Current Sustainability Issues

Question 1

Up to what percentage of the capital costs of renewable technology can be claimed back through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme?

Answer 1

40%

Question 2

What government initiatives are there relating to the development of more sustainable communities?

Answer 2

Eco-towns
Sustainable urban extensions
Private sector market renewal

Question 3

What does the RICS Ska Rating Scheme aim to be?

Answer 3

The standard measure of a building fit out’s sustainability.

Question 4

What are the awards given by the RICS Ska Buildings Scheme?

Answer 4

Gold, Silver, Bronze

Question 5

When was the RICS Ska Building Scheme launched for shops and restaurants?

Answer 5

2012

Question 6

What type of energy efficient solutions are being considered by developers?

Answer 6

Renewable materials and technologies - solar, wind, biomass and heat pumps (low carbon emissions)

Use of natural light to take advantage of solar gain.

Energy management and information systems

Question 7

What is the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Answer 7

A past scheme that was withdrawn in 2015 due to its performance standards being integrated into Building Regulations.

Question 8

What was the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme formerly known as?

Answer 8

Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme.

Question 9

What is the aim of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme?

Answer 9

Reduce carbon dioxide emissions or the largest companies and drive down energy use/improve energy efficiency.

A legally binding carbon cap scheme.

Compulsory.

Question 10

What businesses does the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme apply to?

Answer 10

Those who have at least one half hourly electricity meter and whose consumption exceeds 6,000 megawatt hours per year (£500,000 + generally).

Question 11

What are organisations affected by the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme required to purchase?

Answer 11

Allowances to cover the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emissions that they produce in a given year (for lighting, heating, cooling).

Question 12

What is the current rate per tonne set for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme?

Answer 12

£16.40.

Question 13

Who polices the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme?

Answer 13

The Environment Agency

It is currently under review.

Question 14

What is aim of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme?

Answer 14

To achieve £1.6bn new benefits as a result of energy savings to businesses.

Question 15

What sort of scheme is the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme?

Answer 15

Energy assessment and savings.

Compulsory for large companies/organisations.

Assessment required and have to consider routes to energy savings and compliance.

Question 16

Who runs the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme?

Answer 16

The Environment Agency.

Question 17

What does the Heat Network (Billing and Metering) Regulations 2014 relate to?

Answer 17

Provision of communal heating systems in multi-occupied commercial and residential schemes.

Final consumers must be provided with accurate meter readings/bill information and competitively priced individual meters.

Question 18

What initiatives are included within the Energy Act 2011?

Answer 18

1. Commitment to fund renewable energy infrastructure.
2. Investment in commercial scale carbon capture and storage demonstration plants.
3. Development of low carbon technologies - offshore wind farms, waste and energy projects.
4. Setting up UK Green Investment Bank to provide loans to developers for investing in low carbon infrastructure projects.