Latest CPD
Here are the latest CPD materials to have been assessed and approved by the RIBA. These include both new and recently revised CPD materials.
New
This seminar provides an overview of air source heat pumps (ASHPs). It will help you to understand the following topics:
- Understand what a heat pump is and its operation
- Understand design and specification issues and correct sizing of a heat pump
- Understand relevant regulations and standards
Understand installation requirements
- Understand performance of a heat pump and how to estimate running costs
New
This article will explore blue roofs and their application. Changes in the way we receive rainfall in the UK because of climate change has led to rainwater management around buildings becoming a key consideration as part of the design process. Green roofs are already known for their ability to attenuate water, but this can now be enhanced with blue roof technology. Here the roof not only stores water but is also able to delay water discharge after a high intensity rainfall event and release it at a pre-determined rate. This CPD will look at how this can be achieved practically and why this type of specification is likely to become more commonplace in the future. By the end of the article you should have a greater understanding of:
- What a blue roof is
- Why and when they need to be specified
- How to provide accurate calculations for a successful blue roof specification
- The components that make up a blue roof system
New
This CPD explores wood as a natural material, initially from the ‘perspective’ of the tree. It then converts that knowledge to explain timber and, in particular, engineered timber so that the specifier is aware of the capabilities of this natural material when it is placed within a design context. Timber product certification and forestry management processes are discussed. Case studies have been selected to provide recent design challenges, aesthetically, practically and technically. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- ‘Engineered timber’, its uses and safe specification requirements
- Timber products certification bodies, sustainability and forestry management
- Managing client expectations when designing with a natural material
-Reducing risk with all aspects of wood flooring specification and compliance with regulations
- The natural sustainability that wood products can generically offer
- How to reduce risk and comply with all necessary regulation when specifying wood flooring
- Solid and engineered timber flooring compared to laminate and LVT
New
This seminar explains how carpet can help to create a therapeutic environment in a care or mental health setting. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- The importance of carpet specification within therapeutic environments looking at acoustics, indoor air quality, use of colours, trips and falls and creating a homelike feeling
- The various benefits that carpet offers which help to create a physical, social and psychologically safe place that is specifically designed for healing and wellbeing
- That carpet needs to be cleaned and maintained like any other flooring finish
- How to specify a carpet which is suitable for the demands of the care and mental health sector
New
In line with the WELL Standards, this seminar explores the relationship between office design and individuals' wellbeing, with a specific focus on millennial's preferences in a working environment. From this, the seminar demonstrates how employee productivity and satisfaction are intrinsically linked to acoustic control. It will finish by exploring different future design solutions to divide spaces, including adaptable partitioning systems. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The different partitioning solutions used to divide spaces and control acoustics
- The WELL Standards and how the 10 concepts should be considered in building design
- The relevance of millennials in the workplace and their preferences in the workplace
- How dividing spaces and controlling acoustics can play a role in improving wellbeing and productivity in the workplace
- The future of partitioning design and its role in dividing spaces
New
The Hackitt Review has identified shortcomings in the product knowledge and understanding of the technical issues surrounding fire safety and material specification throughout the supply chain. This e-learning course aims to discuss several topics from the phases of fire development and their importance, FR classification and the tests behind the ratings, required levels of FR performance in different buildings, methods of application of flame retardants and FR quality and verification schemes. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How to specify FR-rated timber with the right performance for the application
- How to specify FR-rated timber in compliance with Building Regulations
- How to ensure FR-rated timber meets its design performance
New
This ten-page technical document explores the options available to and choices to be made when specifying glass rooflights. Topics covered include the differences between glass materials, safety and regulatory requirements when specifying rooflights, how glazing specification can affect thermal performance and the different types of glass rooflights available - and where they are appropriate for use. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How to specify rooflights which will ensure compliant safety levels for building occupants and individuals accessing roof areas
- How to specify rooflights which provide compliant thermal performance, in terms of heat loss
- How to avoid unwanted glare and/or heat build-up caused by solar gain
