Sustainability

Question 1

What is sustainability?

Answer 1

Sustainability meansmeeting 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.

Question 2

What is sustainable development?

Answer 2

The concept of sustainable development was described by the 1987 Bruntland Commission Report as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Question 3

What are the triple bottom line principles?

Answer 3

The triple bottom line is a business concept that posits firms should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard bottom line. It is broen down into the 3 P’s - Profit, People & the Planet

Question 4

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

Answer 4

The draft NPPF defines sustainable development as:Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is central to the economic, environmental and social success of the country and is the core principle underpinning planning

Question 5

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?

Answer 5

The Kyoto protocols within the United Nations Framework Convention committed nations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets.

The Paris Agreement agreed to limit temperature rises to below 2 degrees.

COP 26 was recently held in the UK in Glasgow, the key agreements were to reach net zero by 2050 and keep warming to within 1.5 degrees

Question 6

What targets did one of these set?

Answer 6

The Kyoto protocols within the United Nations Framework Convention committed nations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets. The Paris Agreement agreed to limit temperature rises to below 2 degrees. COP 26 was recently held in the UK in Glasgow, the key agreements were to reach net zero by 2050 and keep warming to within 1.5 degrees

Question 7

What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?

Answer 7

Zero avoidable waste by 2050, Net Zero by 2050

Question 8

What is the Paris Agreement?

Answer 8

It is a legally binding agreement on climate change, to limit temperature rises below a maximum of 2 degrees and ideally below 1.5 compared to pre-industrial levels

Question 9

What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?

Answer 9

The Kyoto protocols within the United Nations Framework Convention committed nations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets. They comitted to reducing their greenhouse gas emmisions by an average of 5% against 1990 levels

Question 10

What are the 2020/2030/2050 EU targets?

Answer 10

The EU recently adopted a55 % net emissions reduction target by 2030, which takes into account carbon removals from forestry activities. This target paves the way for achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. The EEA estimates that the EU’s net emissions in 2020 were 34 % lower than in 1990

Question 11

Explain your understanding of COP26.

Answer 11

It was the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (Conference of the Parties), pledges were made by countries towards net zero, the tightening of the Paris agreement ‘ratchets’, deforestation, moving away from coal. It was also attended by industry, notably the car industry with many manufacturers pledging to move to net zero production by 2040

Question 12

What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?

Answer 12

The Climate Change Act 2008 isthe basis for the UK’s approach to tackling and responding to climate change. It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change risks are adapted to. The Act also establishes the framework to deliver on these requirements.

Question 13

What are carbon budgets?

Answer 13

A carbon budget isa cap on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the UK over a five-year period. Budgets must be set at least 12 years in advance to allow policy-makers, businesses and individuals enough time to prepare. The CCC advises on the appropriate level of each carbon budget.

Question 14

What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?

Answer 14

The government is introducing a zero carbon emissions standard for new homes in England and Wales from 2016, implemented through the Building Regulations. The intention is that there should be no carbon emissions generated from the energy required to heat and light a home.

It set safeguards for fracking but did allow it to take place under land without the owners permission, community rights to purchase stakes in large renewables projects, new carbon offsetting schemes (no carbon to be created in heating and lighting a home)

Question 15

What is the renewable heat incentive?

Answer 15

It was a scheme that provided payments for those with sustainable heating systems in homes such as biomass boilers, solar water heating and certain heat pumps. People would receive quartley payments for up to 7 years for having and using the systems

Question 16

How can buildings impact upon the environment?

Answer 16

This can happen with the carbon used to create the materials for construction, the carbon/emissions needed to provide heating, lighting and running the building and at the end of their life if the materials are unable to be recycled.

Question 17

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

Answer 17

It could be the use of solar panels, a green roof to capture and store carbon, orientation to make the most of solar capture, the heating system installed, is there something in place to recycle heat in the building to pre-heat water

Question 18

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

Answer 18

rdSAP used to generate a domestic energy performance certificate

Question 19

Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?

Answer 19

This is the minimum energy performance rating for domestic and non-domestic rental property rented privately. It ensures that in order to be legally rented the property must meet a minimum score on the energy performance certificate. This is currently E and above, but in 2025 this will change to C or above

Question 20

How does MEES impact upon your role?

