Mandatory - Sustainability Flashcards
1
Q
Sustainability - Extract from Candidate Guide - Aug 2018 (updated Feb 2022)
A
2
Q
What is sustainability?
A
Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. I.e. providing energy for ourselves now without making the planet worse subsequently.
3
Q
Why is sustainability important?
A
An ecosystem, a lifestyle, or a community that is sustainable is one which supports itself and its surrounding. Sustainability itself can be defined by three core elements, each of which must be carefully considered in relation to the others:
- Environmental Protection
- Social Development
- Economic Development
4
Q
What are the factors to consider with sustainability?
A
- Economic
- Social
- Environmental
5
Q
What are the 7 elements of sustainable building?
A
- Insulation
- Air tightness
- Thermal Mass
- Natural Light
- Sustainable Material
- Structural Systems
- Deployment of renewable technologies
6
Q
What is sustainable development ?
A
Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources,
7
Q
Over what period do you measure/access the impact of a building ?
A
The entire life cycle, not just construction.
8
Q
What is the construction leadership council?
A
The CLC works between industry and government to identify and deliver actions supporting UK construction in building greater efficiency, skills and growth.
9
Q
What is your companies sustainability policy ?
A
Clear desk policy, reducing the use of printed materials where possible, car sharing when suitable, the us of public transport, the use of technology where possible
10
Q
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)?
A
- Double glazed windows
- Insulation upgrade
- A* rated boiler
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable materials
- Local workforce
- etc
11
Q
Explain what you understand by the term “Cold Bridging”.
A
Cold Bridging is where elements of the structure are colder than the main elements of the structure and condensation occurs on the surface, sometimes interstially which is inside the surface
12
Q
Give me some examples of how you can avoid Cold Bridging.
A
Reducing bridging by considering full design , Overlaps and extending insulation where vulnerable , Carrying insulation down via roofs to walls, Carrying insulation down via roofs to walls
13
Q
What is sustainability?
A
- To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Bruntland Commission Our Common Future 1987)
14
Q
What is the Brundtland report ?
A
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Today, there are almost 140 developing countries in the world seeking ways of meeting their development needs, but with the . It developed guiding principles for sustainable development as it is generally understood today. The Brundtland Report stated that critical global environmental problems were primarily the result of the enormous poverty of the South and the non-sustainable patterns of consumption and production in the North
15
Q
What is a Brownfield Site?
A
Brownfield land refers to land that has been previously used for industrial purposes, or commercial usage and is now being redeveloped.
16
Q
What is a Greenfield site?
A
Sites or land that is not constrained by any existing buildings or structures. It is the opposite of Brownfield land.
17
Q
What is Embodied carbon?
A
Embodied carbon is considering all the carbon the will be used in the creating of a product. From sourcing the materials, manufacture, delivery, construction, and disposal.
18
Q
What is BREEAM ?
A
BREEAM – British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method was developed by BRE and covers new construction as well as fit outs. It assess buildings against various performance criteria and awards credits. The total amount of credits will lead to a rating of unclassified, pass, good, v.good, excellent or outstanding. Two assessments are carried out for new builds, at design stage and on completion. Credits are awarded under Management, health and well being, energy efficiency, transport, water usage, materials, waste, land use, ecology, pollution, innovation.
19
Q
What does BREEAM stand for ?
A
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
20
Q
What is BREEAM ?
A
A method of assessing the sustainability of a building in terms of its design, construction and operation. Looking at energy use, water use, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and internal environment.
21
Q
What is SKA?
A
SKA – Originally a research proect by Skansen, RICS and Aecom to establish metrics for impact of an office fit-out. Since launching, it is used on Retail and higher education too. SKA rating can be assessed during design, at handover and during occupancy. The score is ranked according to the achievements in the thresholds of Gold, Silver and Bronze.
22
Q
What is the Climate Change Act 2008 (addendum 2019) ?
A
- Sets out emission reduction targets within the UK. It commits the UK to reducing greenhouse gasses by 80% by 2050 but this was updated in 2019 to be net zero by 2050.
