1

Question 1

What’s the definition of sustainability?

Answer 1

To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Question 2

What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?

Answer 2

Paperless files
Care sharing for inspections
Cycle to work scheme

Question 3

What is the Paris Agreement?

Answer 3

A legally binding international treaty concerning climate change
It was adopted by nearly every nation and came into effect in 2016
Goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees

Question 4

Name some sustainable building methods?

Answer 4

Ground source heat pump
Air source heat pump
Solar panels
Wind turbines
Rain water harvesting
Green roofs

Question 5

What’s your understanding of the term carbon neutral?

Answer 5

The balance between carbon emitted and the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere

Question 6

What are the benefits of a BREEAM certified building?

Answer 6

Helps clients to benefit from lowering the running costs of their built asset and minimising the impact on the environment through consideration at planning, design, construction and operation phases

Question 7

What’s an EPC?

Answer 7

Energy Performance Certificate. Introduced in 2007 and are a legal requirement for a building to be sold or let. They are valid for 10 years

Question 8

What is NPPF

Answer 8

National planning policy framework July 2018
Sets out government planning policy for England
Promotes and helps achieve sustainable development

Question 9

What is and what is stated within the climate change act 2008

Answer 9

It’s a legally binding framework to tackle climate change
Imposed targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990 levels

Question 10

What is the environmental protection act 1990

Answer 10

Defines structure and authority for waste management and the control of emissions

Question 11

What’s MEES

Answer 11

Applies to private rented residential and non domestic property’s. Intended to encourage landlords and property owners to improve energy efficiency
Minimum standard EPC of E and above
From April 2018 unlawful to grant new tenancy to F and G rated properties

Question 12

What’s included with Part L of Building Regs

Answer 12

Conservation of fuel and power

Question 13

What properties are except from EPCs

Answer 13

Place of worship
Temporary buildings
Standalone buildings with floor area less than 50 sqm, industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements

Question 14

What is an EPC

Answer 14

Quantifies energy efficiency of buildings. Rated from A - G. Undertaken by accredited assessors. Valid for 10 years. Commercial buildings over 500 sqm and visited by the public must display their rating

Question 15

What is BREEAM?

Answer 15

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
A environmental assessment tool to rate new and refurbished buildings. 5 ratings: pass, good, very good, excellent and outstanding

Question 16

What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability

Answer 16

Recycling
Paperless files
Motion sensor lighting
Encouraged to use electric company cars
Cycle to work scheme

Question 17

What is your understanding of green roofs?

Answer 17

Roof covering that is partially or completely covered with vegetation that is placed over a waterproof membrane.
Advantages - absorb rainwater, provide extra insulation, increase biodiversity, lower urban air temps

Question 18

What are photovoltaics and how do they work

Answer 18

Allow the conversion of sunlight into electricity
Sunlight contains energy known as photons
When they hit the solar module within a solar panel they cause electrons to flow through the bottom layer
The movement of the electrons generates electricity that flows to an inverter
Inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity that is used to power building

Question 19

What is a soak away and how do they work

Answer 19

Large holes or pits that receive surface water from a drainage pipe. Soak away allows the collected surface water to gradually infiltrate through the soil

Question 20

What is meant by the term solar gain?

Answer 20

The increase in temperature in space, object or structure due to solar radiation
A building can retain solar gain by having high thermal mass or can avoid it by using reflective materials and insulation

Question 21

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting

Answer 21

Decreased the demand for water
Reduces the need for imported water
Promotes water conservation
Lower operational costs
Reduced environmental impact

Question 22

Give some examples of renewal energy sources

Answer 22

Solar
Wind
Bio mass
Hydropower

Question 23

Why do you feel sustainability is important to you as a surveyor and to the profession generally?

Answer 23

Unsustainable land uses, building and construction coupled with a growing population is responsible for the depletion of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity

Question 24

What do you think are the key challenges in achieving sustainability in your area of practice?

Answer 24

Changing mindsets
Costs
Increase demand for higher levels of sustainable properties