The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is updating its awards criteria for 2027, making carbon reporting a core part of the entry process. Applicants must now submit whole life carbon data, including upfront and embodied carbon, alongside operational metrics like energy and water use. The move aims to push sustainability evidence from optional to essential in architectural practice. RIBA's sustainability advisors recommend that practices integrate carbon tracking early in the design phase, linking data to design choices and working closely with clients and contractors. Entries open on 10 November 2026 and close on 14 January 2027. This change could set a precedent for how building performance and climate impact are evaluated in professional recognition.