- This has lead to utilisation of existing sustainability options (such has life-cycle costing, carbon modelling, further collaboration), R&D for more sustainable materials and practices (cement accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions), New sustainability matrics to assess operational sustainability etc.
23
Q
What is the Climate Change Act 2008?
A
- A Framework setup to create an economically viable path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Introduced as a result of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- As a result of the Kyoto Protocol in 1992.
24
Q
What is the RCIS campaign in relation to sustainability ? Cna you expand on what the contents / message is ?
A
RICS Value the planet
‘Our Value the Planet campaign promotes the preservation of the planet through the implementation of the UN’s sustainable development goals. We encourage our professionals to implement the SDGs. The campaign also offers us a great opportunity to highlight the public interest responsibility of RICS and demonstrate the benefits that the surveying profession provides in offering solutions to society’s most challenging issues.’ Ref: RICS
25
What is green construction?
Green construction is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.
26
How does sustainability link to Building Regulations?
Part L of the building regs – Conservation of Fuel and Power. Part L aims to achieve zero carbon buildings or as close to it as possible giving practical guidance on ways of complying with Energy efficient requirements.
27
What does MEES stand for ?
Minimum energy efficiency standard - introduced march 20015 by the energy efficiency regulations 2015
28
What does MEES not apply to ?
Building not required to have an EPC such as industrial sites, non residential agriculture buildings, certain listed buildings, holidays lets etc
29
When is an EPC required ?
When a building is built, sold or rented
30
When must you display an EPC?
Commercial property's over 500 sq. m frequently visited by the public
31
How long is an EPC valid for ?
10 years
32
What is EPC?
Requirement introduced in 2008. It is the measure of the designed energy usage and must be produced when a building is constructed, sold, rented out or subject to major alterations. Rates properties A-G and must provide recommendations to improve the property.
33
What is the purpose of EPCs and when is one required?
Energy Performance Certificate – Measure of the designed energy usage of a property and will look at factors such as windows, insulation and the potential for upgrading.
Display energy certificate is similar but used on public buildings. Required on all buildings rented out
34
What is the purpose of DECs and when is one required?
DECs were introduced to raise public awareness of energy use and to inform visitors to public buildings about the energy use of a building. A DEC is an energy certificate that shows the operational energy rating of a public building, from A to G where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient.
35
When is an EPC not required?
Listed buildings, places of worship and temporary structures
36
What is a U Value?
The value of how thermally efficient a part of a building is. It helps identify what areas need to be improved where there is heat loss such as roofs, windows or walls. Measured in W/m2k
37
what is w/m2k ??
Watts over meters squared kelvin
38
What is the difference between L1A and L1B?
L1A is for new buildings, where as L1B is for existing dwellings. This is as it would be naive to think it is suitable to attach the same provision when altering an existing building as opposed to building something new.
39
What is Passivhaus?
* It is an energy performance standard for dwellings, commercial, industrial and public buildings.
* It is a building for which thermal comfort can be achieved via indoor air quality conditions. i.e. without the need for air recirculation which means they no longer require traditional heating or cooling methods.
40
What did the UK agree to as part of the Kyoto protocol ?
12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Earth's greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet. The main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor (which all occur naturally), and fluorinated gases (which are synthetic)
41
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
Implemented the objective of the UN to reduce the onset of global warming by reducing greenhouse gas concentration in the air.
42
What is the aim of the Paris agreement ?
To hold increase in global average temps to 2oc below pre industrial level and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5oc. Also to use 20% renewable energy by 2050
43
What is the Paris Agreement?
191 countries joined to meet central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping global temperature rise below 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels and even try to keep them below 1.5 degrees.
44
What is the Paris Agreement?
United Nations joined to create a global agreement to reduce the carbon emissions to prevent a global temperature increase of 2 degrees but aim to keep it below 1.5 degrees. It now has 191 members.
45
What is the key target of the climate change act ?
Carbon neutral by 2050
46
What is the aim of the climate change act ?
