discuss the topic that brought all attendees together: sustainable practices in the 22@ Barcelona district. 

The event began with a welcome from Luis Jaime de Antonio, Director of the Sustainability and Corporate Commission of 22@Network Barcelona. "Today, more than ever, sustainability is not an option but an imperative need," stated de Antonio, emphasizing that "sustainability is not an individual effort, but a collective one, where every action counts." He also introduced the two speakers of the day: Wendy Steele, Research Director for RMIT Europe and Anna Lloret, Associate/Vice-Director of the Building Department at Batlleiroig, recognized as the innovator of the month.

Steele's presentation focused on why, despite some policies implemented by political institutions, our planet continues to suffer from climate change. She discussed the concept of "Regenerative Futures" as "an emerging paradigm that seeks to deepen sustainability to take a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of our time." In relation to climate change, this concept aims to contribute to restoring the planet's resources, rather than merely minimizing damage.

During her presentation, Steele provided examples of initiatives implemented to achieve a regenerative future, highlighting organizations such as Arup, UK Architects Declare, and RMIT Europe, where she is involved. RMIT Europe works in three specific areas: regenerating systems, revitalizing places and communities, and transforming the economy, business, and social enterprises.

She concluded by stating that regenerative futures are not something we will achieve all at once; it is a journey that society, companies, and institutions must undertake together.

Following this insightful presentation, Anna Lloret spoke as a representative of the T3 Diagonal Mar building. She gave a detailed overview of the building's key sustainable features, emphasizing that "wood is the main feature of the building," as clearly evidenced. "Building with wood should be the way forward to ensure sustainable buildings," she stated.

Lloret also discussed the significant responsibility that architects have today, knowing that their work is crucial to "ensuring sustainability and promoting innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint," which is exactly what has been achieved in T3 Diagonal Mar.

The 22@Breakfast concluded with Isabel Sabadí, Managing Director of 22@Network Barcelona, welcoming new members of the association: LCI Barcelona, Foxway, Ailábika and Abaser. Isabel also reminded all attendees of the upcoming event on June 11th, the annual convention known as 22@Day, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of 22@Network Barcelona.