Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - Other - Page 93
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Integrating sustainability into the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 has been a core
objective. This chapter summarises the sustainability aims at each stage, linked
to corresponding Sustainability Checkpoints, and supplementary notes that
encourage the review of relevant sustainability issues as a project progresses.
Establishing the Sustainability Aspirations of a client is a crucial starting point. It
sets the sustainability context for the project and can have a significant impact
on the processes of briefing, setting a budget and Project Programme, selecting
a procurement strategy, including assembling the appropriate project team, and
defining the architectural design approach, coordinated services strategy and
other services that may be required. The approach will vary significantly between
different projects and clients. Some clients will have highly developed Sustainability
Aspirations, policies and targets that can be directly transposed into the brief
whereas, for less experienced or aware clients, more direct input by the design
team may be needed to raise awareness of relevant issues and help to clarify their
ambitions and any particular approaches that they may wish to adopt. The client’s
Sustainability Aspirations may include a mix of objective and subjective aspects,
such as:
• measures or specific levels of performance defined by recognised
third party standards
• specific requirements in relation to operational or facilities management issues
• particular requirements for resilience to projected changes in the climate
• the ability to accommodate changes of use in future, and
• a requirement to minimise a new building's embodied carbon or energy.
Chapter 5 outlined the role and importance of the Initial Project Brief in achieving
the desired Project Outcomes. In a similar vein, the need to properly consider and
embed the Sustainability Aspirations into the Initial Project Brief is essential if the
design is to embrace and respond to these objectives. As the Concept Design
stage progresses, design proposals should be reviewed against the Sustainability
Aspirations for inclusion in the Final Project Brief. If an integrated sustainable
building is to be achieved, it is essential that a balanced and structured review of
these aspirations is complete prior to defining and finalising the Initial Project Brief.
For a building to be truly sustainable it must deliver the good intentions that
are embedded in its design once it is occupied, and then continue to do so
throughout its life. In order to do this effectively, throughout the briefing, design,
construction and handover processes particular attention should be paid to how
the building will be operated and maintained.
The Sustainability Checkpoints and supplementary notes include examples of
behaviours and activities that will assist this process, including:
• specifically involving in the briefing process those who will use and operate
the building
• learning from previous projects in order to set realistic and measurable targets
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