ISSUE 472

Autumn 2023 Issue

Your issue of Autumn 2023 Practice
Information is now available and can be
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PRACTICE INFORMATION NOTES

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The notes are colour coded to the section of Practice Information in which they appear. Practice
Notes in Section 1 are essential reading and are indicated by a red number.

FI2314 NPF4 - Summary Notes and Compliance Checklist

OS2317 Met Office Climate Data Portal

BP238 Architects' Earnings 2023

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amend or reproduce them in any unauthorised way.

NEWS/INFORMATION/PUBLICATIONS

Tomorrow's Architects: ARB Consultation Results and Next Steps

The results of ARB consultation on a proposed new framework for the education and training
of architects have been published. The public consultation was open between February and
May 2023. The Board has discussed the analysis and considered the next steps alongside the
aims of their reforms and their statutory remit.

A summary of the proposals and decisions along with the full report can be viewed at -
https://arb.org.uk/consultations/results/education-consultation-results/

Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment standard

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) launched the second edition of its
groundbreaking Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (WLCA) standard.

First published in 2017 for the UK's built environment sector, this 2023 edition is a global
version of the standard that provides a considerably more developed understanding of the
carbon costs and benefits of design choices in construction and infrastructure projects and

and Net Zero Waste Scotland.

For further information visit https://www.rics.org/news-insights/rics-launches-new-global-edition-
of-its-ground-breaking-whole-life-carbon-assessment-standard

Programme for Government 2023 to 2024

Equality, Opportunity, Community

The First Minister has Programme for Government (PfG) for 2023-24.

The focus of the PfG is delivering the three Missions of the Policy Prospectus:
Equality: Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm
Opportunity: A fair, green and growing economy
Community: Prioritising our public services

To deliver these missions the PfG is focused on reducing poverty, delivering growth, helping to
tackle climate change, and providing high quality public services. The Planning, Architecture
and Regeneration Division has an important role in supporting their delivery across a range of
PfG commitments across the PfG this year. They will also lead delivery of following
commitments:

Continue planning reform, including digital transformation of the system and introduction
of regulations and guidance on new Masterplan Consent Areas, and further permitted
development rights, to simplify and streamline processes for investors.
Continue to deliver place-based investment and community-led regeneration, investing
£70 million in our communities to help reduce inequalities and support inclusive
economic development in disadvantaged and fragile communities across Scotland
transforming vacant and derelict land to attract investment, and supporting delivery of
low carbon, affordable housing and new green infrastructure to help enable the
transition to net zero.
Progress work to reform and modernise Compulsory Purchase Orders, starting with the
appointment of an expert advisory group in 2023-24, and implement new infrastructure
levy regulations by spring 2026.
Continue to deliver support to our most fragile communities through our £9m Investing
in Communities Fund, which prioritises key areas tackling poverty and inequality
including child poverty, community-led regeneration, and supporting a just transition to
net zero.

Further information is available at https://www.gov.scot/programme-for-government/

including Policy Priority Agreements.

NetRegs: Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP6):

Working at construction and demolition sites

NetRegs have updated GPP6: Working at construction and demolition sites. The updated
guidance, GPP6, is for anyone carrying out works or activities on construction or demolition
sites. Any building or development works are considered to be construction sites. Such activities
have the potential to cause pollution and harm to the environment.

You can view the guidance at https://www.netregs.org.uk/media/tsybv2y3/gpp6-working-on-

construction-and-demolition-sites.pdf

The Global Context for Net Zero (NZG 3/2023)

This guide is published by the Net Zero Building Centre, a joint venture between BSRIA and
London South Bank University

The term net zero has rapidly become part of common parlance and is in many ways
synonymous with action on climate change. This guide clarifies the nature of the term and the
international agreements seeking to deliver it. It breaks down where emissions occur in the
global economy, where there are solutions, and where innovation is needed. It explores how the
UK is approaching net zero and the gaps between pledges and actions, with a particular focus
on the impacts for decision making in the built environment this decade. Finally, it considers the
roles and responsibilities for government, the private sector and industry bodies, and what we
can all do as individuals.

For further information and to view click here.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Advertised Events
Whilst events are taking place in person again, or, adopt the hybrid approach of in person and
online, individuals should continue to check with event organisers as to the circumstances of
particular events that they have booked. This is in case there should be any last-minute
changes.

RIAS CPD: Retrofit Think more use less

Date: 28 September 2023
Time: 12.30 to 13.30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free, RIAS Member Only CPD

Retrofitting is a necessity as the UK forges ahead with its plan to reach net zero carbon
emissions by 2050. So how should we approach retrofitting to produce the best possible
results?

For further information and to book visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rias-cpd-retrofit-think-

more-use-less-tickets-705405024417?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&keep_tld=1

RIAS CPD: Expert Witness Training Event

Date: 3 October 2023
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Venue: 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh
Cost: £95

The RIAS is running an expert witness training event on the 3 October 2023 from 2-5pm to be
held at the RIAS headquarters in Rutland Square Edinburgh.

The speakers will be architect Hamish Clark, Partner with HKA, solicitor Neil Kelly Partner with
MacRoberts and KC Gavin Walker from Axiom Advocates.

