Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Certification of Design Scheme (01/03/2007)
At a meeting with RIAS representatives on 16 February, ARBs Chairman, Humphrey LLoyd, supported a proposal from RIAS that ARB posts on its website, and provides links to, a new scheme that RIAS is introducing. The scheme, which is explained in more detail below, will provide accreditation for architects in Scotland, enabling them to certify that their designs will meet the requirements of Section 6 (Domestic) building regulations.
For more details, please visit the RIAS website at www.rias-regs.co.uk .
The Building (Scotland) Act 2003
Certification of Design
Section 6 (Domestic)
Background
The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 provides the opportunity for design professionals in Scotland to be able to certify that their design meets one or more Sections of the regulations. This comes with responsibility and to do this, they have to achieve a level of expertise in a Section of the standards that allows their work in that particular area to be exempt from the scrutiny of verification. Certification of Design is only possible for designers if they have gained membership of a certification scheme approved by Scottish Ministers. Until now, the only design scheme so far approved is that administered by SER Limited, which provides accreditation for Engineers as Approved Certifiers of Design for building structures - Section 1.
RIAS proposal
The new Section 6 (Domestic) comes into force on 1 May 2007. The RIAS are applying for a scheme and also to be a scheme provider to accredit all ARB-registered architects in Scotland as being able to certify that their designs meet all the requirements of Section 6 (Domestic) of the building regulations. In the case of new build housing, this is in compliance with the following standards:
6.1 Carbon dioxide emissions
6.2 Building insulation envelope
6.3 Heating system
6.4 Insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels
6.5 Artificial and display lighting
6.6 Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning
6.7 Commissioning building services
6.8 Written information
6.9 Energy performance certificates
Although there is still significant work to do, the RIAS is currently working closely with the SBSA towards achieving Ministerial approval of the scheme and being appointed by SBSA as scheme provider. You are asked to register your interest in becoming an Approved Certifier of Design now at www.rias-regs.co.uk. Once you have registered, we can keep you informed on progress with the scheme.
Additional benefits
Applications for a building warrant, supported by a valid Certificate of Design for Section 6, will be eligible for a 10% discount on the warrant application fee payable by your clients.
You will receive unlimited access to bespoke user-friendly SAP software that allows you to develop your designs in the knowledge that they comply. The software is specifically designed to allow architects to test alternative design solutions and track on-site changes, so that when your client requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EU Directive 2002/91/EC) prior to completion you can retrieve the calculation and issue a certificate.
As long as you remain a member of the scheme, you will be kept up to date with the latest regulations.
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