Sustainability Flashcards
What is net zero carbon?
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.
Examples of measures to reduce carbon emissions?
1) Planting trees
2) Public transport
3) Energy efficiency improvements
When is the UK aim for net zero?
By 2050
Ways for UK Real Estate to contribute?
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
What is sustainable development?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations
RICS sustainability campaigns
RICS Value the Planet campaign
What are the aims of the RICS Value the Planet campaign?
Encourage sustainable practices through encouraging RICS members and firms to support the UNs sustainable development goals
Examples of UNs sustainable development goals?
1) No poverty
2) No hunger
3) Good health and wellbeing
4) Affordable and clean energy
5) Sustainable communities and cities
Other RICS sustainability documents?
RICS Sustainability & Commercial Valuation Guidance Note 2013
Also referenced in the Rules of Conduct 2022
What are AY policies on sustainability?
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
Three pillars of sustainability?
1) Environmental
2) Social
3) Economic
What is an EPC?
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
What is contained in an EPC?
1) Rating (A+ to G)
2) Floor area
3) Estimation of energy costs
4) Benchmarking info
When is an EPC required?
1) For all commercial buildings let or sold over 50 sq m
2) All resi buildings let or sold
Exempt buildings?
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
When is an EPC not required for Listed buildings?
When improvements would ‘unacceptably alter the property’s character or appearance’.
Obliged to draft EPC to see if improvements are necessary.
EPC during marketing…
1) Must be commissioned within 7 days of marketing
2) Agents responsibility to get EPC
3) Must be linked in marketing
Examples of items in EPC recommendation report?
1) Install new heating system
2) Improve lighting
3) Cavity wall insulation
Energy standards
MEES 2015
What are MEES?
Regulations that require a minimum EPC rating of E or above for a building to be let.
Effective dates for MEES?
1 April 2018 - all new leases
1 April 2020 - all existing domestic leases
1 April 2023 - all existing non-domestic leases
When are MEES exempt?
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
What is a BREEAM rating?
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.
Examples of renewable energy sources in construction
- Solar panels
- Wind energy
- Hydroelectricity