To be carbon neutral by 2050
47
What is BREEAM ?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's first sustainability rating scheme for the built environment and has contributed much to the strong focus in the UK on sustainability in building design, construction and use.
5 different standards for different buildings, most relevant are :
New construction - homes and commercial buildings
In use - commercial buildings
Refurbishment and fit out - homes and commercial buildings.
48
What are the levels of BREEAM ? OEVG
```
BREEAM Rating % score
OUTSTANDING ≥ 85
EXCELLENT ≥ 70
VERY GOOD ≥ 55
GOOD ≥ 45
PASS ≥ 30
UNCLASSIFIED < 30
```
49
What is an EPC ?
Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in 2007 and are a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let or constructed. Once obtained, an EPC is valid for 10 years.
50
Where does the requirement for an EPC come from ?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) which came into force in England and Wales on 1 April 2018, applies to private, rented residential and non-domestic property and is aimed at encouraging landlords and property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties by a restriction on the granting and continuation of existing tenancies where the property has an Energy Performance Certificate Rating of F and G.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Rating is E and above.
The future aims are It wants to to enforce a compulsory energy performance certificate rating of 'C' on new tenancies by December 2025, and on all rented properties by December 2028.
51
What is a DEC ?
The introduction of DECs will raise public awareness of energy efficiency in public buildings. DECs provide an energy rating of the building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient and they are based on the actual amount of metered energy used by the building over a period of 12 months. They also show ratings for the previous two years for comparison.
A DEC must be provided for a building (or part of a building which is designed or altered to be used separately) with a total useful floor area of over 250 m2 (total useful floor area is defined as the total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of the external walls, including areas such as staircases and galleries) which is occupied by a public authority.
The building must also be frequently visited by members of the public to receive a public service.
52
When are SKA assesments used?
Non-domestic fit-outs
53
What are the 3 pillars of sustainability ? SEE
Social - Social sustainability is the ability of society, to persistently achieve a good social well-being.
Environmental - Environmental sustainability means we are living within the means of our natural resources. Consumption of natural resources, materials, fuels, land, water at a sustainable rate.Economic sustainability requires that a business or country uses its resources efficiently and responsibly so that it can operate in a sustainable manner to consistently produce an operational profit.
Economic - Economic sustainability requires that a business or country uses its resources efficiently and responsibly so that it can operate in a sustainable manner to consistently produce an operational profit.
54
What is the definition of sustainability ?
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
The Brundtland Report, ‘Our Common Future’, was published in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (UNWCED). Regarded as a landmark report that placed environmental issues on the global political agenda.
55
Can you name some typical exceptions for EPC 'E' standard ?
* Temporary buildings
* Places of worship
* Listed building (exceptions)
56
What is the current EPC spending cap ?
£3,500 including VAT
57
What is the plans for EPC spending CAP ?
Talks for this to be upgraded to £10,000
58
What are the potential fines for not having an EPC ?
Non-dwellings is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, subject to a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.
There is a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied.
59
What are the three pillars of sustainability ?
60
What type of commercial buildings require an EPC ?
You must display an EPC by fixing it to your commercial building if all these apply:
* The total useful floor area is over 500 square metres
* The building is frequently visited by the public
* An EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction
61
When are gas boilers being phased out ?
The government has announced that by 2025, all new homes will be banned from installing gas and oil boilers and will instead be heated by low-carbon alternatives. The ban is part of a UK action plan to reach carbon net zero by 2050
62
Are you aware of any recent standard with regarding to sustainability ?
Yes the recent introduction of approved document S - Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles.
63
What is responsible business?
RICS define responsible business as ‘operating efficiently and responsibly. It meets and exceeds legislation and always considers its impact on people (the workforce, community and society at large) and the environment’.
64
What is the Responsible Business Framework?
The RICS published the Responsible Business Framework in December 2021, leading on from their Responsible Business Report in 2019.
The Framework is not mandatory guidance, but instead provides best practice guidance on responsible business for organisations of all sizes.
65
What are the aims of the Framework (Responsible Business Framework) ?
