Standards synthesis

The RIBA Passivhaus Overlay, published by the RIBA in 2022, states in relation to standards synthesis: ‘Not all design standards and criteria integrate in a tidy manner. For this reason, it is important to review standards, identify, manage, and mitigate conflicts and avoid the risk of non-compliance. In some cases, dispensations may be sought. Examples may include: (1) Seeking dispensation from a suitable party, say Building Control (2) Designing to satisfy the most onerous standard, and then managing the consequences upon other standards i.e. there may be a cascade of consequences and decision making which needs to be managed – this may involve one or more party, or (3) obtaining client feedback and agreeing to change or clarify the brief).’