Inclusive Environments/ Sustainability (Submission)

Question 1

Is there cost consideration when complying with the Equality Act (2010)?

Answer 1

Yes, any work should be REASONABLE (this takes into consideration the costs associated).

Service providers have a duty to make alterations to buildings to avoid discrimination. Most requirements are found in Part M of the Building Regulations.

Question 2

What are the current minimum energy efficiency standards?

Answer 2

Residential = new and existing leases min. EPC E

Commercial = new leases min. EPC E (and existing will need min. E in 2023)

By 2027 this is expected to increase to C.

2030 increase to B.

Question 3

What implications may these minimum energy efficiency standards have on property stakeholders?

Answer 3

Buildings will need to be improved.

Higher costs for landlords/ investors due to the investment needed into improving the energy efficiency of their assets.

Beneficial for occupiers through reduced bills and efficient use of energy.

Question 4

Are all Listed Buildings exempt from needing an EPC?

Answer 4

Yes unless work can be done without affecting the Property in any detrimental way.

Question 5

What are the penalties in regard to not having an EPC when selling a property?

Answer 5

Residential - £200

Commercial - up to 12.5% of rateable value. Min £500 and max. £5,000.

Question 6

What do building regulations parts L and F apply too?

Answer 6

Part L = conservation of fuel and power (ie. air sourced heat pumps)
Part F = ventilation (look at the types - mechanical ventilation)

Question 7

Can you tell me about the Paris Agreement?

Answer 7

The first major commitment of nations coming together and COP21 in Paris 2015. All countries agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees with the aim of 1.5 degrees by bringing out plans as to how they will limit emissions.

Question 8

What other standards are there other than EPC and MEES?

Answer 8

Accreditation systems such as BREAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and WELL which focuses more so on the environments relationship with the occupants well being.

Question 9

What is ESG?

Answer 9

Environmental Socal Governance is a framework designed to be integrated into an organization’s strategy to include the identification, assessment and management of sustainability-related risks and opportunities with respect to all organizational stakeholders.

Question 10

What is CSR?

Answer 10

Corporate Social Responsibility developed into ESG when it was first initiated by the UN over 20 years ago.

CSR is a self-regulating business model which helps a company be socially accountably to itself and its stakeholders.

Question 11

What are the penalties in regard to MEES?

Answer 11

Commercial:
Less than 3 months = £5,000
More than 3 months = £10,000

Residential:
Less than 3 months = £2,000
More than 3 months = £4,000

Question 12

Can you name some of the 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010)?

Answer 12

Age
Gender
Disability
Race
Religion/ belief

Question 13

What is the purpose of the Equality Act (2010)?

Answer 13

It protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Question 14

What are the 4 types of discrimination?

Answer 14

Indirect discrimination
Direct discrimination
Harassment
Victimisation

Question 15

What is an unconscious bias?

Answer 15

this relates to the associations we hold which are deeply ingrained and outside of our conscious awareness and control.

Everyone has them. They can be assessed through IMPLICIT ASSUMPTIONS TESTING.

Question 16

What is the purpose of the Climate Change Act (2019)?

Answer 16

it requires the UK to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ by 2050.

Question 17

What does Net Zero Carbon mean?

Answer 17

This is carbon neutrality = balance of carbon emissions given off to those absorbed/ captured.

Question 18

What is Savills doing?

Answer 18

They are part of the UKGBC (UK Green Building Council) with the aim of establishing NEt Zero Carbon.

They have also aligned their business strategy with 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Question 19

What is RICS doing and is there any guidance in regard to sustainability?

Answer 19

RICS places heavy emphasis on sustainability.

Practice Statement:
Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and strategic advice (2021)

This gives guidance to valuers as to how to treat and consider sustainability. This addresses the idea of incentives for property owners that are not meeting energy standards. i.e reflecting higher yields.

Question 20

What is sustainability?

Answer 20

Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.

Question 21

What is the UK doing?

Answer 21

Net Zero target of 2050 (The Climate Change Act 2019).

Nov 2020 = Green industrial Revolution announced providing a 10-point plan targeted at:

• Building energy efficiency
• power generation
• transport infrastructure

Question 22

What is SKA?

Answer 22

Environmental Non-domestic fit out

Question 23

What is the Green Industrial Revolution?

Answer 23

This means growing our economy while protecting our natural resources and reversing damage to the environment.

Investment into
- power generation sector
- transport
- building energy efficiencies
- enhancing the natural environment

£12bn investment two years ago.

Question 24

What does the Environment Act (2021) identify?

Answer 24

Bringing into force BNG targets of 10% for developements.

Question 25

Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme - how does it effect Savills?

Answer 25

Measure total energy consumption (buildings,
Conduct energy audits
Report compliance to the environment agency.

Question 26

When is an EPC needed? What are the ratings?

Answer 26

properties over 50sqm

A+ (under 0)
A 0-25
B 26-50
C 51-75
D 76 - 100
E 101-125
F 126 -150
G (anything over 150)

The larger the number the higher amount of Carbon the property is expected to give off.

Question 27

What is nutrient neutrality?

Answer 27

Development run-off and additional wastewater into waterways can cause eutrophication which provides less suitable habitat.

Question 28

When is BNG becoming statutory?

Answer 28

November 2023. Some LA already implements it under the Environment Act 2021.

Question 29

What impact do sustainability measures have on development?

Answer 29

Increase in costs and legislation loopholes to jump through:

• Nutrient neutrality
• Future Homes Standards
• Part L building regs
• BNG

= negative impact on residual land value.

Question 30

What are the sustainability benefits of new homes?

Answer 30

91% of new homes sold last year were EPC B rated in comparison to 7% of second-hand homes sold in England and Wales.

New builds could save an average of £856 per year. (55% saving in comparison to second-hand.

With the increasing pressure and importance to individuals in regard to energy consumption and EPC ratings, there could be a green premium applied? Albeit from conversations with developers, this doesn’t seem to be being reflected as it it now a market expectation.

Question 31

How is sustainability incorporated into your company’s business strategy?

Answer 31

Sustainability is integrated within our existing UK business strategy, and has 5 Strategic Aims:

Growth: Maintaining a positive impact within the communities we serve and inspiring sustainable behaviours across the value chain of our operations.
People: Creating healthy workplaces, developing talent and promoting diversity and inclusion within real estate.
Disruption: Achieving Net Zero by 2030 and influencing our stakeholders to works towards carbon neutrality.
Clients: Combining Savills expertise in energy and sustainability disciplines into one team, Savills Earth.
Finance: Enhancing our social impact and mitigating consequences associated with climate risk.

Question 32

What types of deleterious material are you aware of?

Answer 32

Woodwool shuttering
High alumina cement
Calcium chloride