The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland is due to launch a professional accreditation scheme in sustainable design.

The scheme will only endorse architects with a proven track record in sustainable design. Architects will be assessed on completed schemes.

To be eligible for accreditation architects must provide evidence of having addressed the following criteria in a variety of projects:

  • designing for effective resource use;
  • minimising pollution;
  • supporting communities;
  • promoting biodiversity;
  • creating healthy environments;
  • managing the build process.

Accreditation remains in place for five years.

Sebastian Tombs, chief executive of the RIAS says accreditation will ensure architects contribute in the most effective way to the sustainability agenda. Tombs said: “Our concern, as building designers, is to find ways that our particular dimension of the sustainability agenda can be addressed”.

Tombs added that the key to the scheme is assessment of completed projects. He said “Completed buildings will be used as evidence of an architect’s knowledge of sustainablity”.

Gaia Research conceived the accreditation scheme as part of a DTI sponsored project. The scheme is due to be launched on 1 February.

Source

Building Sustainable Design