Active buildings in practice

This paper discusses the development and validation of a new Code of Practice for the design of Active Buildings, which will be the main output from a Professional Doctorate in the Sustainable Built Environment (D.SBE) research project being undertaken by the first author. It sets the context for the Code, related to UK, European and Global Climate Change targets, before describing the aspirations of the first author to develop the guidance document in conjunction with architectural practitioners, combining knowledge sharing and education with government targets for reducing energy consumption and associated carbon emissions from buildings. An explanation of the term ‘Active Building’ is included and the recently (2019) established Active Building Centre is also discussed to explain the need for the Code of Practice, which will be one of the main outputs from the centre at the end of its current 3-year programme ending in 2022. Progress on the development of the Code of Practice is discussed, including how the document is being tested with Architects and students, and how it could align with government policies, as well as enabling the roll-out of Active Buildings across the United Kingdom (UK).