Firstly Arup have their Key Speech from 1970
pdf at http://www.arup.com/arup/historyandculture.cfm

More recently, BioRegional have One Planet Living (in collaboration with WWF I think)
http://www.bioregional.com/programme_projects/opl_prog/principles.htm

And some guys I know personally at Futerra have this to offer - 10 Tips for Sustainability Communications
http://www.futerra.co.uk/downloads/10-Rules.pdf

I find the problem with being too specific, like BioRegional, means the “rules” are not applicable to every situation, e.g. I don’t necessarily agree with their local sourcing argument in all cases…

I was charged with the task of moderating the Practice symposium of that conference.

At the conclusion of the event I, along with the other moderators (Jonathon Smith and Matthew Potteiger) presented summations by way of closing remarks.

I closed with the following proposal for an Architect’s Affirmation patterned on the oaths of practice embraced by the medical, scientific and legal professions.

I suggested that this Affirmation be sworn to upon entering the profession and from time to time throughout one’s career - affirming to ourselves, our colleagues and peers, our families and clients, and our communities at large what we will do - and by inference, what we will not do - in the service of our profession.

In essence, this Affirmation is a promise to do the right thing even when it is contrary to our perceived self-interest.

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Architect’s Affirmation

• I will maintain and advance my knowledge of the art and science of Architecture in the service of utility, commodity and delight;

• I will respect the body of architectural accomplishment and contribute to its growth through conscientious commitment to the highest standards of training, education, research and practice;

• I will respect and conserve our natural and cultural heritage, thoughtfully considering the social and environmental impact of my activities;

• I will be vigilant and uncompromising in my support of human rights, exercising unprejudiced and unbiased judgment in the execution of my professional services, both alone and with many;

• I will embrace the spirit and the letter of the law governing my professional affairs, and will do my best to incite a like reverence and respect in those who are prone to annul them or set them at naught;

• I will strive increasingly to quicken the public’s sense of the civic duty that is Architecture;

• I will respect the rights and acknowledge the professional aspirations and contributions of my brother and sister Architects;

• Thus, in all these ways will I transmit this Practice of Architecture, not less, but greater and more than it was transmitted to me.
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Howard Patrick Barry, AIA
Barry Associates Architects

Presented at
Land Culture Practice - ACSA Southwest Regional Conference
2 Nov 2002
The University of Texas – San Antonio

Proceedings/transcript of the above remarks were published in 2004 by Mark Blizard and Vince Canizaro - the School of Architecture, UTSA