Matt - Sustainability - Level 1

Question 1

What is sustainability?

Answer 1

In basic terms, it’s the ability to maintain or support a process over time.

Question 2

What is the definition of sustainability as contained within the 1987 Brundlandt Report?

Answer 2

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Question 3

What is BREEAM and what does it stand for?

Answer 3

It is a method of measuring the sustainability performance of buildings.

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology

Question 4

What does MEES stand for?

Answer 4

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Question 5

What is the purpose of MEES?

Answer 5

This is legislation designed to encourage the improvement of efficiency ratings in properties by restricting the granting of new tenancies where there is an EPC certificate rating lower than E.

Question 6

What is an EPC?

Answer 6

Energy Performance Certificate

Question 7

What does an EPC show?

Answer 7

It shows the energy efficiency rating of a property and also has recommendations for how a property may improve its energy efficiency

Question 8

What is the current Minimum Energy Efficient Standard Rating?

Answer 8

E and above

Question 9

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Answer 9

This is a measure to hold businesses accountable for their actions

Question 10

What does ESG stand for?

Answer 10

Environmental, Social and Governance

Question 11

What is ESG?

Answer 11

This is a metric follow Corporate Social Responsibility and is used by businesses to measure their impact on sustainability

Question 12

Are you aware of any RICS guidance in relation to sustainability?

Answer 12

RICS Professional Standard of “Standard Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategy (3rd edition) 2023

Question 13

How long are EPC certificates valid for?

Answer 13

10 years

Question 14

When must EPC Certificates be produced?

Answer 14

To prospective purchasers and tenants at no cost within a maximum 28 day marketing period (7 days plus 21 days grace period)

Question 15

Are EPC certificates always mandatory?

Answer 15

No, in the following circumstances they are not needed (there are more):

1. Places of worship
2. If the building is due to be demolished
3. Listed building that is due to be significantly altered

Question 16

What is the penalty for not publishing an EPC certificate?

Answer 16

£200 for a domestic property

12.5% of a non domestic properties rateable value (£500 minimum or £5,000 maximum)

Question 17

Which part of the building regulations relate to sustainability?

Answer 17

Part L

Question 18

What are some instances of when MEES compliance is not required?

Answer 18

1. EPC certificate not required
2. EPC rating cannot be improved above an E
3. The required improvements would reduce the market value by over 5%
4. The improvements cannot be carried out reasonably by a Landlord or third party consent is refused e.g. Tenant or Planning Authority

Question 19

Are you aware of any U.K. legislation regarding sustainability?

Answer 19

Climate Change Act 2008 (as amended)

Question 20

What can you tell me about the Climate Change Act 2008?

Answer 20

This is the legislation dealing with the UK’s approach towards climate change.

It was amended in 2019 where the U.K. became the first major economy to pass a net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Question 21

What does net zero mean?

Answer 21

A balance between the greenhouse gas emissions being released and then the measuring of methods of removal of the emissions.

Question 22

What does carbon neutral mean?

Answer 22

This means that any CO2 released into the atmosphere from a firms activities is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed

Question 23

What is the difference between net zero and carbon neutral?

Answer 23

The definitions at face value look similar, however the difference is:

You can be carbon neutral on paper, but that net zero focuses more on the methods used to remove emissions.

Question 24

What does the RICS say about the definition of sustainability?

Answer 24

There is no universally globally adopted definition of sustainability, so the RICS states that members should exercise caution over the term without additional appropriate explanation.

Question 25

What RICS publications relate to sustainability?

Answer 25

1. Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice
2. Red Book within VPS 2 and VPGA 8

Question 26

How would you consider sustainability when going on an inspection and then subsequently valuing?

Answer 26

I would have regard to the Red Book and specifically VPS 2 when out on inspection and then VPS 3 when returning to the desk

Question 27

What are some sustainable features you would consider to see if they would impact on valuation?

Answer 27

1. Solar panels
2. Ground / air source heat pumps
3. Electric charging points
4. Green roof

Question 28

What are some sustainable activities you take?

Answer 28

1. Print only where necessary
2. Car sharing
3. Public transport
4. Recycle

Question 29

What are some sustainable activities your organisation takes?

Answer 29

1. Use energy efficient equipment (LED lamps and lights)
2. Recycling
3. Cycle to work schemes
4. BREEAM excellent building

Question 30

What is SKA?

Answer 30

It is an RICS method for measuring sustainability of non domestic fit outs such as offices

Question 31

What is the Paris Agreement?

Answer 31

It is a legally binding international treaty concerning climate change that has been adopted by nearly every nation since 2016.

Question 32

What is the aim of the Paris Agreement?

Answer 32

To limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius whilst targeting levels below 1.5 degrees Celsius when compared to pre industrial levels.

Question 33

What is COP?

Answer 33

Conference of Parties. It is a treaty of parties (governments) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed in 1994.

Question 34

What is the purpose of COP?

Answer 34

This is where governments assess their efforts to adhere to the Paris Agreement.

Question 35

What was the most recent COP and where did it take place?

Answer 35

COP 27 - Sharm-al-sheikh in Egypt

Question 36

What happened at COP27?

Answer 36

5 key takeaways:

1. Maintaining an intention to reach the 1.5 degrees Celsius target
2. Focusing on implementation
3. Holding businesses and institutions to account
4. Establishing a fund for loss and damage
5. Mobilising more financial support for developing countries