The Technical Research department works on technical matters including:

• liaising with RIBA representatives on British Standard Information (BSI) committees
• contributing to government consultations on technical regulations
• disseminating technical updates, news and information to RIBA members

CarbonBuzz

CarbonBuzz is a collaborative project between The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the RIBA to engage industry and the government with closing the gap between forecast and actual carbon emissions. This site offers a graphical interface to benchmark and track the energy consumption of buildings and building portfolios from design to operation. With a focus on actual consumption, the platform allows users to adjust carbon emission forecasts to include the likely impact of user behaviour in different building types.

www.carbonbuzz.org|

Construction Project Information Committee

The department provides RIBA representation on the inter-disciplinary Construction Project Information Committee (CPIC), which aims to provide best practice guidance on the content, form and preparation of construction production information (such as specifications, drawings and Building Information Modelling (BIM)).

TechnicalTaskForce

Most technical matters are managed by the TechnicalTaskForce, which is a tripartite forum comprised of the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and RIBA officers. Members meet on a quarterly basis to discuss current technical, regulatory and related issues, and to prepare material to influence (where appropriate) matters of construction legislation. The taskforce hopes to help CIAT and RIBA members to understand changes in this environment and subsequently help BRE more effectively direct its services and activities.

A Guide for Assisted Living - Towards LifeHome 21

The RIBA and the BRE launched guidance for architects and other built environment professionals involved in the design and adaptation of residences that meet the needs of the elderly and the chronically ill, to enable them to live active, independent and dignified lives.

The RIBA/BRE report, 'A Guide for Assisted Living', demonstrates how intuitive design and assisting technology can improve the quality of life, wellbeing and autonomy of individuals, and be delivered in effective, scalable and affordable ways.

 

Liaison with RIBA Practice Department

The department provides technical tools and assistance to the RIBA Practice Department, including the RIBA Quality Management Toolkit and the RIBA Fees Toolkit, and participates in cross-disciplinary technical projects.

For further information, please contact technical@riba.org|.