Sustainable architecture
The following RIBA-approved CPD materials fall within the ‘Sustainable architecture’ RIBA Core Curriculum topic (and may also fall within other core curriculum topics too).
Chartered architects must undertake 35 hours of continuing professional development a year, while the core curriculum is general enough to ensure that most people attain at least two hours per year in each of the ten topics.
Many seminars are now available online using Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Microsoft Teams etc. This is not always shown here so, if a seminar is of interest to you, do click on the link and check.
Examines how contract fabrics might be made more sustainable through the replacement or removal of certain chemicals as an alternative to high-volume, commercially produced fabric. In addition to answering the question, ‘How does contract fabric differ from other types?’ this seminar explains how to distinguish between beneficial and harmful additives, which fabrics are best from a sustainability point of view, and explores current and future developments in biomimicry and fabric design.
Chieftain Fabrics is a well-established, family-run company founded more than 60 years ago. It specialises in contract fabrics and takes pride in using top-quality ingredients, high-performance materials and delivering excellent customer service.
Duration: 45 minutes, plus Q&A
Reflects on the issues that cause the performance gap and discusses ways to overcome this industry-wide problem using reflective insulation systems. Topics addressed include why buildings don’t perform as predicted at design stage, important criteria when selecting construction systems, and applied construction build-ups and case studies.
Actis has specialised in the design and manufacture of innovative insulation and membrane products since 1980. Its CE marked hybrid system can be used on walls, roofs, ceilings and timber floors in refurbishment and new-build projects. All products are aimed at eliminating thermal bridging and offer impressive thermal performance. They’re also quick, clean and easy to install. Actis’ system is accepted by the LABC when used in accordance with its certification.
Duration: 45-50 minutes, plus Q&A
An overview of the practicalities and advantages of solar shading, including how it can affect solar heat gain to reduce building energy costs, how to calculate solar heat gain, and how solar shading can be used to comply with current Building Regulations, including Part L2A, Conservation of Energy and Power.
Dales Fabrications designs and manufactures a range of aluminium solar shading systems, fascia soffits, gutters, downpipes, wall copings, brise soleil and rainscreen cladding systems. Systems are generally manufactured by integrating standard components into bespoke designs to suit each individual project. Most aluminium products from Dales can be anodised with natural, dye or Anolok colours, or polyester powder coated. Dales provides a comprehensive project managed technical design service, including site visits and product samples. Naturally, it also operates to the international quality assurance standard 9001:2008 Design and Manufacture, and holds full professional indemnity insurance.
Sustainability is a key factor in the design of any building, from waste management and wellbeing to durability and material sourcing. Specifiers must develop and manage sustainability strategies to minimise the environmental impact of construction. Focusing on paint systems, this seminar explores the role of paint in sustainable design, providing guidance on sustainable and durable specification choices that protect and beautify the spaces we live and work in. It also includes advice on the requirements of green building assessment methods, including BREEAM and LEED, and indoor air quality and material lifecycle analysis.
Johnstone’s Trade (a brand of PPG) has been a leading name in decorative finishes since 1890. The Johnstone’s Trade portfolio features a comprehensive range of high performance wall and ceiling finishes to suit every environment – from high durability finishes to hygiene coatings. It includes flame defence systems, metal finishes, floor paints and external masonry paints (including a range of fully certified external wall insulation and render systems). The range is backed by the support and expertise of PPG, a global leader in paints, coatings and materials that operates in more than 70 countries and has been trusted for more than 135 years.
Duration: 45 minutes, plus Q&A
Lightweight materials have impacted the evolution of our built environment and will continue to do so. To meet the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and reach net zero, we need to find ways to use less energy and to specify materials that support the circular economy. This presentation provides a comparative overview of common surface finishes and asks the important questions about current specification choices against their legislative, maintenance and technical background.
With an extensive range of internal wall and ceiling lining systems and ancillary products, Be-plas is one of the UK's leading suppliers of interior surface solutions for hygienic applications. Whatever the industrial sector, from healthcare, education, and food and drink manufacture, to hospitality and retail, Be-plas has a solution to match your requirements. All Be-plas products are available on a supply-only basis, or fully installed by its network of approved installers, and come in a wide range of colours and textures that can be recycled up to eight times, offering a sustainable, attractive finish that doesn’t cost the earth.