Benchmark Study on Green Buildings - Royal Architectural Institute ...

Other CABE initiatives and awards include the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building
Award, which recognizes excellence in design quality and procurement practices and is
awarded annually to a new building project of any size, commissioned by or on behalf of
central or local government or by a grant-aided organization. CABE also provides
funding to a network of 19 Architecture and Built Environment Centres in England
through its Regional Funding Program. This Program seeks to fund activities which
increase awareness, understanding, opportunity and aspiration amongst the public and
young people in issues relating to design quality in the built environment. The funding
program supports Architecture and Built Environment Centres operating in each region
throughout England. For the period of 2006-08, a total of £1.86 million has been
allocated to these 19 organizations.
CABE also publishes all of its research information and runs awareness campaigns. It
commissions a broad range of research, sometimes in partnership with other
organizations, into the value of good design, the impact of design on the users of
buildings and spaces, and what makes a well-designed neighbourhood. CABE also
conducts consumer research into issues such as housing or the design of parks.
Home Builders Federation (HBF):
The Home Builders Federation (HBF, previously known as the House Builders
Federation) has become the voice of the housebuilding industry, representing its views
and interests to Goverment and other important bodies on planning, technical, and other
issues. The HBF provides information to members on key developments and offers the
opportunity for all members to be involved in policy formulation and wider industry
activity. The aims of the HBF are to: represent private sector house builders and provide
them with support and guidance on political, planning and technical issues; advise
government and non-governmental organizations on industry issues; exert pressure for
necessary changes to national, regional and local policy relating to the housebuilding
industry; help key decision-makers deliver the needs of additional households in England
and Wales over the next two decades; assess the impact of housing on society, the
economy and the environment and reinforce the links between jobs and homes; provide
consistent, expert information to members, central and local government, the media and
the public on housebuilding and housing issues; and work with and maintain strong
relationships with all bodies concerned with housebuilding related issues. The HBF’s
website has a significant amount of information available on it. This information covers
things such as industry and housing market research, technical support information,
building regulations and guidelines, codes for sustainable homes, innovative design
practices, and various news pieces and articles.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA):
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a member organization with 30,000
members, and runs an extensive program of lectures, exhibitions and events, work in
schools, and community architecture projects and schemes. Its mission is to advance
architecture by demonstrating benefit to society and promoting excellence in the
profession, and its vision is to be a champion for architecture and for a better
environment. It follows that RIBA is a strong supporter of sustainable design practices
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