* To highlight best practice and provide useful content for the real estate management industry on how it should operate in a more responsible and ethical manner
* To influence clients, landlords and owners/occupiers in their thinking, planning and expectations on services required
* To provide clarity on the relationship with all stakeholders for improved engagement across the supply chain
* To provide a global approach towards embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the management of real estate
* To provide clarity on the terminology and definitions for responsible business and ESG
* To provide alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and other global reporting frameworks in demonstrating impacts on society and the environment
* To highlight the important role that property, and the people and organisations involved in its management, can play in the creation of lasting social value.
66
Why is sustainability important ?
Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
67
Are you aware of any RICS campaign regarding sustainability ?
RICS Value the planet - Our Value the Planet campaign promotes the preservation of the planet through the implementation of the UN's sustainable development goals. We encourage our professionals to implement the SDGs. The campaign also offers us a great opportunity to highlight the public interest responsibility of RICS and demonstrate the benefits that the surveying profession provides in offering solutions to society's most challenging issues.
68
Are you aware of any national or international agreements in relation to sustainability ?
* Paris Agreement - The Paris Agreement sets out a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It also aims to strengthen countries' ability to deal with the impacts of climate change and support them in their efforts.
* Kyoto Protocol - The Kyoto Protocol – a milestone in global efforts to combat climate change. With the Kyoto Protocol, the international community agreed for the first time on binding targets and measures for combating climate change. The Kyoto Protocol stipulates global ceilings for greenhouse gas emissions.
* The Climate Change Act 2008 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act makes it the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the net UK carbon account for all six Kyoto greenhouse gases for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline, toward avoiding dangerous climate change
69
What is an EPC, What does it measure, When is it applicable ? When is it not applicable ?
Energy performance certificates are a rating scheme to summarise the energy efficiency of buildings. The building is given a rating between A - G, the EPC will also include tips the most cost effective ways to improve your homes energy rating.
Energy performance certificates (EPCs), set out the energy efficiency rating of buildings. They are required when buildings are built, sold or rented, if they have a roof and walls and use energy to condition an indoor climate. If a building contains separate units (for example a block of flats), each unit needs an EPC, but they are not required for shared bedsit type accommodation.
Buildings that do not need an energy performance certificate include:
Places of worship.
Temporary buildings.
Stand-alone buildings with a floor area of less than 50 square metres.
Industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements.
Protected buildings, where compliance with energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.
Rented dwellings that continue to be occupied by the same tenant since before 1 October 2008.
Buildings that are suitable for demolition.
70
What are U values ?
A U-value is a sum of the thermal resistances of the layers that make up an entire building element – for example, a roof, wall or floor. It also includes adjustments for any fixings or air gaps
71
What are SAP calculations ?
SAP stands for 'Standard Assessment Procedure' and is the government's method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings. These calculations are only necessary for residential properties.
72
What is BREEAM ?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's first sustainability rating scheme for the built environment and has contributed much to the strong focus in the UK on sustainability in building design, construction and use.
73
What approved documents can be linked to sustainability ?
Approved Doc L - Conservation of fuel and power
74
What are the principles of sustainable construction ?
* sustainable design
* durability
* energy efficiency
* waste reduction
* indoor air quality
* water conservation
* sustainable building materials
75
What are the principles of sustainable construction ?
* Environmental Protection Construction work should be environmentally friendly and pollution free.
* Safety Construction work has to be carried out in safety and comfort, with a method that implements the highest safety criteria.
* Speed Construction work should be completed in the shortest possible period of time.
* Economy Construction work must be done rationally with an inventive mind to overcome all constraints at the lowest cost.
* Aesthetics Construction work must proceed smoothly and the finished product should portray cultural and artistic flavour.
76
What is the application of MEES ?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), first introduced in 2018, EPC for commercial premises and soon to be residential lettings.
77
What does BREEAM stand for ?
Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method
78
What is BREEAM ?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's first sustainability rating scheme for the built environment and has contributed much to the strong focus in the UK on sustainability in building design, construction and use.
79
What or who are the BRE group ?
