General Flashcards
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method,
A method of assessing, rating and certifying a building sustainability.
What are the nine criteria under BREEAM?
- Against nine criteria:
H - Health and Wellbeing.
E = Energy.
L - Land use.
P - Pollution.
W - Waste.
M - Materials.
W - Water.
M - Management
T - Transport.
What renewable technologies do you know off?
Photo-voltaic panels
Air Source Heat Pump
Ground Source Heat Pump
Local labour
Blue roofs
SWMP
Low Carbon Materials
What is Embodied carbon?
From Cradle to grave
Carbon footprint of a material
Producing
Transporting
Building
Demolishing
AMOUNT OF CARBON EMITTED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROJECT
What scores are possible in BREEAM?
Unclassified
Pass
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Outstanding
What regulations and codes of practice govern the construction industry in relation to sustainability?
Building Regs
Code for sustainable homes
BREEAM Assessment
SWMP
Passivhaus
* Climate Change Act 2008.
* Energy Protection Act 2005.
Climate Protection 1995
What is Net Zero Carbon?
Offset of embodied and operational carbon by introducing sustainable technologies and offset payments
Zero carbon by 2030 from construction and transport
How do different materials impact carbon?
Clients look to reduce their carbon emissions through different methods of construction
Travel distances
CONCRETE
A lot of energy and water used to make concrete
Not good for environment
Typically not as reusable as timber and steel
A lot of greenhouse gasses used to make concrete
From the cradle to site
TIMBER
Can be reused and sustainable through regrowth
Recyclable
STEEL
Can be recycled Relatively little energy to use
What is the process of getting a BREEAM Rating?
1) An assessment should be carried out at design stage to receive an interim certificate.
2) A second assessment should be carried out post construction to receive the final certificate.
What are SUDS?
Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are systems designed to efficiently manage the drainage of surface water in the urban environment.
What are the benefits of SUDS?
Reducing flooding.
Reducing the demand on existing drainage systems (potentially making a development viable in an area where it might otherwise not be viable).
Enhancing water quality.
Reducing pollution.
Providing habitats for wildlife.
Providing local amenity.
Recharging groundwater and watercourses resulting in a reduced risk of drought.
What is a blue roof?
A blue roof is a roof designed for the retention of rainwater above the waterproofing element of the roof. This is as opposed to more conventional roofs which allow for rainwater to drain from the roof. Blue roofs are typically flat, without any fall, with control devices regulate drainage outlets that enable water to be retained or drained.
What are the benefits of green roofs?
Decreased surface water runoff
Decreased heating and cooling demands for the building
Increased local biodiversity
Increased durability and lifespan of the roof
Improved local air quality
Psychological benefits
Mitigation of the Urban Heat Island effect.
What are the types of green roof
Extensive - Little to no maintenance required
Semi Intensive - Lower maintenance but still a bit
Intensive - Designed to be looked after and maintained
What is sustainability?
A desire to carry out activities without depleting resources or having harmful impacts. Can fall under a environmental, social and economic category.