- How to avoid specification errors relating to performance, standards or legislation
New
This presentation looks at the importance of carpet specification within education facilities including student accommodation and boarding settings. It covers the benefits that carpet offers which helps to improve the learning and living environments including; improving concentration and comfort, acoustics, indoor air quality, lessening injuries from trips and fall and realising cost savings. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- How carpet can improve living and learning environments
- The importance and yarn selection and finishing products
- How to specify a carpet which is suitable for the demands of the education sector
New
This CPD aims to raise awareness on the topic of Universal design specifically on the Hospitality, Residential and Student Accommodation Market. Topics covered include the impact of average design on users, the influence of building regulations versus their implementation in designs, the limitations of exclusive design and possible solutions for a living environment for all. By the end of this seminar you should have a greater understanding of:
- The problem in living environments for all versus the designer’s mindset
- The impact of average design on users
- How to apply building regulations for universal design
- The benefits of Inclusive design
- Flexible solutions for living environments for all
New
This CPD will provide guidance on specifying Roof Access Hatches, with consideration to their use and client requirements. It discusses the need for safe realistic access solutions below the hatch, or the accessing areas within and externally around the building. It will also cover current regulation surrounding the use of natural smoke ventilation vents to be positioned on the roof, how they work, and design possibilities.
Finally, the considerations in use of glass within a proposed horizontal access solution will be discussed. By the end of the seminar you should have a greater understanding of:
- How to determine the correct roof hatch size to suit the intended usage
- The fundamental design criteria and standards for safe usage of fixed and retractable
ladders
- The correct specification and use of standards for natural smoke ventilation vents
- Practical solutions for floor access and distinguish technical requirements
- How to liaise with the manufacturer in the early stages of the project to ensure design feasibility
New
This CPD will explore the features, functions and benefits of different innovative bathroom materials across the 4 main areas of the bathroom. Topics covered include the performance of standard versus rimless toilets, additional hygiene options within the specification of toilets, and the differences and advantages between different materials used in modern bathroom design. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The different manufacturing methods for ceramics
- The different materials available for furniture manufacture
- The different materials and hygiene options available for WC’s
- The alternative materials available for shower trays and bathing products
New
This CPD provides an introduction into the world of Natural Stone. Topics covered include types of stones, what differentiates these stones, how stone is processed from Quarry to Slab and what information is relevant in deciphering which stone is most suited for a specific use. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The main physical and mechanical characteristics for natural stone
- Stone Process: From Quarry to Slab Form
- What information to look out for on Natural Stone Data Sheets
- How Natural Stone is produced
- How to choose the right stones for your project
New
This CPD aims to discuss safer flashing and detailing sheets as an alternative to toxic lead sheet. Topics covered will include concerns among products in the construction and specification industry, theft and health issues related to building products, the dangers of poor quality alternatives and examples of products using toxic lead sheet, and contractor safety during the installation process. By the end of the seminar you should have a greater understanding of:
- How to identify products that are safe for projects, the environment and public at large
- Building products and fire safety
- Theft issues
- Correct specification
New
This article explains how design and performance can be combined using safety LVT. On average, slips and trips cause over a third of all major accidents – specifying the correct flooring can help to reduce this, and give peace of mind for specifiers, installers, clients and end users alike. Topics covered include slip resistance and LVT, testing slip resistance, key considerations and regulations, aesthetics and slip-resistant LVT in action. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The difference between standard and safety floors
- How slip resistance is tested
- Regulations and what to look out for
- How safety and design can go hand in hand
- Where to use safety floors
Revised
This seminar will:
- Outline the key technical considerations in designing a standing seam system
- Provide detailed analysis of the key considerations
- Open a discussion about the benefits of giving these points consideration at the early design stage
- Discuss the wide range of materials and forms available
- Make clear what you can expect from your manufacturer in terms of design assistance
New
This CPD aims to give an insight into poplar plywood as a sustainable and environmentally friendly natural resource. It will give an overview of types of European poplar plywood before outlining the advantages and applications of the material. By the end of the seminar you should have a better understanding of:
