Lock-in risk assessment
The RIBA Passivhaus Overlay, published by the RIBA in 2022, states in relation to the lock-in risk assessment: “Lock-in occurs when infrastructure, technology and product design choices are responsible for avoidable GHG emissions. In this context the term refers to moderate improvements in energy efficiency which are undertaken on retrofit projects. Once such measures have been undertaken it becomes unsustainable, uneconomical and impractical to change the building, leading to substandard performance for at least 30 or 40 years. To avoid lock-in the standard of energy efficiency achieved by each measure must be future-proof. A lock-in risk assessment considers a range of scenarios, the construction sequence, phasing, maintenance plans and financial planning, and seeks to achieve the best possible outcome over the lifecycle of the building. Sometimes it may be more beneficial to postpone a measure, so that it may be undertaken properly later, rather than using a moderate improvement which fits within a restricted, but existing budget. Where possible less energy-intensive technology and product design choices should be used to ‘leapfrog’ emissions-intensive intermediate technology and jump straight to cleaner solutions.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.