Discrimination and sexual misconduct rife in architecture
N ew research commissioned by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) showed high levels of discrimination and sexual misconduct in the profession. The research, conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, surveyed 898 architectural professionals about how workplace culture shapes the quality of the work they deliver. Findings included: ● 25% of female architects have received unwanted sexual advances ● 41% have experienced bullying ● 33% experienced discrimination ● 10% reported sexual misconduct ● 33% would not be comfortable
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the ARB, said: “The vast majority of architects are good professionals who behave ethically. But we are appalled to learn that
many of them suffer higher levels of discrimination and sexual misconduct than some other professions. “There is a clear need for
priority for RIBA, and we recognise both our unique, important role in achieving this, and the work it will take. “As we prepare to publish the findings of our own investigation, we are ready to take bold steps. We continue to work with ARB and others to enable a profession that is rooted in safety, respect, and inclusion for everyone.”
leadership here; all professionals in the built environment sector need to support a better culture for a better built environment.” Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: “Championing changes to improve workplace wellbeing is a
voicing concerns about discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Retrofit skills gap stalls net zero progress
A lack of retrofit skills and training are stalling the UK construction sector’s progress towards net zero, a new study has revealed. A survey of 500 construction professionals, conducted by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), found that across the sector there is limited understanding of retrofit technologies and approaches, which could delay the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions. The research revealed that: ● 40% of construction
comfort, natural light and acoustic comfort – suggests that a standardised approach to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS 40104 standard, is required. Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said: “The results of this study show a snapshot of the industry’s approach to retrofitting. There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and post-retrofit assessments. “Understanding a building’s condition, possible defects, and energy performance is an essential step but one that appears to be lacking. Without high-quality testing, building owners will never know the true value of retrofit investments.”
understanding of retrofit is lacking ● 62% believe retrofit projects provide greater benefits for achieving net zero than new-build homes ● 43% measure building performance after envelope changes, highlighting a “do- it-and-dash” trend that skips energy, carbon, and comfort evaluation ● 25% are unconvinced of the long-term effectiveness of large-scale retrofit measures over the next 20 years. An absence of unanimous data on what constitutes ‘comfort’ in net zero spaces – some said it depended upon air quality and ventilation, while others noted thermal
professionals said the available training was insufficient and that industry knowledge and
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