Topics to be covered will include;

What it is to act as an expert witness

When an offer of appointment as an expert witness should be accepted
Your instructing solicitor directions
How to write an expert witness report
Joint expert conferrals
What to consider when appearing at a Hearing/ Tribunal
What instructing solicitors look for in an expert witness
Pre-Hearing/ Tribunal meetings
What to expect from a Court/ Tribunal
Examination and Cross Examination techniques
Attendance at this event is essential for those wishing to be retained on the RIAS accredited
panel of experts. Attendance is also recommended for those architects interested in the work of
experts and those wishing to be considered for inclusion on the RIAS panel.

Those wishing to be included on the RIAS panel of experts will be required to be separately
assessed, details of which will be provided in due course.

To book visit https://www.riaspayments.org.uk/rias-cpd-expert-witness-training

RIAS BookshopLATES Wild History with James Crawford

Date: 11 October 2023
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Venue: RIAS, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BE
Cost: Free

Join author and presenter James Crawford in a discussion of his book Wild History. The talk will
be followed by a book signing.

In the book, acclaimed author and presenter, James Crawford introduces us to the traces of the
past he calls Wild History. Perhaps they are marked by a tiny symbol on your map, perhaps not.
There are no plaques to explain their fading presence before you, nothing to account for what
they once were - who made them, lived in them or abandoned them. Now they are merged with
the landscape. They are being reclaimed by nature.

There are many such places all over the country, from the ruins of prehistoric forts and ancient,
arcane burial sites, to abandoned bothies and boathouses, and the derelict traces of old, faded
industry.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bookshoplates-wild-history-with-james-crawford-tickets-
715238988067?aff=oddtdtcreator

RIAS CPD: Timber and Carbon

Date: 26 October 2023

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free, RIAS Member Only CPD

Timber has increasing appeal for architects. Join us for an insightful and engaging CPD session
and learn more about the importance of responsible timber procurement as a starting point for
whole life carbon assessments through our one-hour CPD course.

For further information and to book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rias-cpd-russwood-

external-timber-cladding-tickets-694001887327?aff=oddtdtcreator

RIAS Conservation 2023: Climate, Policy and Practice

Date: 31 October 2023

Time: 1pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: *Discounted price for Practice Services subscribers / RIAS Conservation
Accredited Architects - £30* See booking page for pricing information.

The RIAS online Autumn Conservation Seminar will be held this year on 31 October. Hear from
RIAS Conservation Accredited architects on the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm House
restoration project, the historical research and the carrying out of practical conservation at
Invereshie House in the Cairngorm National Park and find out more about the conservation
engineer perspective. Learn about Historic Environment Climate Change policy in
relation to the historic built environment and various aspects of retrofit, including issues of
moisture, damp and condensation and other key issues.

For further information and to book visit www.riaspayments.org.uk/conservation-cpd-seminar-

climate-policy-practice

RIAS Live: Beyond the Bothy

Envisioning the Future of Scottish Architecture

Date: 10 November 2023

Time: 8am - 5pm
Venue: Merchants House, Glasgow
Cost: £20

Every year, we are proud to host the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland,
as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their
skills, and be a key part of future as a green, resilient and healthy nation.

This year, we're delighted to launch RIAS Live - a one-day event in Glasgow which combines
the best elements from our annual Convention and Members Forum events, into an exciting
new in-person format, where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss,
debate and contribute.

For further information visit https://riaslive.squarespace.com/

Brodies: Tax and Modern Methods of Construction

Date: 27 September 2023
Time: 11am to 11.45am
Venue: Online
Cost: Free

Bob Langridge, Isobel d'Inverno and Kirsteen Milne will explore the various tax issues arising in
connection with developments using modern methods of construction (MMC).

The webinar will cover:

What is MMC and how widely is it used?

VAT and tax planning issues for residential developments using MMC.
Construction Industry Scheme issues for MMC projects.
Stamp taxes and MMC how does MMC affect SDLT and LBTT planning?

For further information and to book visit https://brodies.com/events/tax-and-modern-methods-of-

construction/

SDP: Passing the Selection Stage The Single Procurement Document

Date: 28 September 2023
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free

The Single Procurement Document (SPD) is a set of questions, that cannot be altered, which
helps buyers identify if your business is suitably qualified to carry out the contract you are
bidding for.
Most buyers use the SPD for the tendering process, as it ensures that the process stays
consistent. It can reduce your workload when bidding on an opportunity as your answers can be
saved and reused again and again along as they remain relevant.

Previously known as European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), the SPD is a regular
part of bidding for public sector contracts.

For further information and to book visit https://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/events/21-passing-the-

selection-stage-the-single-procurement-document-spd-1476/

Place and Wellbeing Alliance Event

Date: 3 October 2023
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Venue: COSLA Conference Centre, 19 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh, EH12 5BH
Cost: Free

This event will be an opportunity to network, share learning and ideas on Place Based Working.

