Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
What is ESG?
Environmental, Social and Governance - a set of standards measuring a business’ impact on society:-
Environmental - waste, sustainable materials etc
Social - charitable work, health and wellbeing etc
Governance - application of standards to meet regulatory requirements.
What is the Paris Agreement 2016?
Sets out the global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming
What was the Kyoto Protocol 1997 and what are its targets?
An international treaty among industrialised nations that sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions. It targets are for the industrialised nations to reduced their emissions by and average of 5% below 1990 levels ( UK committed to 12.5% reduction)
What are MEES?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards - guidelines set by government in relation to commercially let properties
How does MEES impact your role?
At lease renewal I have to ensure the property has a rating at E or above.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate that measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale A-G
What are key dates for EPC?
April 2018 - unlawful to grant new lease on substandard propety
April 2023 - it is an offence to continue to let or rent a property if it does not have a rating of at least an E.
April 2027 - EPC rating C
2030 - EPC rating B
Is there a penalty for failure to comply with EPC?
Yes. Based on the RV of the property and will be:-
Less than 3 months = 10% of RV min £5K max £50K
More than 3 months = 20% of RV min £10K max £150K
Are there any exemptions to MEES?
7 exemptions
1. High Cost (domestic only) - cheapest improvement exceed £3,500
2. 7 year payback
3. All improvements made
4. Wall insulation not suitable
5. Consent - either planning or tenant
6. Devaluation - improvements reduce value
7. New LL - as a result of being a guarantor.
What is Climate Change Act 2008?
A legally binding framework to tackle climate change
Since when have MEES been required?
2008
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method - sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings through specification, design, construction and operation
What are the most common environmental issues on construction sites?
Risk of land degradation
Risks to Flora and Fauna (plants and animals)
Risks of Water Pollution
Air pollution
Land contamination
Noise and vibrations
What regulations and codes of practice are you aware of that affect sustainability? (6)
Agricultural Land Act 1947
Building Act 1984
Clean Air Act 1956
Climate Change Act 2008
Energy Act 2011
Environmental Protection Act 1990
What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?
Recycling of cardboard, paper and plastics
Energy efficient lighting
Cycle to work scheme
Reduce printing
Name some sustainable building methods.
Ground source heat pumps
Solar panels
Rain water harvesting
Green roofs
What is your understanding of green roofs?
A roof covering that is partially or completely covered with vegetation that is placed over a waterproof membrane.
What are the advantages of green roofs?
Absorb rainwater
Extra insulation
Increase biodiversity by provided habitat for wildlife
Aesthetically pleasing
What are photovoltaics and how do they work?
Convert sunlight into electricity.
Sunlight contents energy know as photons and when these hit solar modules with the panel, they cause electrons to flow through the bottom layer.
This flows into an inverter which converts DC electricity into AC that is then used to power the building
What is carbon neutral?
Balance between carbon emitted and the carbon absorbed
How does a ground source heat pump work?
Heat from the ground is absorbed at low temperatures into a fluid inside a loop of pipe buried underground.
The fluid passes through a compressor that raises it to a higher temperature, which can then heat water for the heating and hot water circuits
What is an EPC?
Introduced in 2007 and are a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let or constructed.
They last 10 years
What sustainable initiative are you aware of that are implemented by the RICS?
SKA ratings encouraging green codes of practice for commercial properties.
RICS launched the Value the Planet campaign and committed to forming a climate change expert panel to implement the UN’s sustainable development goals.
They have also launched a Responsible Business Report filled with solutions for companies to operate in a greener capacity