We are an innovative group of researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians who share a common goal – to make the built environment better for all. We generate new knowledge through independent research
80
What is LEED ?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world (USA)
81
What do you know about MEES ?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), first introduced in 2018, EPC for commercial premises and soon to be residential lettings.
82
What does SAP stand for ?
Standard assessment procedure
83
What ratings can you achieve with BREEAM?
```
BREEAM Rating % score
• OUTSTANDING ≥ 85
• EXCELLENT ≥ 70
• VERY GOOD ≥ 55
• GOOD ≥ 45
• PASS ≥ 30
• UNCLASSIFIED < 30
```
* Outstanding: Less than top 1% of buildings (innovator)
* Excellent: Top 10% of buildings (best practice)
* Very Good: Top 25% of buildings (advanced good practice)
* Good: Top 50% of buildings (intermediate good practice)
* Pass: Top 75% of buildings (standard good practice)
84
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources.
85
What are the government targets for reducing emissions ?
On 20 April 2021, the Government announced that it “will set the world's most ambitious climate change target” to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels as part of its sixth carbon budget.
The Government is required to set carbon budgets under the Climate Change Act 2008
Net carbon zero by 2050 - Climate change act
86
Specifically, what does UK planning policy stipulate in relation to sustainability of new buildings ?
* Development with high levels of sustainability should not be refused on the grounds of incompatibility with the existing townscape (where mitigated by good design);
* Local planning authorities should support energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings;
* Development should comply with the Local Plan requirements for decentralised energy supply;
* Development should take account of landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping to minimise energy consumption;
* Local authorities should have a positive strategy for promoting energy from renewable and low carbon sources, and design policy to maximise renewable and low carbon development while ensuring adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily.
87
What is the building carbon database ?
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. For organisations who submit their data, the database is free to use and registration is available here. To access the data, users are required to input construction project data into the database (both theoretical and completed projects), which in turn allows users to estimate/benchmark whole life carbon emissions.
88
Explain what you understand by the term “Cold Bridging”.
A thermal bridge, also called a cold bridge, is an area of a building construction which has a significantly higher heat transfer than the surrounding materials. This is typically where there is either a break in the insulation, less insulation or the insulation is penetrated by an element with a higher thermal conductivity. Where the building is situated in a cold climate (such as the UK) this can result in additional heat loss at these points.
89
What is the purpose of EPCs and when is one required ?
Energy performance certificates are a rating scheme to summarise the energy efficiency of buildings. The building is given a rating between A - G, the EPC will also include tips the most cost effective ways to improve your homes energy rating.
90
What are the future homes standards 2021?
In 2019 the government introduced a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.New Build and Existing Buildings Proposes a ban on fossil fuel boilers from 2025 to decrease in emissions of 75 to 80% compared with current levels.
91
What are the planned updates to EPC's ?
A building must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when it is sold or rented, including renewal lettings. The EPC shows the property's energy efficiency rating, band A being the most efficient and G the least efficient.
Under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (MEES Regulations) a minimum energy efficiency standard of band E applies. It is already unlawful to let a sub-standard non-residential property unless a valid exemption has been registered. From 1 April 2023 this will be extended to existing lettings, making it unlawful to continue to let a sub-standard property unless a valid exemption has been registered.
By 2025 should be above Level 'C'
92
Can you explain your understanding of sustainability and why it is important ?
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Can you explain your understanding of sustainability and why it is important ?
"In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
1. COST REDUCTION
Construction is a $10 trillion industry but its financial struggles can’t be ignored. With its efficiency and rework rate up to 30 percent, smart and functional alternatives are considered to be more than necessary. Sustainable construction can provide great help in that direction. Overall, a green building costs less than a normal building because fewer resources (e.g. water and energy) are required for the completion of the project. On top of that, sustainable buildings have great ROI, as well. Simply put, the value of the property is significantly increased with sustainable building.
2. INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
As reported by The Guardian, environmentally friendly workspaces help employees perform better while reducing absenteeism. The better the environment, the easier it is to concentrate and work effectively toward the completion of tasks.
