Sustainability

Question 1

Common environmental issues on construction sites?

Answer 1

• water pollution
• air pollution
• land contamination
• noise pollution

Question 2

Regulations affecting sustainability?

Answer 2

• clean air act

- climate change act 2008

Question 3

What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?

Answer 3

• recycling
• EV charging
• removal of plastic bags
• energy efficient lighting

Question 4

Sustainable building methods?

Answer 4

• recycled materiel ie timber and plastics
• ground source heat pumps
• rain water harvesting
• solar panels
• wind turbines
• green roof

Question 5

How do photovoltaics work?

Answer 5

Turn sunlight into electricity

Question 6

What is BREEAM

Answer 6

• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
• Assesses and certifies the sustainability of buildings

Question 7

Benefits of BREEAM certified buildings?

Answer 7

• minimise impact on environment
• lower running costs
• greater marketability

Question 8

Explain SUDS

Answer 8

• Sustainable Urban Drainage System

- infiltrated into the ground where it is collected and managed passively

Question 9

Sustainable initiative implemented by the RICS?

Answer 9

• RICS sustainability report 2021
• SKA ratings - good practice measures for energy and CO2 emissions - ie sending old floor boards to a salvage yard instead of landfill

Question 10

What is the governments 10 point plan?

Answer 10

• £12m of govt investment to create 250k green jobs
• green public transport, walking and cycling
• greener buildings
• advancing offshore wind

Question 11

What is the UK’s net zero target?

Answer 11

Net zero by 2050

Question 12

What was agreed at COP26?

Answer 12

• reduce the used of coal which is responsible for 40% or annual co2 emissions
• increase money to help developing countries cope with the effects of climate change and switch to clean energy

Question 13

Are you aware of any impending changes to minimum energy efficiency standards?

Answer 13

• changes to EPC requirements for commercial and BTL properties from 2025
• BTL rating increased from minimum E to C

Question 14

What is a green mortgage?

Answer 14

• rewards someone for buying or owning an energy efficient home by fire ring them favourable terms ie lower interest rates

Question 15

What is urban greening factor?

Answer 15

• tool that measures urban greening (ie vegetation cover and planting around buildings) to aid appropriate planning of greening on future developments
• aim is to increase urban greening

Question 16

What sustainable initiatives are you aware of that are being implemented by RICS?

Answer 16

• SKA ratings - encourage green codes of practice for commercial properties
• RICS Value the Planet campaign - implements the UN’s sustainable development goals
• RICS Responsible Business Report - solutions for companies to be greener

Question 17

How do you promote sustainability?

Answer 17

• recycling
• minimise waste
• print only when necessary
• car sharing
• cycle to work scheme
• avoid single use plastics

Question 18

Explain carbon neutral

Answer 18

• level of carbon emitted is equal to the level of carbon absorbed

Question 19

What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?

Answer 19

• car sharing
• cycle to work scheme
• recycling
• online data sharing platforms to avoid printing
• phasing put plastic bags

Question 20

What is the Paris Agreement 2015?

Answer 20

• limit global warming to below 2°C

- commits all major emitting countries to cut their climate pollution

Question 21

What is COP26?

Answer 21

• annual UN climate change conference

- agreed plan to reduce use of coal and increase funding for developing countries cope w climate change