Answer 20

They may in terms of the advise we give to clients if they are looking for buy to let properties so we may assess the EPC and provide advice on how or if they can obtain a C rating

Question 21

What are the key dates for MEES?

Answer 21

Non domestic - 01 April 2023 regulations to have an E rating will apply to all existing rentals, 01 April 2027 must have a minimum C rating, 01 April 2030 Must have a B rating.
Domestic - April 2018, it is unlawful for a private rented property to be let with an EPC below E, 2020, all rented property must be above E, 1 April 2025 all residential, private rented property must be C or above

Question 22

What falls outside of MEES?

Answer 22

Properties can be exempt if : all cost effective solutions have already been carried out and the cheapest available option is over £3500, if third party consent is not available, it may devalue the property by over 5%, listed buildings, buildings let as temporary accomodation

Question 23

Are there any exemptions from MEES?

Answer 23

Properties can be exempt if : all cost effective solutions have already been carried out and the cheapest available option is over £3500, if third party consent is not available, it may devalue the property by over 5%, listed buildings, buildings let as temporary accomodation. In non resi, places such as places of worship are exempt, or under 50m2

Question 24

What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES?

Answer 24

It can be a fine of between £5k, 10% of the rateable value, 20% of rateable value or up to £150k. Usually it’ll be a fine of up to £5k

Question 25

What is an EPC?

Answer 25

It is the energy performance certificate. It is a simple guide to the energy efficiency of a building and uses a guide of A-G to demonstrate how energy efficient it is. It also provides an indiciation of likely costs to heat and power the property and gives some recommendations on improvements that can be made

Question 26

What buildings require an EPC?

Answer 26

They are required when a building is sold or rented and they apply to both domestic and non domestic properties

Question 27

When is an EPC required?

Answer 27

Any property that is sold or rented must have a valid EPC, but there are some exemptions

Question 28

Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?

Answer 28

Places of worship, temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years, stand alone buildings with less than 50m2 floor space, workhops and agriculture buildings which don’t use a lot of energy, some listed buildings where improvements may alter their appearance, holiday lets, rented for less than 4 months a year, residential buildings used less than 4 months a year and buildings due to be demolished

Question 29

When do you need to display an EPC?

Answer 29

In commercial buildings where the floor area is over 500m2 and if the building is to be rented or sold it must be displayed in the marketing literature

Question 30

What is included in an EPC?

Answer 30

There is a simple colour coded A-G chart showing the energy efficiency of the building, a likely running costs for heating and electric and recommendations for improvements

Question 31

How would you find an EPC?

Answer 31

There is a central register which can be accessed by anyone, they should also be included in a properties marketing materials, by asking the owner or selling agent and some commerical buildings must have them on display

Question 32

When are the penalties for not having an EPC?

Answer 32

Usually it is a fine of between £500-£5000

Question 33

What is a DEC?

Answer 33

Display Energy Certificate, they show the energy performance of public buildings such as health centres, NHS buildings, schools, police stations

Question 34

When is a DEC required?

Answer 34

If it is fully or partly occupied by a public body, has a total foor area of over 250m2, frequently visited by the public

Question 35

What must accompany a DEC?

Answer 35

On display must be the energy rating, the operation rating for the building for the past 2 years, the advisory rating including cost effective recommendations and reference values.

Question 36

What are the penalties for not having a DEC?

Answer 36

A fine of either £500 for not having it displayed in a prominent place and £1000 for not having a copy of a valid advisory report

Question 37

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Answer 37

Corporate social responsibility is a form of international private business self-regulation which aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature by engaging in or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices.

Question 38

What is BREEAM/RICS SKA/LEED/Passivhaus?

Answer 38

BREEAM is the assessment of an assets environmental, social and economic sustainability performance and was developed by the BRE.
RICS SKA rating is an environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit-outs, led and owned by RICS. SKA rating helps landlords and tenants assess fit-out projects against a set of sustainability good practice criteria.
LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a certification scheme for the design and specification of buildings.
Passivhaus - 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.

Question 39

What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Answer 39

The Code for Sustainable Homes has now been withdrawn (aside from the management of legacy cases) and has been replaced by new national technical standards which comprise new additional optional Building Regulations regarding water and access as well as a new national space standard

Question 40

What is the Climate Change Levy?

