Sustainability

Question 1

What is net zero carbon?

Answer 1

Balancing of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions through reduction measures therefore reducing the climate balance to zero

Question 2

Example of measures to reduce carbon emissions

Answer 2

Planting trees
Carbon capture
Energy efficiency improvements

Question 3

UK aim for net zero

Answer 3

By 2050

Question 4

Ways for UK Real Estate to contribute

Answer 4

Planting trees/ green spaces incorporated into scheme

MEES

Introduction of modern methods of construction eg modular

Sustainable development

Increase renewable energy use

Reduce construction impacts eg change materials used

Question 5

Sustainable development

Answer 5

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations

Question 6

RICS sustainability campaigns

Answer 6

RICS Value the Planet Campaign

Question 7

Aim of campaign

Answer 7

Encourage sustainable practices through encouraging RICS members and firms to support the UNs sustainable development goals

Question 8

Example of UNs sustainable development goals

Answer 8

No poverty
No hunger
Good health and well-being
Affordable and clean energy
Sustainable communities and cities

Question 9

Other RICS sustainability docs

Answer 9

RICS Sustainability & Commercial Valuation Guidance Note 2013

Motive in new RICS ethical principles and rules of conduct

Question 10

AY policies

Answer 10

RRR
Encourage clients to implement sustainable practices
Reduce carbon emissions in offices

Question 11

Three pillars of sustainability

Answer 11

Environmental
Social
Economic

Question 12

EPC

Answer 12

Energy Performance Certificate

Lasts for 10 years
Measures energy efficiency of both resi and commercial assets

Question 13

Importance of EPC

Answer 13

All buildings must have one to be let or sold

Question 14

What is contained in an EPC?

Answer 14

Rating (A+ to G)
Floor area
Estimation of energy costs
Benchmarking info

Question 15

When require an EPC?

Answer 15

All commercial buildings let or sold over 50sqm

All resi buildings let or sold

Question 16

Except buildings from EPC

Answer 16

Listed Buildings
Buildings with no heating
Religious buildings
Temp buildings
Buildings to be demolished or redeveloped
Resi buildings not occupied for more than 4 months a year

Question 17

When is an EPC not required for listed?

Answer 17

When improvements would ‘unacceptably alter the property’s character or appearance’

Obliged to draft EPC to see if improvements are necessary

Question 18

EPC during marketing

Answer 18

Must be commissioned within 7 days of marketing
Agents responsibility to get EPC
Must be linked in marketing

Question 19

Items in EPC recommendation report

Answer 19

Install new heating system
Improve lighting
Cavity wall insulation

Question 20

Energy standards

Answer 20

MEES 2015

Question 21

What are MEES?

Answer 21

Regs that require a minimum EPC rating of E or above for a building to be let

Question 22

Effective dates for MEES

Answer 22

1 April 2018 - all new leases

1 April 2020 - all existing resi leases

1 April 2023 - all existing com leases

Question 23

When are MEES exempt?

Answer 23

Building exempt from EPC
Industrial units with low energy demand (no heating or cooling)
Tenancy less than 6m with no SofT
Not cost effective to make changes

Question 24

Changes to MEES?

Answer 24

Consultation undertaken by Gov to increase threshold to B/C by 2030