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APC Revision > Case Study Queries > Flashcards

Case Study Queries Flashcards

1
Q

What did the TCFD risk assessment include?

A

a. The TCFD risk assessment included one sheet in excel for the project metrics and another sheet for top priority risks to the project. These were ranked according to urgency x ability to impact the building
b. I looked through top risks in the TCFD report and identified those relevant to the building
c. Evidence such as conversations with insurers, forecasts, IPCC and flooding maps were utilised

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2
Q

How did the risk assessment assist the project?

A

a. This qualitative technique informed design, for example, with temperatures a concern, the design including shading fins and optimised where soft landscaping could provide relief from heat too
b. We also created an insurability programme where we modelled 3 scenarios and the cost of rectifying them. For example, a novel type of insulation becomes banned in 7 years time, so we build the building so it can be accessed and removed easily – layered approach
c. Build the orientation so there is natural water run off, keep landscaping which will assist this, don’t tarmac areas

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3
Q

How did you assess the risk for the research project?

A

a. The TCFD risk assessment included one sheet in excel for the project metrics and another sheet for top priority risks to the project. These were ranked according to urgency x ability to impact the building
b. This was presented to the team and widely discussed, including mitigation measures which could be taken

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4
Q

What were the overall strengths and limitations of your research, how did you manage these to ensure the limitations didn’t affect the overall success of the project?

A

Strengths: The carbon metrics are all backed with data, wide variety of stakeholders feeding into the project, promotes conversation on biogenic materials and re-use

Limitations: Time meant not all metrics in the wider project were calculated before submission to the Client (‘unfinished tales’), lack of resource

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5
Q

When completing a CarboniCa model, how do you ensure the data is correct and a true representation of the projects carbon impact?

A
  1. I use sources such as a BoQ, drawings or materials delivery receipts to complete a project – this is the most accurate data accessible at a time
  2. Whenever I get new information, I update the model to keep it accurate – I would do this for different RIBA stages
  3. I also try to use EPDs where possible which have been verified by a third party as the data has already been triangulated
  4. If I’m unsure or need further clarity, I would engage the supply chain for data
  5. We also audit our CarboniCa models by providing an external figure (either another region or MSES) with info and the checklist
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6
Q

How did you manage the internal and external team and ensure that you were all working towards the project deliverables?

A

a. I took time to thoroughly explain the metrics
b. Hosted weekly catch ups with external stakeholders to ask queries
c. Kept them up to date with the carbon model

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7
Q

What are science based targets?

A

The Science Based Targets initiative is a collaboration which encourages companies to sign up and have their carbon reduction targets and approaches verified
i. MSG overall target is net zero by 2045
ii. MSC will reduce scopes 1 and 2 by 60% from our baseline by 2030 then 90% by 2045
iii. MSC will reduce 42% for scope 3 from our baseline by 2030 then 90% by 2045

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8
Q

You mention EAF Steel – does your research consider the wider economic impact of EAF steel we are currently seeing across the industry and in the news at present?

A

a. No, although I am aware of the implications, especially with Port Talbot only closing a few months ago
b. British Steel has a £1.25bn plan to replace two BOF furnaces with EAF in Scunthorpe
c. EAF can use 100% recycled scrap whereas BOF can use 30%
d. EAF is more energy efficient in manufacturing so it can reduce 0.67tCO2e per tonne of steel produced

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9
Q

You mention that you engaged members of your supply chain – are you familiar with supply chain management and tendering protocols?

A

a. As this was an R&D project, this did not follow typical supply chain management or tendering protocols
b. When I engaged with the supply chain, it was simply reaching out via phone or email and enquiring or asking for EPD information
c. I did sit with CLT suppliers during their interviews or discussions with the team to ask about their carbon implications

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10
Q

You mention that you ‘collected quantitative data from the supply chain’ – what were these?

A

a. To run a CarboniCa model, I need quantities of material. Depending on the type, I need it in different units e.g. concrete is m3
b. I asked the supply chain for the breakdown of the CLT/glulam frame in m3 so I could enter it into the model – CarboniCa then provides me with a carbon figure for the frame

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11
Q

How will you monitor the impact of you research in the future?

A

I will monitor it by presenting the data and findings to relevant parties, and also encouraging further twins

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12
Q

What would you do differently in the future regarding this project?

A

I would be louder in my advice and more confident in the numbers. My character type is one which prefers not to be in the centre, however there were occasions when I thought I needed to speak up quicker with more authority

I would create a matrix before the start of the project so that all stakeholders were fully engaged and had understanding

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13
Q

What did you learn from this project?

