Sustainability

Question 1

What is net zero carbon?

Answer 1

Achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance, or net zero, will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.

Question 2

Examples of measures to reduce carbon emissions?

Answer 2

1) Planting trees

2) Public transport

3) Energy efficiency improvements

Question 3

When is the UK aim for net zero?

Answer 3

By 2050

Question 4

Ways for UK Real Estate to contribute?

Answer 4

1) Planting trees/ green spaces incorporated into scheme

2) MEES

3) Introduction of modern methods of construction e.g modular

4) Sustainable development

5) Increase renewable energy use

6) Reduce construction impacts e.g change materials used

Question 5

What is 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

What are the aims of the RICS Value the Planet campaign?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Examples of UNs sustainable development goals?

Answer 8

1) No poverty

2) No hunger

3) Good health and wellbeing

4) Affordable and clean energy

5) Sustainable communities and cities

Question 9

Other RICS sustainability documents?

Answer 9

RICS Sustainability & Commercial Valuation Guidance Note 2013

Also referenced in the Rules of Conduct 2022

Question 10

What are AY policies on sustainability?

Answer 10

1) Lead by example by reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability

2) Reduce. Re-use and Recycle

3) Reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero

4) Encourage clients to implement sustainable practices

Question 11

Three pillars of sustainability?

Answer 11

1) Environmental

2) Social

3) Economic

Question 12

What is an EPC?

Answer 12

1) Energy Performance Certificate

2) Lasts for 10 years

3) Measures energy efficiency of both residential and commercial assets

4) All buildings must have an EPC to be let or sold

Question 13

What is contained in an EPC?

Answer 13

1) Rating (A+ to G)

2) Floor area

3) Estimation of energy costs

4) Benchmarking info

Question 14

When is an EPC required?

Answer 14

1) For all commercial buildings let or sold over 50 sq m

2) All resi buildings let or sold

Question 15

Exempt buildings?

Answer 15

1) Listed buildings

2) Buildings with no heating

3) Religious buildings

4) Temporary buildings

5) Buildings to be demolished or redeveloped

6) Residential buildings not occupied for more than 4 months a year

Question 16

When is an EPC not required for Listed buildings?

Answer 16

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

Obliged to draft EPC to see if improvements are necessary.

Question 17

EPC during marketing…

Answer 17

1) Must be commissioned within 7 days of marketing

2) Agents responsibility to get EPC

3) Must be linked in marketing

Question 18

Examples of items in EPC recommendation report?

Answer 18

1) Install new heating system

2) Improve lighting

3) Cavity wall insulation

Question 19

Energy standards

Answer 19

MEES 2015

Question 20

What are MEES?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Effective dates for MEES?

Answer 21

1 April 2018 - all new leases

1 April 2020 - all existing domestic leases

1 April 2023 - all existing non-domestic leases

Question 22

When are MEES exempt?

Answer 22

1) Buildings exempt from EPC

2) Industrial units with low energy demand (no heating or cooling)

3) Tenancy less than 6 months with no SofT

4) Not effective to make changes

Question 23

What is a BREEAM rating?

Answer 23

A BREEAM rating reflects the performance achieved by a project and its stakeholders, as measured against the BREEAM standard and its benchmarks.

The rating enables comparability between projects and provides assurance on performance, quality and value of asset.

It measures the environmental performance of new and existing buildings.

Question 24

Examples of renewable energy sources in construction

Answer 24

• Solar panels
• Wind energy
• Hydroelectricity