Your Buildings, Your Future

This guide provides advice and assistance on the process of creating sustainable architecture that responds to its place, is wanted by the community and has minimal impact on the environment.

The guide will steer those who are new to commissioning buildings through the development process and act as a checklist for those with a bit more experience. It is not a substitute for employing experienced and knowledgeable professionals to help and guide you through the process, but it can help you to speak the same language as the professionals, and to expect the same things as them from each step. It is principally aimed at communities in Scotland, and the references to regulations and further information are primarily for them. If you are using this outwith Scotland, regulations and information sources may be different.

The practical stages required to complete a successful project are laid out here step by step. All members of your professional design and construction team will recognise these stages, allowing you to focus on the issues that are most important to you without confusion.

This project was funded by Sust part of Architecture and Design Scotland and assisted by:

• Development Trusts Association Scotland
• Planning Aid for Scotland
• Scottish Ecological Design Association
• Community Energy Scotland
• The Glass-House