The RIAS and RIBA are committed to meeting the challenges of Climate Emergency and resource depletion and raising the understanding of sustainability within the profession. All projects are expected to meet statutory targets in terms of sustainable outcomes, and to measure and verify building performance. This aligns with the objectives of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, as together we seek to demonstrate the crucial role architecture must play in mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis.

Can I see the sustainability form before I submit?

Yes, a Word document outlining the required sustainability information can be downloaded here. Please note, this information must be transferred into the entry form to be considered as part of the submission.

What data is mandatory?

The entry form outlines which data is mandatory to submit, and which is optional. Some data will only be required if the project you’re entering exceeds a certain size.

This year, the following information is required in order to enter a project into the 2026 RIAS Awards:

  • Gross internal conditioned floor area (m2)

  • % occupancy during 12-month period

  • New-build or refurbishment?

  • Predicted energy use (kWh/m2/y)

  • Actual energy use (kWh/m2/y)

  • Is gas used on-site?

  • On-site renewable energy generation (kWh/y)

  • Is your project connected to a district heat system?

  • Potable water use (litres per person per day)

  • Design life (years)

As in previous years, we ask that you try to complete as many questions as possible and as applicable to your project so that the jurors can best understand the credentials of your scheme. If data is noted as required but is not applicable to your project, you can insert ‘0’ (zero) in the data field and provide an explanation in the relevant text box. For example, a bridge will not be able to provide some data due to its typology.

If you run into any issues calculating the required data for your project, our team is here to help and provide guidance. Please reach out to us at awards@rias.org.uk to discuss this further.

Are these requirements different from the RIBA Awards?

Yes. If you would like your project to be considered for the RIBA National Award in 2026 - for which all RIAS Award-winning projects are eligible - you must also provide a breakdown of the project’s upfront carbon and embodied carbon data. You will also need to provide the whole-life carbon credentials to be considered for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026.

Do you have any resources available to help me?

We understand that calculating, collating and providing this data can be daunting. If you would like to provide carbon data for your project, there are various tools available to calculate a building’s carbon footprint, including web-based platforms, plugins for commonly used software, and other open-source tools developed in-house by practices.