A

a. Confidence in illustrating my points with data
b. Importance of re-use
c. Implications from insurance
d. That I can work under pressure on a complex topic
e. Bettered my communication skills and professional approach
f. Increased my ability to use the advanced interface within CarboniCa

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14
Q

How do you feel about metrics which were not met?

A

I felt disappointed that the project did not meet metric 1.4. However, when discussing this with the client they explained that the metric was to generate conversation and stimulate further research

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15
Q

What further research could be done off the back of this study?

A

A twin which totally remodels the school – not in the same format but where we provide the architects with free reign. A few bits happening in this space with the DfE’s biophilic schools approach – could combine this with regenerative, local materials too

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16
Q

You mention a study on % of carbon in building categories. How did you undertake this?

A

I took a sample of 20 buildings on CarboniCa from all across the UK which had audited outputs

I calculated the overall total % of carbon within the building and then calculated the % for the frame and external walls categories so I could visual it differently

I then calculated the median for the frame and external walls

Triangulated results - LETI climate emergency guide specifically for schools whereby 30% is the substructure, 17% is superstructure, 17% was façade so they did align

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17
Q

Why did you reject the glulam frame?

A

Cundall explained the complexity of using the frame, for example a glulam frame would need a hybrid concrete flooring and a glaze to bind them. They preferred it as a structural element – uncertainty over how this could then be re-used with all components

Client preferred CLT as there is more scope for homegrown capacity in Wales

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18
Q

Why did you reject option 1 and 2 for the frame?

A

Option 1 did not contain biogenic carbon and would not help the project meet the metrics. Also, the steel industry is not currently typically regenerative and so the wider scope would not be considered

Option 2 of the glulam frame was rejected as after conversations with Cundall, it became clear that for a glulam frame there needed to be a hybrid concrete floor with a glaze to bind it. This would make re-use of the timber nearly impossible.

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19
Q

Why did you reject option 1 and 2 for the cladding?

A

Option 1 was not suitable. It was only suggested as it was on the existing school so we had the existing data. However, aluminium is high in embodied carbon and would not align with the project metrics

Option 2 would have been suitable and assisted with project targets, but they supply chain did not offer capability with re-use scenarios

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20
Q

How did you establish the client brief?

A

The client approached the team with a defined brief. There was logic behind the metrics, such as aligning it with the Welsh Government Act and MS calculations

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21
Q

What information sources did you identify?

A

EPDs, supply chain knowledge, unverified LCAs, carbon factors, quantities of materials, conferences, materials on timber e.g. Timber Typologies

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22
Q

How did you organise the data?

A
  • I collected data in the ‘Minimum Data Sheet’. This is a document with all quantities requested and their specific units.
  • I then transferred this manually into CarboniCa
  • I organised the data graphically and explained the implications to the team and the Client
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23
Q

How did you organise the project as a whole?

A
  • I created a Teams channel titled ‘Regenerative Twin – CarboniCa Research’ to store data, including CarboniCa reports and LCAs. This allowed internal and external users to access the documents
    o I downloaded a CarboniCa report every month and stored it in this file
  • I also organised 1-1s with external stakeholders every month, especially HLM and Cundall who were providing quantities
  • Fortnightly catch ups with all stakeholders where we could discuss carbon implications to the project
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24
Q

What techniques and methodologies did you use for data collection, storage and analysis?

A
  • For data collection, I used a sheet titled the ‘CarboniCa – Minimum Data requirements’ which was made previously to this project. This contains all the minimum data, quantities, units, etc to complete a model
  • I stored all the information in an Excel document I created called the ‘Change Register’. This contained the original quantities broken down in categories, then the new ones and the carbon savings associated with all (this was a back-up)
  • The data was stored in various revisions within CarboniCa
  • Analysis was done between revisions by looking at different data tables and graphs
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25
Q

Explain your mixed-method approach:

A

Qualitative
* Behavioural analysis was more assessing teamwork rather than data
* Engagement techniques such as short meetings to explain data analysis to stakeholders, other techniques included team discussions e.g. climate matrix mitigation tasks
* Observations from conferences e.g. learning about charred timber cladding
* Reading/industry research

Quantitative
* Asking and collecting EPD data from the supply chain e.g. PermaChar
* Optioneering materials in CarboniCa by running different calculations

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26
Q

Pros and cons of your methodology:

A

Pros: Backed by data, could overlap the findings of both qualitative and quantitative providing confidence in the results,

Cons: Biases from cohort (all likeminded), was quite complex to action in reality, extra resource of time was needed

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27
Q

How did you present findings?