3. IMPROVED HEALTH
Green buildings can be beneficial to health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor air is two to five times less polluted than indoor air. Building and furnishing materials, such as paints, cleaning products and carpets, can be dangerous for human health. The use of sustainable materials can help with the purification of the air.
4. WASTE MINIMIZATION
In Europe, the construction industry is responsible for 34.7 percent of the continent’s total waste. Green buildings minimize waste with their lower environmental impact and use of renewable sources and materials. Products such as demolition debris, sand and burnt coal can be used with excellent environmental and aesthetic results.
5. BETTER USE OF MATERIALS
Sustainable buildings manage water in a more effective and environmentally friendly manner. Sustainable buildings can be equipped with systems that recycle water, such as collecting rainwater for toilet cleaning. Sustainable buildings can collect and preserve natural energy, such as solar or wind energy, storing it and reusing it accordingly.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Recycled materials used during the construction process are contributing significantly to the protection of the environment and to the reduction of waste. Moreover, sustainable construction takes into serious consideration a number of critical elements. The installation of well-insulated windows, ceilings and walls can ensure that no energy is going to waste. Additionally, the use of solar heaters, insulated air-conditioning pipes and photovoltaic panels can make buildings more energy efficient and less harmful to the environment.
7. NOISE AVOIDANCE
Noise can have a significant effect on a person’s well-being. Sustainable construction put extra attention to noise avoidance in the following ways:
distance augmentation between the source of the noise and the subject;
planting of more trees close to the noise source in an effort to absorb it; and
creating noise barriers (between a building and a highway for example).
8. BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
Sustainable construction has a plethora of benefits in every stage of a construction project. Improved health due to safer materials, increased productivity thanks to better surroundings and more effective noise protection are only a few of the advantages. Green buildings can improve life quality.
9. A NEW MARKET IS EMERGING
The advent of sustainable building has helped the market evolve and unlock new possibilities.
10. ROOM FOR EXPERIMENTATION
Sustainable construction can be an excellent opportunity for creative experimentation in the industry. New materials are being used and as a result, more innovative techniques are being developed and implemented, such as the ski slope opening on a new power plant in Copenhagen.
Sustainable construction is developing day by day and opportunities are opening up for the industry. Keeping an open mind and a well-functioning plan can result in further ground-breaking changes."
93
What is COP26 ?
The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
94
What is SKA ?
SKA Rating is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit outs. It helps landlords and tenants assess fit out projects against a set of sustainability good practice criteria, known as Good Practice Measures (GPM)
95
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
96
You mention BREEAM and EPC, are there any other methods for measuring energy efficiency?
* There is DEC- Display Energy Certificate
* SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure)
* LEED
* Energy efficiency of products e.g., a fridge that has an A+ rating because its highly energy effect
* U-Values"
97
What rating can be achieved under BREEAM?
* Outstanding >85%
* Excellent >70%
* Very Good >55%
* Good >45%
* Pass >30%
* Unclassified <30%"
98
Give me an example of a sustainable method that you are familiar with new construction or refurbishment.
PV panels that can be located on roofs. Could be mounted rather than being fixed into the roof so if you have had a new roof and you have a guarantee with that you can just mount it. You would have to review the existing capacity as well to make sure the local infrastructure could handle what you will be receiving.
99
Say our client wants to put PV panels on the roof, what kind of factors would you need to consider in general terms
* The orientation of the panels to ensure they would be effective and in the direction of the sun
* Existing loading of the roof and if it would accommodate the additional loadings
* How you would root the cables from the roof down to your DB or invertor.
* Is it safe to work on the roof, would you need to add any additional protection, any roof lights on there etc.
100
What measures do we have to measure a buildings performance in relation to sustainability?
* BREEAM assessment that measures the actual energy performance or LEED in USA
* Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) testing can be done which measures new buildings actual emission rates and makes sure its airtight so you’d not have heat loss.
* DEC
* EPC
101
What is a DEC ?
It stands for Display Energy Certificate and shows the energy performance of public buildings. The scale runs from A to G.
