The smart building overlay to the RIBA plan of work
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published its Smart Building Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work in February 2024.
Developed with ScanTech Digital, Glider Technology, Kier and Hoare Lea, this free resource will support anyone involved in the design of new build, retrofit or refurbishment projects to implement smart building technology.
The Smart Building Overlay introduces smart building terminology and outlines the benefits of embedding smart building technology from the outset. Its principles can be applied to projects of all scales and scopes.
At a domestic level, smart building technology can be used to remotely and automatically manage heating, lighting, security, appliances, electric vehicle charging and air quality.
Commercially, it can support business activity and space versatility, and optimise management and maintenance regimes. For example, in an office building, a system that automatically adjusts lighting and heating in response to weather conditions and occupancy levels can reduce energy consumption and operational costs as well as providing user comfort.
Smart building technology also supplies data on building performance, helping to evaluate and address operational energy usage, and mitigate safety risks.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“The Smart Building Overlay is a helpful roadmap to guide built environment professionals in using smart technology, which is an important tool to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Our research shows that, too often, the decision to include smart technology in a project is often made too late. So, this guide prompts the client and project team to integrate smart technology discussions at every stage of design and construction. It recommends involving specialists at the earliest possible stage to ensure successful project outcomes.”
This article was issued via press release from RIBA Media and Communications as "New RIBA guidance demystifies smart building technology" dated February 1, 2024.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BIM outline plan of work.
- Comparison of BIM work stages.
- Comparison of work stages.
- Designing Buildings Wiki project plans.
- DfMA overlay to RIBA plan of work.
- Digital plan of work.
- Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP).
- OGC gateway review.
- Project lifecycle for major road projects.
- RIBA plan of work.
- RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety.
- RIBA plan of work v project plans v OGC gateways.
- RIBA.
- The construction playbook.
Featured articles and news
New Great British Energy partnership launched
Crown estate help to turbocharge energy independence.
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.