A
  • To the team and Client, I went through the CarboniCa report and explained the first 8 pages in detail – the results here are displayed graphically in bar charts, and a data table
  • TBC after Solihull meeting
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28
Q

How will the client get maximum benefit from the research?

A

ICCE - Apply for a further Innovate UK grant to action the proof of concept
R&D - Re-model as a ‘blue sky’ option

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29
Q

You mention in your case study that aluminium cannot be manufactured in the UK… this is incorrect..

A

This was a proofreading oversight.

I meant to say the element – the raw aluminium from the rock bauxite cannot be extracted in the UK and is likely to be imported hence increasing the carbon footprint and using fossil fuels, etc

In the UK, aluminium is generally sourced from Tibshelf in Derbyshire or Cheltenham however the bauxite is imported by suppliers

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30
Q

How did you engage with the supply chain? What techniques did you use?

A

Questionnaires and workshops

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31
Q

How did you manage stakeholders’ understanding?

A

Climate Matrix. Spent time with them to explain the metrics

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32
Q

You mentioned creating a Climate Matrix, why would you change this to before the project?

A

It aligned the team with a better understanding of the metrics, whereas I feel a fair chunk of time was wasted at the beginning of the project as the team didn’t understand the common goal

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33
Q

Why is carbon more important than other environmental indicators?

A

It wasn’t, but I worked closely on the carbon metrics. Other important metrics were circular economy/re-use, biodiversity

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34
Q

Did the materials have functional properties too? The cladding for example?

A
  • U values were balanced alongside carbon
  • Would have to comply with DfE regulations
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35
Q

How did you provide collaborative working? What did you do to establish the environment?

A
  • Behaviour map at the beginning on the charter - asked how should we act, feel, etc
  • General consensus that ‘stupid’ questions were allowed
  • Weekly catch up calls
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36
Q

What was the cost impact? How was that factored into decisions?

A

We had a cost planner working on the project. Gave figures of 5% for CLT frame and 13% cladding from the baseline - but this equalled out… Impact of upfront cost and then the whole life cost – payback

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37
Q

Who was the wider team at MSC?

A
  • Cost planner
  • Project manager
  • Bid manager
  • Social value manager
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38
Q

What is sequestration?

A

Sequestration occurs when carbon is captured and removed from the atmosphere – this happens as trees carbon CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis

39
Q

What is GIA? Why was this measurement used?

A

Gross internal area. This is the standard measurement we use across MSG

40
Q

What is Module D?

A

Module D refers to benefits and loads beyond the lifetime of the assessment - primarily to circular economy benefits as a result of reusable or recycled materials, etc

41
Q

What is the difference between GIA and GIFA? What is the IPMS?

A

Nothing – terms can be interchanged. The IPMS means the internal property measurement standard which is a RICS standard which states certain things need to be done when measuring e.g. everything horizontal except height, consistent units

42
Q

What is biogenic carbon?

A

Biogenic carbon is carbon stored within the fibres of plants, trees and soil

43
Q

How do you see the principles of the study interacting with the real construction world?

A
44
Q

What is the purpose of this study?

A

To differentiate the client in the market, to see if regenerative design principles can be achieved in reality, test the methodology to see if it can be turned into an industry-wide approach

45
Q

What is regenerative design?

A
46
Q

How did you engage with the supply chain?

A
47
Q

How did your carbon metrics interact with other metrics for the project?

A

I only focussed on carbon metrics but I was aware of the costings when selecting materials, and the focus on providing nature rich opportunities for people - these were interlinked with my own metrics

48
Q

Tell us about the focus subgroup on insurance …

A

This was a side piece of research. I modelled 3 scenarios (1 is fire, 2 was novel material becomes banned 7 years after, 3 was fire 10 years after occupancy) and a QS costed them up and we also had insurance plan for them. They were PI, CAR and PL. These were presented to Marsh along with what preventive measures could be taken - biggest takeaway was design in layers so building parts can be removed

49
Q

What carbon hotspots did you identify from the baseline?

A
50
Q

Why were only these materials considered for the frame?

A

These were the considered options due reasons such as familiarity with supply chain, alignment with the project, insurability options, client targets

51
Q

You mention that steel is not a ‘typical regenerative industry’. What is a typical regenerative industry?

A

An example would be a sustainable forestry practice with CLT or glulam manufacturing lab in Wales - this project was looking at scope for the demand

52
Q

How did you advise the client on these materials?