The agenda will be circulated in due course to participants but they are having a world café
networking session in the morning which may include the following topics: the role of place
based working in the local development plan evidence report, lessons learned from using the
Children and Young Version Place Standard Tool, the Place Standard Tool with
Climate Lens and the Place Standard Design version, 20 minute neighbourhoods and Place
Making.

In the afternoon they are inviting you to a facilitated session around the next operational plan for
the Place Standard Programme 2024-2028.

For further information and to book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/place-and-wellbeing-

alliance-event-in-person-attendance-tickets-695225396877?aff=oddtdtcreator

CMS Conference - On point: Doing Business in Scotland in Challenging

Times
Date: 5 October 2023
Time: 08:30 - 12:35
Venue: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Cost: Free

Rising costs, talent shortages, growing regulatory demands, rapidly-advancing technology and

a one-stop
shop of advice, information and inspiration.

For further information and to book visit https://cms.law/en/gbr/events/on-point-doing-business-

in-scotland-in-challenging-times

Digital Building Week

Date: 9 October to 12 October 2023
Time: Various sessions
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Digital Building Week is back for 2023! This year things are running a little differently, with a
programme of events across four content streams spanning all four days.

Streams cover

Advancing net zero

Digital design and delivery
Artificial intelligence and the built environment
Digital support and building safety

For further information and to book visit https://events.assemblemediagroup.co.uk/digital-

building-week-programme-2023/

The Engine Shed: An Introduction to Building Conservation

Date: 10 October 2023
Time: 9.30am to 1.30pm, or 9.30am to 4pm including site visit
Venue: The Engine Shed and site visit at Bannockburn House
Cost: £45 or £75

Join The Engine Shed to explore the strategies and philosophies governing architectural
conservation in Scotland. They will examine the nature of traditional Scottish building materials,
and outline how international standards of good conservation practice can be applied to offset
or adapt to the impact of climate change on our historic built environment.

A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the
Engine Shed.

The full-day experience includes an afternoon site visit to Bannockburn House, where the team
will lead you on a technical tour of this remarkable late 17th-century mansion and identify
conservation techniques in practice.

For further information visit https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/events/?eventId=9cfc14bf-

681d-4007-90d8-b05000e8a068

BM Trada - Moisture management in timber frame design and

construction
Date: 12 October 2023
Time: 11am to 12pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free

Modern methods of timber frame construction were introduced into the UK in the 1960s and are
a fully accepted method of building. There are now many examples of multi-storey timber frame
buildings including schools, student accommodation, care homes and hotels across the UK.
Use of timber frame continues to grow as a mainstream construction method for dwellings and
medium-rise buildings to meet current building regulations and other standards. This is because
timber frame offers a range of benefits, including the potential for excellent energy efficiency,
low embodied carbon, fast completion (consequently reducing site work), and economic use of
materials, all of which are maximised when off-site prefabrication is utilised.

In this one-hour webinar, Robin Lancashire, Senior Timber Frame Consultant, BM TRADA, will
provide some top tips to help you design and build better timber framed buildings:

-
- Avoiding trapped construction moisture
- Details to reducing decay risk in use.

For further information and to book click here.

Natural Fibre Insulation Summit 2023
Date: 12 October 2023
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free

Join the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) and members of the ASBP Natural
Fibre Insulation Group for the 2nd annual Natural Fibre Insulation Summit.

Natural fibre insulation (NFI) products and systems are derived from natural materials such as
wood fibre, wool, hemp, cellulose and straw. NFI is now the fastest growing insulation segment
in the UK and its share of the market is expected to grow significantly over the coming years.
For further information and to book visit https://asbp.org.uk/events/nfi-summit-2023

CIOB: Glasgow Central Tunnel tour

Date: 12 October 2023
Time: 5pm to 10pm
Venue: Glasgow Central Station, Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SL
Cost: £15

Glasgow Central railway station is the largest of the two present main-line railway terminals in
Glasgow. The station was opened by the Caledonian Railway on 31 July 1879. The station is
steeped in history with amazing architecture, incredible underground tunnels, catacombs and
has a fantastic glass roof consisting of 48000 individual panes of glass!

For further information and to book visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glasgow-central-tours-

offer-you-the-chance-to-explore-behind-the-scenes-tickets-665169709507

UK Passivhaus Conference 2023

Date: 16 & 17 October 2023
Venue: McEwan Hall, The University of Edinburgh, or online
Cost: Various, please refer to website

Hear the latest on Scottish policy that may catapult Passivhaus into the mainstream, discover a
range of pioneering case studies, & sink your teeth into technical details.

For further information and to book visit https://ukphc.org.uk/

Architectural Conservation CPD: Principles and Best Practice

By Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust

Date: 25 October 2023

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: From £16.96

For the fourth session of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust's 5-part Architectural Conservation
CPD series, attendees will hear about The Scottish Brick Industry from Dr Moses Jenkins of
Historic Environment Scotland.

For further information and to book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/architectural-conservation-cpd-

principles-and-best-practice-2023-tickets-536858647667
This bulletin contains details of commercial events run by organisations outside of the RIAS.
Inclusion of commercial events in this bulletin is for information purposes only and does not
constitute an endorsement of these events by the RIAS.