Diversity & Inclusion & Sustainability Flashcards
Mandatories
1. How can you achieve good teamworking?
a. Diversity of people, roles, genders, backgrounds, proper communication
- How can diversity aid teamwork?
a. Different views and opinions from different backgrounds, more constructive communication. Creative thinking
- What legislation relates to inclusive environments?
a. Equality Act 2010
b. Human Rights Act 1998
- What are some example behaviours of rule 4 of RICS rules of conduct?
a. Zero tolerance on bullying and harassment
b. Treat others fairly regardless of their background etc, and communicate in a kind fair manner.
- What building regulation relates to diversity and inclusion
a. Document M, access to and use of buildings.
- What regulations govern inclusive environments? What is Approved Document M?
a. Equality Act 2010
b. Access to and use of buildings
- Are you aware of any other Building regulations?
a. Approved Document O - Overheating in buildings - limit unwanted solar gains, means to remove heat from indoors. Safety and enjoyment of occupant, mechanical cooling.
b. Approved Document H - Drainage
c. Approved Document L - Conservation of fuel and power
- Can you define unconscious bias?
a. Treating people or making quick judgements about people due to associations we hold about them, outside of the conscious control or awareness, which could affect someone’s ability to act impartially.
For example a male manager who thinks men work harder, hiring a male for the job.
- What are the principles of inclusive design?
a. Inclusive – so everyone can use it safely, easily and with dignity
b. Responsive – taking account of what people say they need and want
c. Flexible – so different people can use it in different ways
d. Convenient – so everyone can use it without too much effort or separation
e. Accommodating for all people, regardless of their age, gender, mobility, ethnicity or circumstances
f. Welcoming – with no disabling barriers that might exclude some people
g. Realistic – offering more than one solution to help balance everyone’s needs and recognising that one solution may not work for all
- What is the Equality Act 2010 and what is the purpose of it?
a. Legislation - protects people from discrimination in workplace and society
- What are the protected characteristics?
a. Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
- Can you define sustainability?
a. Designing and constructing buildings in a sustainable way which uses resources now without compromising the needs for those resources in the future
- Can you define what cradle to cradle is?
a. Designing materials and construction elements with the thought of recyclability in the future
- What does BREEAM stand for?
a. Building Research Establishment – Environmental Assessment Method
- What is BREEAM?
a. A rating and assessment method to assess the sustainability factors of a construction project, allowing comparison between projects, and offering goals to be achieved for clients.
b. Globally accredited method
- What are some assessment criteria for BREEAM?
a. Waste / Land use / Resources / Pollution / water / energy / transport
- How is BREEAM used on a scheme
a. A target is set at the early stages of a scheme (as early as possible) for the scheme to achieve this rating.
b. A register is usually produced by a sustainability consultant, this contains all items that award the project with points if achieved to certain levels.
c. The items are focussed and split into BREEAM categories, and focuses on low impact design, reduction of CO2 emissions, ecological values etc.
d. The building is assessed pre construction in the specification and design, and again during construction (how is it constructed), and then assessed in how the building is then used/operated.
- What is SKA?
a. Environmental assessment method for fit outs only
b. Ownership transferred from RICS in 2024
- What is Nabers?
a. Environmental assessment method for commercial office space only
- What are the three pillars of sustainability?
a. Environmental / Social / Economic
- Can you name some sustainable construction methods?
a. Air source heat pumps
b. Solar panels
c. Recycled materials – concrete, timber, tiles
- If the client doesn’t follow any sustainability certifications, what else do they have to follow?
a. Part L of building regulations conservation of fuel and power
- What is COP26?
a. UN climate change conference, where all countries part of the alliance make commitments to cut down on C)2 emissions, by having limits set. This also helps fund countries that are struggling with the effects of climate change.
- Are you aware of any change to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)?
a. EPC requirements are changing from 2025 where minimum energy rating is going from E to C for domestic rental properties
- What other sustainable initiatives are you aware of RICS doing?
a. Value the Planet campaign, committed to forming a panel of climate change experts
How is BREEAM scored?
It is scored on a long itemised list, where each item on the project is given an individual score. The whole project is then assessed based on a % and given a % score.
Can you give me an example of BREEAM score?
Outstanding is the best at 85%
Why is D&I better for you?
It helps me thrive and make better decisions, and grow as a person, as well as bettering my learning on all cultures and groups.
What is a disabled person?
Physical or mental impairment, that has long lasting effects on someone’s ability to live/work
What legislation is there for disabled persons?
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Where in the building regulations can you find the DDA compliant regs?
Approved document M
How do you promote inclusivity on a project outside your role as a QS?
suggest surveys are undertaken on buildings around access and use of them
Can you give 3 types of unconscious bias, and when you may have encountered these?
I am aware of Affinity and attribution bias. For example if i set up a meeting with someone from a religious background during Ramadan, at lunchtime, being cognizant of this.