A

There a select amount of materials approved by the architects and structural. I ran the carbon numbers but didn’t advise on structural capacity or building regs as this was done beforehand

53
Q

What is the Well-being of the Future Generations Act (Wales)?

A

This legislation was published in 2015 and aims to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well being of Wales. There are seven goals for national government and local boards to work towards. It thinks about long term solutions.

The 7 well-being goals are equality, a healthier wales, thriving welsh language, cohesive communities, being globally responsive, a prosperous wales, being resilient

54
Q

How would you have the cladding tested for DfE regulations?

A

The Department for Education have a fire testing procedure they undertake. We would have supported this process

55
Q

Did this support the case for Welsh investment into homegrown timber?

A

Demonstrated that importing timber is carbon intensive, highlighted there is a demand from clients

56
Q

How did you use behavioural analysis?

A

Behaviour project charter
Listening

57
Q

What embodied carbon hotspots did you identify from the baseline?

A

CarboniCa has an embodied carbon bar chart which highlights the highest carbon categories. For the baseline, these were foundations, frame, roof, and building services.

58
Q

How did you encourage the team to adopt your low carbon choices?

A

I presented the CarboniCa output report on Teams and would highlight the graphical carbon savings from the baseline or optioneering. I would be supported by other team members such as the Cost Planner.

59
Q

What was your role in meetings/workshops with the supply chain?

A

I was a supporting role where I predominately asked about their interest in sustainability, for EPDs, etc.

60
Q

What is an LCA? What data is contained within it?

A

A lifecycle assessment which has global warming indicators which provide carbon data per each module of the buildings cycle, e.g. A1-A3 is manufacturing materials, transport, etc.

61
Q

What are the principles of the mass timber insurance playbook?

A

The Mass Timber Insurance playbook sets out the RIBA construction process and everything which should happen at particular stages, e.g it stresses that all parties including insurers should be involved from the very beginning

62
Q

Why have you allowed CLT from Austria… does this ruin the study?

A

Yes I appreciate it is from Austria. I don’t think it diminishes what we are trying to achieve but it illustrates our point – we could create a homegrown timber industry in the UK as demand grows and targets get stricter

We are exploring the possibility of creating the regen twin (2) where we explore local suppliers for timber in the total re-design of the school

63
Q

What are the differences between glulam and CLT?

A

They are both engineered wood products. CLT is cross laminated timber which is panels glued together at 90 degree angles every layer, whereas glulam is glued laminated timber which has each layer combined with the grain lined up

64
Q

What evidence has emerged from the supply chain to show you can ringfence EAF at no additional cost?

A

This was the outcome of a carbon champion forum and our regional supply chain managers reporting their findings

65
Q

What were the views of the interviewed subcontractors on how a timber industry in Wales could thrive?

A

They were mixed. Some queried the point when we can import timber. The majority were really interested in the topic

66
Q

Why were Construkt CLT chosen?

A

They were enthusiastic to participate, could respond with quantities and a framework in the timeframe

67
Q

Why was aluminium ever considered when it does not contain biogenic carbon?

A

This was considered as it was thought we could reach the metrics with some ‘carbon budget’ as we were considering so many low carbon options

68
Q

What treatment ensures a 60+ year timber cladding lifespan?

A

There are a range of preservatives you may apply to wood cladding

69
Q

Why does all the timber (frame and cladding) come from Europe?

A

This is typical. Most timber is imported as we do not really have homegrown timber

70
Q

How is charred timber cladding sustainable?

A

It preserves the wood, longer lifespan so less product to make, this one can be deconstructed and reassembled

71
Q

What other considerations for the frame and cladding were there, other than carbon?

A
  • Cost
  • Performance
  • Aesthetics
72
Q

What evidence did PermaChar provide that the cladding panels could be dismantled and re-used?

A

PermaChar has been designed for this. The boards have an ‘overlap profile’ rather than traditional T&G which cannot be removed without damage. They also supply special screws which can be removed more easily than nails. They also supply a penetrating water-based product that can restore older charred wood. They provided examples of this for us, including drawings.

73
Q

What are regenerative and/or green skills?

A

Green skills are the knowledge and abilities needed to live in and develop a sustainable and resource efficient society. An example would be forestry in this case.

74
Q

What was thought of for the mitigation columns on the Climate Matrix?

A

There were two columns on the Climate Matrix. The first was ‘ideal mitigation’ and the second was ‘actual mitigation’. This workshop recorded the ideal scenario and the realistic one. For example, under ‘material scarcity’ we wanted to bring the supply chain on the journey, source local regenerative materials, consider 30 year replacement parts but the reality was the CLT came from Austria.

