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
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.