Inclusive Environments

Question 1

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 1

An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. It allows for its use in a dignified, equal and intuitive manner for all (now and in the future).

Question 2

Tell me about some of the primary or secondary legislation in the regard of inclusive environments.

Answer 2

Part M

Equality Act 2010

Question 3

What disabilities might need special attention when designing or refurbishing premises?

Answer 3

All - ensure building is accessible and useable by all wherever possible

Question 4

How do you ensure that your projects meet high levels of inclusive design?

Answer 4

Meeting regulations

Question 5

Why is sustainability important?

Answer 5

Prevent climate change

Question 6

What are the government targets for reducing emissions that you mention?

Answer 6

The UK government is to set in law the world’s most ambitious climate change target, cutting emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels

Question 7

Specifically, what does UK planning policy stipulate in relation to sustainability of new buildings?

Answer 7

to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.

Question 8

What is the building carbon database that you mention?

Answer 8

The RICS Building Carbon Database is an evolution of the formerly known WRAP Embodied Carbon Database, with a continued relationship with UK GBC. The purpose of the database reinforces the RICS professional statement ‘Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment, 1st edition’, which RICS members must act in accordance with.

The aim of the database is to allow users to identify where associated carbon emission reductions can be made, during all stages of a building’s life cycle.

Question 9

Do you believe that net zero carbon buildings are possible?

Answer 9

A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.

It’s already been done throughout the world

Question 10

Give me some examples of how the energy performance of existing building can be improved using a recent project as an example (or your case study)?

Answer 10

Roofing works - addition of insulation

Question 11

Give me an example of a sustainable construction technique you are familiar with.

Answer 11

Passivhaus

Question 12

Give me some examples of other sustainable technologies you are aware of.

Answer 12

Solar panels
Heat Pumps
Biomass

Question 13

Explain what you understand by the term “Cold Bridging”.

Answer 13

Cold Bridging Cold bridging is caused by a colder element in the structure or fabric of the building allowing coldness to pass through.

Question 14

Give me some examples of how you can avoid Cold Bridging.

Answer 14

Ensure no gaps in insulation,

Question 15

What is the purpose of EPCs and when is one required?

Answer 15

An EPC is a survey which ranks your property on a scale of A to G – there is no pass or fail. However, if you are renting out your home, the law requires the EPC to show a minimum rating of E for all new tenancies and – as from April 2020 – all existing tenancies.

Question 16

What is the purpose of DECs and when is one required?

Answer 16

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are designed to show the energy performance of public buildings.

Question 17

What are MEES and when might they be relevant to your work?

Answer 17

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

The Regulations apply to all domestic private rented properties that are:
•let on specific types of tenancy agreement
•legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Question 18

Which Approved Documents cover sustainability?

Answer 18

L

Question 19

How do you contribute to your employer’s sustainability targets?

Answer 19

Producing no avoidable waste by 2035 and becoming single use plastic free by 2030

Question 20

How do planning requirements influence inclusivity?

Answer 20

Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development. It is indivisible from good planning and should contribute positively to making places better for people. The NPPF highlights that it is important to plan positively for the achievement of high quality and inclusive design for all development, including individual buildings, public and private spaces and wider area development schemes.

The NPPF notes that although visual appearance and the architecture of individual buildings are very important factors, securing high quality and inclusive design goes beyond aesthetic considerations. Therefore, planning policies and decisions should address the connections between people and places and the integration of new development into the natural, built and historic environment.

Question 21

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 21

Making a building useable by all.