Answer 40

The Climate Change Levy is a tax on energy delivered to non-domestic users in the United Kingdom. It is a tax on a companies electric and gas use

Question 41

What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?

Answer 41

Part L of the Building Regulations is the conservation of fuel and power

Question 42

Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?

Answer 42

MEES

Question 43

What is ESOS?

Answer 43

Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme

It is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK that meet the qualification criteria. It applies to large UK undertakings and their corporate groups. A large undertaking is one that employs more than 250 people, had a turnover of over £44m

Under the scheme, large organisations are required to assess their energy usage every 4 years and to find new ways to save energy.

Question 44

When was CRC abolished?

Answer 44

The last deadline for submission was in October 2019

Question 45

What replaced CRC?

Answer 45

The SECR builds on rather than directly replaced the CRC

SECR - Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporter
CRC - Carbon Reduction Commitment

Question 46

How did CCL rates change?

Answer 46

Climate Change Levy Rates changed with the electricity rate lowering and the gas rate increasing

Question 47

What is the SECR regime?

Answer 47

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting is the goverments legislation that replaces existing legialation that cover energy and carbon reporting and taxation. Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) was introduced in 2019, as legislation to replace the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Scheme. SECR requires obligated companies to report on their energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions within their financial reporting for Companies House.

Question 48

When was the SECR introduced?

Answer 48

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting

It came into force on 01 April 2019

Question 49

For what type of company is the SECR aimed at?

Answer 49

If the company meets 2 of these: it has a turnover in excess of £36m, it has over 250 employers or a balance sheet of over £18m

Question 50

Who is exempt from SECR?

Answer 50

If your company is not listed on the stock exchange or does not meet the threshold criteria

Question 51

What are the requirements of the SECR?

Answer 51

SECR requires obligated companies to report on their energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions within their financial reporting for Companies House.

Question 52

What are the penalties for non-compliance with SECR?

Answer 52

The Conduct Committee of the Financial Reporting Council will be responsible for monitoring compliance of your SECR information provided. If your report does not meet the requirements, it may be rejected, and a penalty applied for late compliance.

Question 53

What is a Memorandum of Understanding?

Answer 53

A memorandum of understanding is a type of agreement between two or more parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action.

Question 54

What is a green lease?

Answer 54

A ‘green lease’ is a lease that incorporates clauses whereby the owner and the occupier undertake specific responsibilities/obligations with regards to the sustainable operation/occupation of a property, for example: energy efficiency measures, waste reduction/ management and water efficiency.

Question 55

What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?

Answer 55

Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and stategic advice 3rd edition

Question 56

How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?

Answer 56

It could, in theory have a negative impact if the EPC is particularly poor, or for very energy efficient buildings make them more desirable and therefore have a higher value. Mostly though to have an impact it will also depend on the rest of the local market. In terms of use, it could help to drive improvements to insulation or space heating, lighting etc

Question 57

How do you assess a building’s sustainability characteristics?

Answer 57

Usually through certification assesment schemes such as BREEM or LEED

Question 58

Tell me about sustainable design / construction considerations/materials.

Answer 58

It could include looking at the impact of the project and building on the surrounding environment, ensuring there is a sustainable drainage system to reduce the impact of surface water on the surrounding environment. Consider which materials are used and when they have been sourced from, can materials be recycled at the end of their lifespan etc

Question 59

What improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types/ages?

Answer 59

It would depend on the property and what is driving the need for improvements, some by the nature of the age of the building will need more sustainable materials such as lime mortars and plasters, some are newer so things like insulated plasterboards or retro-fit insulation could be used. It’ll all depend on the construction of the building and what will work and compliment the existing structure

Question 60

Tell me about how you would apply a sustainability matrix in your work.

Answer 60

We tend to look at it by the advice we give, either in terms of improving the efficiency of a building, or in the materials used in repair and improvement work

Question 61

What is Off Site Manufacture (OSM)?

Answer 61

Offsite manufacturing (OSM) and modular construction aremethods of building where components are made remotely, then delivered and assembled on site. Components may include wall, roof or floor panels or even complete rooms.

Question 62

Tell me about tenant/lender/investor considerations in relation to sustainability.

