Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being
What is sustainable development?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What are the triple bottom line principles?
The three core triple bottom line principles are economic, social and environmental.
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): This was adopted in 1992 and serves as the foundation for global efforts to address climate change. Its objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
Kyoto Protocol: This was adopted in 1997 as an extension of the UNFCCC. It requires developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by specific amounts. The protocol’s first commitment period ended in 2012, and a second commitment period was agreed upon in 2012 and is still ongoing.
In 2005, the UAE ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Convention on Climate Change, becoming one of the first major oil-producing countries to do so.
What are the most recent national/international targets relating to sustainability?
Climate Action: In 2020, the UAE submitted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, in which it committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% by 2030.
What is greenhouse gas emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions refer to the release of gases into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming and climate change. The most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change that was adopted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP21) in December 2015. It was signed by 196 countries, including the United States, China, and India, and entered into force in November 2016.
The goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is considered to be the threshold beyond which the impacts of climate change become increasingly dangerous and irreversible.
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?
The main targets of the Kyoto Protocol were to reduce the emissions of six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) from developed countries by an average of 5.2% below their 1990 levels by 2012. The targets varied for each country, taking into account their different economic circumstances and emissions profiles.
The Kyoto Protocol was seen as a significant step forward in the global effort to address climate change, but its effectiveness was limited by the fact that many major emitters, including the United States and China, did not ratify the agreement. Additionally, some countries that did ratify the agreement failed to meet their emissions reduction targets. The Kyoto Protocol ended in 2012, and its successor, the Paris Agreement, was adopted in 2015.
How can buildings impact upon the environment?
Energy consumption: Buildings consume a lot of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and powering equipment. This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Water consumption: Buildings also use a lot of water, particularly for activities like washing, flushing toilets, and irrigation. This can put a strain on local water resources and ecosystems.
Waste production: Buildings generate a significant amount of waste, including construction waste, packaging waste, and hazardous waste. This waste can pollute the environment and harm wildlife.
Land use: The construction of buildings often requires the clearing of natural habitats, which can result in the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of wildlife.
Air pollution: Buildings can also contribute to air pollution through emissions from heating and cooling systems, as well as from vehicles associated with the building.
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
The use of passive solar design. This design approach takes advantage of the sun’s energy to naturally heat and cool the building, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems.
Passive solar design typically involves orienting the building to face south (in the northern hemisphere) to maximize exposure to the sun’s rays, as well as incorporating features such as large windows, thermal mass, and shading devices to control the amount of heat and light that enters the building. For example, a building with a large southern-facing window can let in sunlight during the winter to warm up the interior, while an overhang or shading device can block direct sunlight in the summer to prevent overheating.
By using passive solar design, buildings can reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants.
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
LEED/BREAAM
BREAAM vs LEED
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability assessment method developed in the UK. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings across several categories, including energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, and ecology. Buildings can earn a rating of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a sustainability assessment method developed in the US by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings across several categories, including energy, water, materials, waste, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. Buildings can earn a rating of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business model that aims to promote social and environmental sustainability in addition to financial profitability. It is a way for companies to take responsibility for the impact of their operations on society and the environment, and to work towards making a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate.
CSR can take many forms, including ethical labor practices, sustainable sourcing of materials, community engagement, charitable giving, and environmental stewardship. It can involve activities such as reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting local charities and non-profits, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?
Estidama: This is a building sustainability program developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC). It includes guidelines and rating systems for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings, with a focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
Dubai Green Building Regulations: These are regulations developed by the Dubai Municipality to promote sustainable building practices in the city. They include requirements for energy-efficient building design and construction, including the use of efficient HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), lighting, and building insulation.
What is a Memorandum of Understanding?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal document that outlines an agreement or understanding between two or more parties. It is a non-binding document that establishes the framework for cooperation and collaboration between the parties, outlining their shared goals, responsibilities, and commitments.
