The Plan of Work comprises eight stages, which are designed to act together to inform the briefing, design, construction, handover and use of an energy project. Energy Systems Catapult has used the[ RIBA Plan of Work|https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work] (RIBA 2022) as a base and adapted it to create a common approach to delivering the core tasks necessary for developing and deploying local energy projects.
Provided by: Net Zero Go
The Plan of Work comprises 8 stages, which are designed to act together to inform the briefing, design, construction, handover and use of an energy project. Energy Systems Catapult has used the RIBA Plan of Work (RIBA 2022) as a base and adapted it to create a common approach to delivering the core tasks necessary for developing and deploying local energy projects.
Plan stages make sure the proposed project fits strategic aims, is feasible and that all information is available to begin the design stages.
Design stages develop, test, procure and agree the solution to be delivered in the build phase.
Build stages cover the construction and handover of the solution to the operation team
The operate phase is concerned with the usage, operation and ultimately decommissioning or transition of the solution.
Stage 0: strategic definition is the first of the 2 stages which appraise and define the project before a detailed design brief or strategic outline case is created.
Stage 1: preparation and briefing deals with developing the initial project brief. This includes related feasibility studies to enable the development of the concept design. Preparation tasks such as assembling the project team and defining each party’s roles and responsibilities take place in this stage.
Stage 2: concept design produces the initial concept
design in line with the design brief/business case established in Stage 1. This is presented to the project/client team for the first time.
The initial solution components are explored. Potential dependencies and impacts on other projects and systems are identified . New ideas and alignments with other projects and programmes are reviewed at this stage to ensure opportunities are not missed.
Stage 3: spatial coordination and localisation develops the concept design to align and enhance local aspects of the solution.
Targeted buildings, land and vehicles (assets) are identified and consultations with users, local people and other stakeholders as to the acceptability of the proposed solution are carried out.
Local constraints such as grid capacity, connection requirements and potential disruption are identified. The planning or connection documents (if required) are submitted for approval.
This is the final opportunity to change the scope of the project. Beyond this stage the scope is fixed, although the solution may evolve through engineering or cost analysis.
Stage 4: technical design identifies design packages and identifies who will deliver them. The principal designer will consult with the local building and planning regulations officer to prepare the detailed design package to the specification.
This is an iterative process and more public consultation or discussions with users and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) may take place.
Stage 5: construction, integration and installation implements the solution. Drawings and information produced in the previous stages are used. The principal designer helps ensure a smooth construction process.
Stage 6: handover facilitates the successful handover of the completed project. Inspection of the completed works is carried out and any defects rectified. Any necessary certification is produced.
Stage 7: use (and operation) covers the operation set-up, post-occupancy evaluation, project performance and outcomes.
Designed to aid Local Authorities in developing robust, evidence-based plans to enable Net Zero.
Already have an account? Login
Guest preview of selected publicly available resourcesFull library of 1,000+ articlesCPD accredited e-learning coursesCase studiesDiscussion forum