Answer 62

Certainly at Connect, in looking after the voids service our goal was to create long term sustainable tenancies. This required us to make sure the homes were of good quality so tenants would wish to stay there, therefore ensuring that bills could be manageable was a key consideration, so at every void inspection I would look to see if there are simple measures we could take to improve the energy efficiency

Question 63

Explain your understanding of the Green Deal to me.

Answer 63

The Green Deal was a UK government policy initiative that gave homeowners, landlords and tenants the opportunity to pay for energy efficient home improvements through the savings on their energy bills from 2012 to 2015

Question 64

How can building conservation relate to sustainability?

Answer 64

Through sympathetic use of materials and research into where they come from and at the same time looking at where improvements can be included which will improve the energy efficiency of a building

Question 65

What features would you recommend in the context of conservation and sustainability?

Answer 65

It would depend but things such as traditional lime mortars and plasters, using local timbers or recycled materials, can a sustainable heating system be fitted

Question 66

Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs.

Answer 66

It’s in Guidance Note: Life Cycle Costing 1st edition, it includes standards and definitions, essential lifecycle costing and some worked examples

Question 67

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Answer 67

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030. They include things like zero hunger, no poverty, quality education and affordable and clean energy

Question 68

How many UN sustainable development goals are there?

Answer 68

There are 17 and they include things like zero hunger, no poverty, quality education and affordable and clean energy

Question 69

What is the target achievement date for the UN sustainable development goals?

Answer 69

2030

Question 70

How are RICS working towards the SDGs?

Answer 70

‘Advancing Responsible Business in Land, Construction, Real Estate Use and Investment – Making the Sustainable Development Goals a Reality’ aligns the original 2015 version of this document with the SDGs and provides a practice-orientated roadmap for our industry and clients through: A toolbox of SDG-related and wider UN resources, Real life case studies showcasing successful SDG implementation, A Self-Assessment Checklist mapping 15 sectoral issues and corresponding 15 action items to individual SDG indicators

Question 71

What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?

Answer 71

A new RICS campaign aims to help our profession implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and preserve our planet for future generations by promoting the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals

Question 72

How can the private sector work towards the SDGs?

Answer 72

Through direct employment, responsible production, promoting education, integrating sustainability into their business practices, designing products and delivering services in the right way

Question 73

What is SUDS?

Answer 73

Sustainable Drainage systems, it is a way of storing and dispersing of surface water without it impacting negatively on the local environment or overwhelming existing drainage systems

Question 74

What is net biodiversity gain?

Answer 74

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) isan approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

Question 75

What do each of ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?

Answer 75

ISO 14001 isan internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders. ISO 50001:2011 specifies requirements for an organisation to establish, implement, maintain and improve an energy management system, which enables that organisation to take a systematic approach in order to achieve continual improvement of energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.

Question 76

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

Answer 76

An environmental management system is “a system and database which integrates procedures and processes for training of personnel, monitoring, summarizing, and reporting of specialized environmental performance information to internal and external stakeholders of a firm

Question 77

What is sustainable procurement?

Answer 77

Sustainable procurement is the act of adopting social, economic and environmental factors alongside the typical price and quality considerations into the organisations handling of procurement processes and procedures. Typical sustainable procurement practises include compliance with environmental laws and targets, the removal of hazardous materials and waste in the supply chain and the thorough vetting of suppliers for fair labour practises. Sustainable procurement and sourcing should genuinely improve the organisations business and future-proof it’s long term objectives.

Question 78

What is social value?

Answer 78

Put simply, social value is an umbrella term for capturing the full net value an organisation provides to society. This can include how an organisation supports the local economy, for example by helping local people into employment or buying from other local businesses; or activities that provide other benefits, such as promoting opportunities for disadvantaged groups or reducing waste.

Question 79

What does the term whole life carbon mean?

Answer 79

It is a method of calculating the whole life impact of the building which looks at construction, raw material extraction, carbon emissions during use and then at the end of its life aznd the recylcing of any of the materials

Question 80

How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?

Answer 80

Because whole life carbon looks at the carbon emmisioons related to the building, where the life cycle costs looks to add a financial cost to owning the asset over it’s lifespan

Question 81

What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?

Answer 81

During design and construction, it can be an assement of the materials and construction methods to look at lower carbon alternatives, it can be during the lifespan by moving away from fossil fuel to heat, cool and power a building and ensuring as many materials are recycled at the end of the life

Question 82

What is a post-occupancy evaluation?