This engagement piece aligned the team with the purpose of the project.

75
Q

How did you communicate the Climate Matrix?

A

Engaged everyone in a workshop. It was shared on Teams afterwards too where people added thoughts to the columns with their initials then we explained them in the meeting

76
Q

What team working skills did you use to address stakeholders?

A
  • Effective communication
  • Listening
  • Scheduling follow ups
77
Q

How did you ensure the Teams channel stayed secure and everyone had access?

A
  • Sits within Adzure and our firewalls, security, etc
  • We can invite guests to have access on their own Teams channels
78
Q

How did you use effective communication to advise the client on your options/findings?

A
  • I presented the findings graphically and explained them
  • I provided time for queries
  • I checked understanding and what their objectives were too
79
Q

How did you discover Lowfield Timber Frames and what did this mean for the client?

A

They were invited to interview by the Project Manager. They did not have capacity to be involved with the project but this has created a relationship for the client to explore. They are on the Welsh border and have shown interest in growing timber for CLT. They current manufacture timber frames

80
Q

You mention in your conclusion that ‘the research highlighted issues and recommended specific outcomes for the client’. What issues did your research raise?

A
  • Carbon from the transport of the CLT to the UK – extra 300 tonnes (ish) so this assists the argument for Welsh homegrown timber
  • Cost uplift for nature based materials
81
Q

Why did stakeholders lack understanding of the metrics at the beginning of the project?

A

We had an 8 page PTP which was sent out via email by a senior person at MSC with metrics and the logic but no explanation. This document was complex. I created the Climate Matrix to develop understanding and align stakeholders

82
Q

How did the Matrix assist the research?

A
  • It allowed us to consider the highest risks to the building and how we should design accordingly e.g. natural ventilation, shading
  • Considerations to materials needed – risk of wind, rain and rot due to location
  • It led to other research pieces e.g. insurability
83
Q

Why was aluminium cladding not rejected straight away? Did you regret this decision?

A

This was considered as it was thought we could reach the metrics with some ‘carbon budget’ as we were considering so many low carbon options. I didn’t regret it as it became a useful benchmark to highlight how much savings can be made when using biogenic materials – 118 tonnes of carbon could be saved when switching from aluminium cladding to charred timber cladding

84
Q

You say one of your long-term aims is to promote circular economy. How will you increase circular economy practice at MSC?

A
  • Publish the findings of this R&D study to generate momentum
  • Assist at business level with schemes such as pallet loop and the community wood recycling programme
  • Encourage the user where possible of nature-based materials which can be re-used e.g. timber
85
Q

Why are the unit of the metrics in kgCO2e?

A

This is how CarboniCa calculates data. This is the RICS standard of measurement and CarboniCa is aligned to the RICS PS on WLCA. This is the industry standard

86
Q

Why do we measure GIA?

A

This is the RICS standard of measurement and CarboniCa is aligned to the RICS PS on WLCA

87
Q

What is circular economy?

A

This is the process of keeping products and materials in use or developing them into new products so their life does not end

88
Q

How are these targets aligned to industry standards? Are they ambitious? What are RIBA targets?

A

The RIBA 2030 target for schools is <540kgCO2e/m2 – this is more ambitious
The RIBA operational energy target is <60kwh/m2/y – this is already 40kwh/m2/y
The LETI 2030 target for schools is <600kgCO2e/m2 and the EUI is <65 kwh/m2/y

89
Q

What is EUI?

A

The energy use intensity is an annual measure of the total energy consumed in a building

90
Q

How do you avoid greenwashing and ensure the integrity of carbon data?

A

LCA, certified carbon data, robust reporting, triangulating data

91
Q

How do track transport to site?

A

Delivery materials tickets – asked for from the subcontractor. Onsite we use CLOCKS

92
Q

What does this all mean? Where do you share this research?

A

All about preserving and creating jobs during decarbonisation and the just transition economy. This will be collated into findings with a transferable approach which will be shared with the market

93
Q

You mention that you collect quantities from the supply chain, who gives you the quantities?

A

It is a two sided approach. We provide the MDS to consultants to provide certain information. This is then cross checked with an estimator for the take off quantities – makes it more robust

94
Q

What questionnaires did you give to the supply chain?

A

Drafted by the PM. My input was querying whether they had EPDs and qualitative thoughts on scope for Welsh timber
There were 3 categories of questions - general, technical and regenerative
We assessed them after the workshop as a team

APC Revision (21 decks)

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