Hot Topics Flashcards
What is COP 26 ?
COP26 was the 2021 United Nations climate change conference
For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.
This year was the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26. With the UK as President, COP26 took place in Glasgow.
In the run up to COP26 the UK worked with every nation to reach agreement on how to tackle climate change. World leaders arrived in Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens for twelve days of talks.
Not only was it a huge task, but it was also not just yet another international summit, with most experts believing that COP26 had a unique urgency.
To understand why, it’s necessary to look back to another COP.
Are you aware of the impact of recent events on steel ?
https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/03/11/british-steel-imposes-biggest-ever-instant-price-hike/
What are the changes upcoming regarding fire legislation ?
The Building Safety Bill
The Building Safety Bill, which is currently in progress through Parliament, will modify the way some structures are built, maintained, and made safe. It includes regulatory reforms on fire safety and the quality of construction products as well as a developer levy. Anyone involved with the design, construction and management of higher-risk buildings would be affected.
The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent between April and June 2022, with the provisions taking effect in stages. The HSE will oversee the enforcement of the new building safety regime and has already started pressing the affected parties such as designers to get them prepared for these changes.
What new act is soon to be released regarding the environment ?
In November 2021, the Environment Bill was passed as the Environment Act 2021, establishing a post-Brexit framework for environmental governance, primarily in England. The Act establishes a road map for future legislation and standards, including legally enforceable targets on air pollution, biodiversity, water quality, and waste management.
Businesses of all sizes may already begin preparing by examining their existing processes for monitoring and managing environmental processes, as well as keeping environmental management high on their agenda.
What are Net Zero targets ?
From October 2021, all businesses applying for government contracts worth more than £5 million per year are required by law to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The new rules, set out in Public Policy Note 06/21, mean organisations will need to create a carbon reduction plan detailing where their emissions come from and what environmental management measures they have in place.
Under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regulations, many large businesses already self-report Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect owned) carbon emissions. However, the new targets will push them to go much further. This entails agreeing to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050, as well as reporting Scope 3 pollutants such as business travel, employee commuting, transportation, distribution and waste.
The requirements are currently only applicable to government contracts, but they may be included in the Common Assessment Standard in 2022.
What are the current issues in relation to materials ?
In 2021, the Department for Business and Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Monthly Statistic of Building and Components reported monthly price increases. According to the Construction Leadership Council, product supply has improved in certain regions, while the Timber Trade Federation is now receiving historic levels of timber imports; nevertheless, supplies will still be strained in 2022.
A lack of HGV drivers to transport goods is also a problem, with few applications for the 10,500 visas for overseas lorry drivers made available recently by the Government. Jobs are still being delayed according on an FMB poll.
Are you aware of the update to the rules of conduct ? can you expand on these and the main changes ?
Now more than ever, professionalism matters. We are making it easier for clients and the public to choose skilled experts and have confidence in what to expect when they hire an RICS professional. As market trends change, the way RICS professionals qualify and practice is also evolving to deliver confidence and address real market challenges with ethical business practices.
The RICS Rules of Conduct are changing to help the global profession respond to new risks and opportunities. The existing Rules of Conduct, which have been in place for RICS members and regulated firms since 2007, have been updated following extensive research and consultation.
The following changes will bring our ethical standards into one clear framework.
A simpler structure. We are making it easier for RICS members and firms to understand our rules, providing more confidence for clients and the public.
Clear examples. We want to support members’ professional judgement, so each Rule is illustrated with examples of how members and firms can behave to comply with the Rule. There are also 12 case studies showing real-life application of the Rules.
Focusing on respect, diversity and inclusion. Whether it’s encouraging diversity and inclusion, or tackling modern slavery, respect and courtesy underpin all our professional ethics.
Understanding evolving technology. The Rules highlight the importance of understanding the evolving use of data and technology, and the associated benefits and risks.
Tackling global challenges. The Rules show that ethical practice by RICS members and firms has an important role when it comes to global challenges, including creating sustainable development and tackling climate change.
