Sustainability

Question 1

Can you define what sustainability is?

Answer 1

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Question 2

What is BREEAM?

Answer 2

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
Buildings are given a score, 0-100%, based on an assessment of 9 characteristics of the building (energy, land use/ecology, water, health/wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, management).
Certificates given at:
- design stage
- once building is completed, where it gets its score

It is “enforced” contractually – could be condition of planning consent, funding, corporate responsibility of developer etc.

Question 3

What are the BREEAM levels?

(6… Hicks)

Answer 3

Unclassified
Pass
Good
Very good
Excellent
Outstanding (now all we need is a deck of cards)

Question 4

Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?

Answer 4

• Using renewable/recyclable materials
• Reducing embodied carbon
• Reducing energy consumption of completed building
• Reducing waste

Question 5

What is “embodied carbon”?

Answer 5

CO2 emissions associated with the entire life cycle of a product (manufacture, construction, transport)

Question 6

What is the “Code for Sustainable Homes 2007”? Is it still a requirement?

Answer 6

A method for assessing and certifying the sustainable design/construction of NEW HOMES.
Now voluntary.

Question 7

What parts of the building regs cover sustainability?

Answer 7

• AD C – Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
• AD F – Ventilation
• AD J – Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
• AD L - Conservation of Fuel and Power