A DEC must be provided for a building (or part of a building which is designed or altered to be used separately) with a total useful floor area of over 250 m2 (total useful floor area is defined as the total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of the external walls, including areas such as staircases and galleries) which is occupied by a public authority. (A public authority includes central or local government departments and some non-departmental public bodies).
The building must also be frequently visited by members of the public to receive a public service. Since a DEC is designed for public information there is no reason to provide one if it will never or only exceptionally be seen by a member of the public (for example, the building is only visited by employees or by invitation).
102
Are there any exceptions to MEES?
* Religious buildings
* Listed buildings
* ‘High-Cost’ Exemption’ if the cost of making the cheapest improvement would exceed £3,500. Consideration of potential future changes to this.
* If payback exceeds 7 years
* If landlord has demonstrated to make all relevant improvements
* Wall insulation exception, certain insulation systems may not be suitable
* If consent cannot be obtained
* If measures devalue the property by more than 5%
* Applications need to be made to the PRS exemption register"
103
Why do you think its important for surveyors to consider sustainability?
We have an impact on buildings throughout their lifecycle so if we came across buildings which were constructed and not so environmentally friendly, our services could highlight this and we could then review potential options with clints to make their buildings more environmentally friendly particularly as more clients are aware of the sustainability issues. We also have an impact on sustainability ourselves from travelling and operations going paperless for example.
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What are the four pillars of sustainability?
o Social
o Environmental
o Economic
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What do you understand about sustainability ?
Referring to the Brundtland Report it is making use of today's resources without comprise for future generations.
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What is UKCOP 26 ?
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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What was the recent meeting regarding sustainability ?
COP26 - The climate summit in Glasgow is called COP26, which stands for the 26th "Conference of the Parties"
The climate summit in Glasgow is called COP26, which stands for the 26th "Conference of the Parties" and represents a gathering of all the countries signed on to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The group meets every year to discuss progress on the fight against climate change and negotiate how to fulfill the terms of climate agreements.
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What are the three pillars of sustainability ?
* Environment - Ecological integrity is maintained, all of earth’s environmental systems are kept in balance while natural resources within them are consumed by humans at a rate where they are able to replenish themselves.
* Society - Universal human rights and basic necessities are attainable by all people, who have access to enough resources in order to keep their families and communities healthy and secure. Healthy communities have just leaders who ensure personal, labour and cultural rights are respected and all people are protected from discrimination.
* Economy - Human communities across the globe are able to maintain their independence and have access to the resources that they require, financial and other, to meet their needs. Economic systems are intact and activities are available to everyone, such as secure sources of livelihood.
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What U Values did you achieve for an extension ?
* Walls 0.30
* Floor 0.25
* Ceiling 0.18
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What does SAP stand for ?
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a methodology introduced by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of buildings to make sure that any new developments will not only meet Building Regulations, but also all energy and environmental policy initiatives.
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How might an existing building be made more energy efficient ?
* Renewable Energy
* New Glazing
* Led Lighting
* Increasing insulation
* Draft Stripping
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What do the new rules of conduct say about sustainability ?
3.10 Members and firms, when advising clients about projects, encourage solutions that are sustainable in that they minimise harm and deliver balanced economic, social and environmental benefits.
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What is the RICS document linked to Sustainability ?
* Built Environment Carbon Database
* ICMS 3
* Implementing the UN sustainable development goals
* Environmental risks and global real estate 1st edition, November 20
* Responsible business A framework for real estate management 1st edition, December 2021
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What does ESG mean ?
Environmental, social and corporate governance
Environmental, social, and corporate governance is an approach to evaluating the extent to which a corporation works on behalf of social goals that go beyond the role of a corporation to maximize profits on behalf of the corporation's shareholder
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What are the Sustainable Development Goals ?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
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What is a circular economy ?
A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. In contrast to the 'take-make-waste' linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources.
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What is a PassiveHaus ?
Passive house is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.
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What are the key features of a PassiveHaus ?
* Super insulation
* Stringent levels of airtightness
* Minimal thermal bridging
* Optimisation of passive solar gain
* Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
* Simple compact shape
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What is LEED ?