Answer 82

Many buildings do not perform as planned - in some cases this can impact on running costs, staff and client satisfaction and performance, health, safety and comfort. For repeat construction clients, learning from and correcting past mistakes in design and commissioning of buildings can be extremely cost-effective and greatly improve workplace productivity. Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is the process of obtaining feedback on a building’s performance in use. The value of POE is being increasingly recognised, and it is becoming mandatory on many public projects. POE is valuable in all construction sectors, especially healthcare, education, offices, commercial and housing, where poor building performance will impact on running costs, occupant well-being and business efficiency.

Question 83

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment and when would one be carried out?

Answer 83

Essentially, an EIA is designed to identify the potential risks of a project (e.g., infrastructure development such as a dam) to environmental and human well-being and identify measures to eliminate and/or mitigate these risks. This can be done by replacing and/or modifying planned activities to reduce impacts. It may be needed when a project hits certain criteria such as an airport, power station, certain types of farming such as fish, certain types of manufacturing. If screening identifies likely significant environmental effects, then an Environmental Impact Assessment is required. The procedure for making a Local Development Order for which an Environmental Statement has been prepared is set out in regulation 32

Question 84

What methods of construction are more sustainable?

Answer 84

There are some modern methods of construction which can be more sustainable, for example timber framed construction is less harmful than brick and portland cements, certain off-site constructions as well can have a better use of materials that are less reliant on harmful materials. Adding things such as passive ventilation systems, green roofs, passive solar, incorporating solar gain into the design etc

Question 85

What are Modern Methods of Construction?

Answer 85

They are inovative ways at constructing buildings which are a step away from the more traditional methods, types can be Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building. The process has been described as a way ‘…to produce more, better quality homes in less time.

Question 86

What is PAS 2035?

Answer 86

PAS 2035 isa specification for what is called ‘whole-house’ or ‘whole building’ retrofit. This is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) which takes into account the requirement of the entire building, both from a technical standpoint and considering factors like occupancy comfort.

Question 87

When and why was the Green Grant scrapped?

Answer 87

It was scrapped in March 2021, the reasons cited at the time were that it was only ever intended to be a short term scheme. Instead £300m is available to local authorities to bid for funding to carry out retro-fit schemes in low income households

Question 88

What further changes are proposed to minimum energy standards relating to private residential property?

Answer 88

There are the changes to MEES for 2025 for private rented property

Question 89

Explain your understanding of NABERS.

Answer 89

NABERS, the National Australian Built Environment Rating System, is an initiative by the government of Australia to measure and compare the environmental performance of Australian buildings and tenancies.

Question 90

Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper. What changes are likely to be made to MEES under this?

Answer 90

It spelled out the governments commitment to expanding nuclear power as well as renewable sources of energy, that all newly installed heating systems should be low carbon, set a target for the installation of more than 1m heat pumps by 2030. In terms of MEES it set out that the target is for non-domestic properties to have an EPC rating of B or higher

Question 91

Explain the proposed changes under current Government consultation to MEES for non-domestic properties?

Answer 91

Currently they are looking at upping the target to a minimum EPC rating of B or higher

Question 92

Explain how EPC reporting on the Government website has changed.

Answer 92

They are available on the website, in an online version rather than the existing PDF. They are now also available driectly from the GOV.UK website

Question 93

Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard.

Answer 93

What is the Future Homes Standard? The Future Homes and Buildings Standard isa set of standards that will complement the Building Regulations to ensure new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes delivered under current regulations. They do this by setting out standards for heating and ventilation which they think will reduce emissions

Question 94

Explain the proposals under the Government’s Net Zero Strategy and Heat & Buildings Strategy.

Answer 94

A key part of the drive to hit he net zero by 2050 target is the realisation that it cannot be reached if homes continue to be heated by gas, therefore there is a push away from this. It includes deadlines for when gas and electric boilers should be phased out, how this can be funded and jobs and innovation created in this growing sector

Question 95

What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and what will it fund?

Answer 95

Through the Government’s Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme, you could geta grant to cover or contribute towards the cost of your home efficiency improvements. ECO was launched in 2013 to help make energy saving measures, such as heating and insulation, affordable for householders. It has been paid for by obliging energy companies to provide funding for it. You need to have an income below a certian level or claiming certain benefits to be eligible

Question 96

Explain a key theme discussed in the RICS and World Built Environment Forum Sustainability Report 2021.

