Subs: Sustainability Flashcards
How is the RICS helping introduce sustainability into practice?
- Evidence-based research
- Best practice statements e.g. Guidance Note on Sustainability and Commercial Property Valuation, 2013
- Best practice training
- Energy use in clients’ buildings and associated regulation (e.g. energy performance certification and minimum performance standards)
What legally binding commitment has the UK government made on carbon dioxide emissions?
- UK Government made a legally binding commitment to cut the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050 (Climate Change Act 2008)
- This has seen been amended in 2019 for the UK to achieve “net zero carbon” by 2050
What legislation requires all buildings in Europe to be subject to energy labeling and energy use reduction?
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
What did the UK government do in response to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
- Amended the energy requirements contained in Part L of the Building Regulations
- Introduced Energy Performance of Building Regulations
What are the FIVE key provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
- Higher standards of energy conservation for new and refurbished buildings
- Establishing a calculation methodology for the energy performance of all buildings
- Minimum requirements for the energy performance of all buildings
- Energy certification for all buildings when leased or sold
- Mandatory inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings
When is an EPC required?
EPC required for all commercial buildings over 50 sqm:
- When it is newly built, sold or let for a term of more than 6 months (& less than 99 years). Also applies for sub-letting and assignments of leases
- When it is newly refurbished and heating, air conditioning or ventilation services are altered, and/or the building is subject to Building Regulations for construction
What properties are exempt from an EPC?
- Listed buildings
- Buildings which have no heating
- Religious buildings
- Temporary buildings
- Buildings due to be demolished/redeveloped
- Residential units not occupied more than 4 months a year
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years unless the building is altered, after which a new EPC would be required
What do the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) as set out in the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations, 2015 require?
Minimum EPC rating of Level E. Implementation was in stages:
- New leases from 1 April 2018 (for both commercial and residential properties) to include lease renewals/extensions
- All existing leases from 1 April 2023 for commercial properties
What did the government’s consultation on the expansion of MEES find in October last year?
Preferred trajectory: minimum EPC rating of B by 1 April 2030
Alternative trajectory: minimum EPC rating of C by 1 April 2027
Who polices non-compliance with MEES?
Local authority
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
What is a BREEAM rating?
A voluntary environmental assessment tool to rate new and refurbished commercial and residential buildings.
They are commonly being required to support planning applications
What are some of the environmental standards that BREEAM assessors have reference to?
- Energy consumption
- Water use
- Transport links
- Waste management
- Health & wellbeing
What are the FIVE BREEAM ratings?
- Pass
- Good
- Very good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