LEED certified buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. They are a critical part of addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.
To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. Projects go through a verification and review process by GBCI and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80+ points).
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What is the climate change act 2008 ?
The Climate Change Act commits the UK government by law to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050. This includes reducing emissions from the devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), which currently account for about 20% of the UK's emissions.
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What is Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and when is it required ?
This framework replaced the former Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme in 2019. It requires companies of 250 or more employees, turnover of more than £36m or a balance sheet of more than £18m to report on their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by submitting financial accounts to Companies House. `
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What are the UN SDG's (Sustainable Development Goals ?
The UN published a list of 17 SDGs as a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These include eliminating poverty, taking climate action, ensuring good health and well-being, providing quality education, generating affordable and clean energy, and creating sustainable cities and communities. With the built environment representing up to 70% of global wealth, RICS has published guidance on adopting the SDGs in professional practice.
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What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign ?
The RICS campaign to encourage firms and members to implement the SDGs. The organisation has published a checklist to promote sustainable business, recommending actions that businesses can take. These include considering brownfield rather than greenfield sites for development, and carrying out life-cycle assessments to assess different project options and inform decision-making. The RICS has also published a responsible business framework, detailing how an ethical approach to financial, environmental and social activities can ensure success and mitigate risks.
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What is Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) ?
Integrating water cycle management into the planning and urban design stages can involve dealing with water demand and supply, waste water, pollution, rainfall, run-off, flooding and water pathways, to improve resilience and ensure resource security.
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What is Net zero ?
This is where greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by their removal from the atmosphere. The UK government has a current target to achieve net zero by 2050 by following a ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution, including advancing offshore wind, greener buildings, green finance, and investment in carbon capture and storage.
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What is a DEC ?
A certificates are required in public buildings of more than 250m2 and must be shown in a prominent and visible place. They provide an energy efficiency rating from A, highest, to G, lowest. DECs are valid for one year if a building is more than 1,000m2, or for ten years if a building is 250-1,000m2. The penalty for not showing a DEC is £500.
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What is the future home standards ?
The UK government is set to introduce this standard by 2025, with the aim of future-proofing new-build homes by installing low-carbon heating (e.g., heat pumps) and LED lighting. This will be achieved through changes to Parts F and L of the Building Regulations, which deal with ventilation and with conservation of fuel and power respectively. For existing homes, RICS has created a consumer guide to help individuals lower their domestic carbon emissions.
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What is the Infrastructure Act 2015 ?
This legislation introduced a number of significant measures, including community rights to purchase shares or equitable interest in large renewable energy projects and additional safeguards relating to shale gas fracking, and a new carbon offsetting regime.
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What is Part O of the Building Regulations ?
Relating to overheating in residential dwellings and buildings such as care homes and student accommodation, this also takes effect in June. The key requirements are to limit unwanted solar gains in the summer months, and provide adequate means of removing heat from internal spaces.
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What is Passivhaus ?
This voluntary energy efficiency standard aims to create buildings that use substantially less energy for heating than those constructed in line with current Building Regulations. Key features of Passivhaus design for both commercial and residential buildings include high levels of airtightness, minimal thermal bridging, optimisation of passive solar gain, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and high levels of insulation.
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What is the most commonly used definition of sustainable development?
Bruntland report - sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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What did the UK agree to as part of the Kyoto protocol?
12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
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What is the aim of the Paris Agreement?
To hold increase in global average temperatures to 2c below pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5c
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What is the key target of the Climate Change Act?
Originally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, but now the commitment is to be 'carbon neutral' by 2050
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What is the current UK target by 2050?
Carbon neutral
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When is an EPC required?
When a building is built, sold or rented
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When must you display an EPC?
Commercial premises >500 sq m frequently visited by the public
138
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years
139
What are the implications of MEES?
Can't grant new lease/renewal lease of F&G rated property by 2018 or have existing leases of F&G rated property by 2023
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What does BREEAM stand for?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
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Should valuers reflect sustainability characteristics in valuations?
Yes - to extent that informed and well-advised purchaser would account for them