Answer 96

It discusses how global demand for green buildings in the commercial sector is rising, particularly in Europe. It also discussed how two thirds of respondents named the minimising of waste as a key priority in the construction sector and an increase in demand for recycled materials

Question 97

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

Answer 97

It provides a payment for small scale producers of electric when they are able to feed the renewable power into the national grid

Question 98

What is the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)?

Answer 98

It’s a European regulation to improve transparency in the market for sustainable investment products. It imposes sustainability discloser requirements in a range of environmental, social and governance metrics

Question 99

What are the Taxonomy Regulations?

Answer 99

The Taxonomy Regulationestablishes a classification system (or taxonomy) which provides businesses with a common language to identify whether or not a given economic activity should be considered “environmentally sustainable”.

Question 100

Explain your understanding of the B Corp certification.

Answer 100

B Corp Certification isa designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

Question 101

What is BOPAS?

Answer 101

The Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) isa risk based evaluation which demonstrates to funders, lenders, valuers and purchasers that homes built from non-traditional methods and materials will stand the test of time for at least 60 years.

Question 102

What is CEEQAL?

Answer 102

CEEQUAL is the international evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and works in public spaces. It was established following work promoted by the Institution of Civil Engineers and operated with a group of 14 industry shareholders. The scheme uses a points-scoring-based assessment, which is applicable to any civil engineering or public realm project. The scheme is made up of 200 questions within the CEEQUAL Manual relating to environmental and social aspects of a project such as the use of water, energy and land, impacts on ecology, landscape, neighbours, archaeology, as well as waste minimisation and management, and community relations and amenity. Awards are made to projects in which the clients, designers and constructors have gone beyond the legal and environmental minima, to achieve distinctive environmental standards of performance.

Question 103

What changes is the Government making to the use of rebated diesel and biofuels?

Answer 103

The entitlement to use red diesel will be removed from most secotrs other than agriculture and forrestry from 2022

Question 104

How will the governemt changes to the use of rebated diesel and biofuels affect the construction industry?

Answer 104

It will mean they no longer have access to cheaper fuels and will either need to switch to standard diesel or find another means of fueling. This is likely to increase costs

Question 105

Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021.

Answer 105

The Environment Act 2021 aims toimprove air and water quality, tackle waste, improve biodiversity and make other environmental improvements.

Question 106

What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection?

Answer 106

The Office for Environmental Protection (The OEP) is a new public body. Theyprotect and improve the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account including government departments and local authorities. They monitor progress against stated targets, scrutinise laws, provide advice and enforce failures

Question 107

What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?

Answer 107

Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.

Question 108

What does Approved Document L relate to?

Answer 108

It provides guidance on the preservation of fuel and power

Question 109

What recent changes to the Building Regulations have been made to work towards the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025?

Answer 109

The standards are due to come into effect in 2025 but interim requirements, by way ofamendments to the building regulations for both domestic and non-domestic buildings, will come into force on 15 June 2022. The government has also published five new ‘Approved Documents’ to provide guidance on the new rules, which will come into force on the same date. Full details about the interim standard, as well as an interim standard for dwellings which would reduce CO2 emissions by around 30%, are contained in the Building Regulations etc (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2021, which were laid before parliament on 15 December. The government has also published five new ‘Approved Documents’: on fuel conservation for domestic and non-domestic buildings; on ventilation for domestic and non-domestic buildings; and on overheating in domestic buildings.

Question 110

What does Approved Document S relate to?

Answer 110

Infastructure for charging electric vehicles

Question 111

Why is the Government encouraging the use of electric vehicles?

Answer 111

Because they have been shown to reduce noise emissions, carbon emissions, improve air quality. Plus the government have committed all new vehicles should be electrical powered by 2035

Question 112

What is the UN Race to Zero?

Answer 112

Race to Zero is the UN-backed global campaign rallyingnon-state actors – including companies, cities, regions, financial, educational, and healthcare institutions– to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world in time.

Question 113

What is the World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment?

Answer 113

WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment calls on businesses, organisations, cities and subnational governments to reduce (and compensate where necessary) all operational and embodied carbon emissions within their portfolios by 2030, and to advocate for all buildings to be net zero whole life carbon by 2050.