Sustainability Flashcards
Common environmental issues on construction sites?
- water pollution
- air pollution
- land contamination
- noise pollution
Regulations affecting sustainability?
- clean air act
- climate change act 2008
What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?
- recycling
- EV charging
- removal of plastic bags
- energy efficient lighting
Sustainable building methods?
- recycled materiel ie timber and plastics
- ground source heat pumps
- rain water harvesting
- solar panels
- wind turbines
- green roof
How do photovoltaics work?
Turn sunlight into electricity
What is BREEAM
- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
- Assesses and certifies the sustainability of buildings
Benefits of BREEAM certified buildings?
- minimise impact on environment
- lower running costs
- greater marketability
Explain SUDS
- Sustainable Urban Drainage System
- infiltrated into the ground where it is collected and managed passively
Sustainable initiative implemented by the RICS?
- 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
What is the governments 10 point plan?
- £12m of govt investment to create 250k green jobs
- green public transport, walking and cycling
- greener buildings
- advancing offshore wind
What is the UK’s net zero target?
Net zero by 2050
What was agreed at COP26?
- 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
Are you aware of any impending changes to minimum energy efficiency standards?
- changes to EPC requirements for commercial and BTL properties from 2025
- BTL rating increased from minimum E to C
What is a green mortgage?
- rewards someone for buying or owning an energy efficient home by fire ring them favourable terms ie lower interest rates
What is urban greening factor?
- 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
What sustainable initiatives are you aware of that are being implemented by RICS?
- 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
How do you promote sustainability?
- recycling
- minimise waste
- print only when necessary
- car sharing
- cycle to work scheme
- avoid single use plastics
Explain carbon neutral
- level of carbon emitted is equal to the level of carbon absorbed
What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?
- car sharing
- cycle to work scheme
- recycling
- online data sharing platforms to avoid printing
- phasing put plastic bags
What is the Paris Agreement 2015?
- limit global warming to below 2°C
- commits all major emitting countries to cut their climate pollution
What is COP26?
- annual UN climate change conference
- agreed plan to reduce use of coal and increase funding for developing countries cope w climate change