- The advantages of poplar plywood including its potential for moisture resistance
- The potential combinations of poplar plywood with other materials to form enhanced products
- The potential role for poplar plywood in Passivhaus construction
New
This seminar looks at the legal requirements when choosing door hardware for fire doors. It will help you understand the following topics:
- Relevant legislation, Building Regulations and standards
- The requirements for door closers and their correct application to fire doors including, CE Marking and what classification codes mean
- The additional requirements for hardware to be used on fire doors, such as third-party fire certification
- What information to look for on fire door hardware product certification
New
This CPD will explore the police ‘Secured by Design’ scheme. Topics covered include how the scheme is implemented and successes in previous development projects, terminology and how to find secured products that have achieved police preferred specification. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Secured by Design as a proven police scheme which reduces crime and creates safer communities
- Secured by Design as more current than A D Q and other documents referencing security and safer communities
- How developments that meet the Secured by Design award are more sustainable
- How SBD keeps parallel with current crime trends and methods
New
This CPD will discuss concealed components for doors and sliding doors, how to specify them in residential, hospitality and commercial markets and the pros and cons of concealed hinges. Other topics covered include fire and corrosion performances of stainless steel, steel and zamak versions of concealed hinges, hinge maintenance and general recommendations for concealed components and new developments in concealed sliding door equipment with no tracks/wheels on the floor. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How concealed components can provide aesthetic benefits
- How to specify concealed door hinges and the component options available
- The properties of concealed components with regards to technical performance
- Door accessories that can affect hinge performance
New
This CPD covers the global context for water scarcity and how there is a threat of long term water shortage in parts of the UK. The causes and consequences of long term water shortage is discussed throughout along with identifying how specifiers can contribute to reduced water consumption. The CPD will also feature water and energy-saving products/systems in washrooms that can be specified within commercial buildings. By the end of the seminar you should have a greater understanding of:
- The relationship between water efficiency and energy efficiency
- Which energy and water saving products to specify
- Which products can contribute to BREEAM ratings
New
This CPD aims to introduce fibre cement sheeting as a building material and explores various design and specification criteria. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How fibre cement is made and why it's a suitable building material
- The planning and design issues that dictate the choice of fibre cement profiles sheeting
- The performance benefits of fibre cement profiled sheeting in design and use
- How fibre cement profiled sheeting can be installed
- The variety of sectors and uses for which profiled sheeting is suitable
Revised
This CPD is about design and specification considerations for wet room installations. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- How to apply a system approach at the design and specification stage to consider all aspects of wet room installation, including waterproofing, shower build-up, drainage design, profile finishes and under-tile floor heating
- The benefits of available system solutions with matching components which form a fully watertight environment
- The relevant British Standards and Building Regulations and how to select and specify appropriate system solutions for most wet room installations
New
This CPD aims to discuss SuDS Compliant External Resin Bound Surfacing. It will explore resin bound surfacing as a solution, the advantages and disadvantages of the surface, the benefits of permeable paving, base build ups and substrates and technical information. It will finish with a variety of case studies. By the end of the seminar you should have a greater understanding of:
- How to correctly specify resin bound surfacing
- How to prevent incorrect applications
- Approvals and standards within the external surfacing industry
- The range of applications resin bound surfacing can be used for
New
System types available with a brief overview
- Specification tools and considerations regulatory standards
- Relevant case studies to explain regulatory standards and good working practice
- Innovations and things to be proud of in 2014 including the acquisition of the d-line balustrade range
New
This article aims to explain the manufacturing methods, performance and environmental credentials of different types of underlay to help in the specification and future use of such materials in construction and refurbishment projects. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Raw materials used and product recyclability at the end of life
- How specification of an EPD verified underlay can provide credits towards a BREEAM building or project rating
- The acoustic insulation performance of different underlay types
- The thermal insulation performance of different underlay types
- Different applications and fitting requirements