Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure a healthy and equitable future for all.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves the integration of economic, social, and environmental factors in decision-making processes.
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
What targets did one of these set?
Answer: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty that aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
There have been several protocols and agreements under the UNFCCC, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
The Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries. The target was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012.
What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?
EU:
- 55% Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
- Climate neutral by 2050
UK:
- Target to slash emissions by 78% by 2035
- Net zero by 2050
What are the MEES Regulations?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard
Introduced 1 April 2018
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Rating is E and above
Explain how you have been affected by MEES regulations in your role
Freehold man co client
Recovered flat in building
Was considering whether to sell/let
We procured EPC via agent - came out as an E rating - just above minimum standard
Decided to sell in end but informed me of the practical considerations
When do MEES change? How?
1 April 2023 - Unlawful to continue to let commercial premises
2025 - C rating proposed for new tenancies
2028 - C proposed for continuing tenancies
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
The NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) is a UK government document that outlines planning policies for England.
It emphasizes sustainable development as a core principle,
Guiding decisions to balance economic, social, and environmental needs while improving the quality of life, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable growth.
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you
are aware of?
- Kyoto Protocol - 1997
Legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Established emissions trading schemes and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
- Paris Agreement - 2015
Aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels
Established a framework for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and a review process
Developed countries committed to mobilizing $100 billion annually in climate finance by 2020
- COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact - 2021
Called for increased efforts to phase down unabated coal power and fossil fuel subsidies
Emphasized the need for increased climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage support
What is the Paris agreement?
Paris Agreement - 2015
Aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels
Established a framework for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and a review process
Developed countries committed to mobilizing $100 billion annually in climate finance by 2020
Explain your understanding of COP26.
COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact - 2021
Called for increased efforts to phase down unabated coal power and fossil fuel subsidies
Emphasized the need for increased climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage support
What does the UK Climate Change Act 2008 set as targets?
The UK Climate Change Act 2008 set legally binding targets for the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, which was later amended to net-zero emissions by 2050.
What are carbon budgets?
Carbon budgets are legally binding limits on the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the UK can emit over a five-year period, aiming to ensure the UK meets its long-term emissions reduction targets.
What is the Infrastructure Act 2015 and its relation to climate change?
- The Infrastructure Act 2015 in the UK allows communities to buy stake in renewable energy projects of 5 MW or more.
- Provides new statutory right for underground access for shale gas, oil, and geothermal energy.
- Introduces zero carbon standard for new homes in England and Wales starting in 2016.
What is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)?
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a UK government scheme that provides financial incentives for the installation of renewable heating technologies, such as biomass boilers and heat pumps.
How can buildings impact the environment?
Answer:
Buildings can impact the environment through energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, waste generation, and habitat destruction.
Give an example of a sustainable design feature.
A sustainable design feature example is a green roof, which provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and improves air quality.
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
(BREEAM)
An example of an environmental assessment method for buildings is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which evaluates and rates the sustainability of buildings.
How does MEES impact upon your role?
Deciding to rent/refurbish property
What falls outside of MEES?
MEES does not apply to buildings exempt from having an EPC,
Such as
- certain listed buildings,
- temporary structures
- some agricultural buildings.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES?
Penalties for non-compliance with MEES can range from £5,000 to £150,000, depending on the property’s rateable value and the length of non-compliance.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information about a property’s energy efficiency, with ratings from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
What buildings require an EPC?
Buildings that are being sold, rented, or constructed in the UK, with some exemptions.
When is an EPC required?
An EPC is required when a building is sold, rented, or constructed, and must be provided to prospective buyers or tenants.
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
Buildings exempt from having an EPC include listed buildings, temporary structures, and some agricultural buildings.
When do you need to display an EPC?
An EPC must be displayed in commercial buildings larger than 500 square meters that are frequently visited by the public.
What is included in an EPC?
An EPC includes information about a property’s energy efficiency, an estimated energy cost, and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
How would you find an EPC?
EPCs can be found in the UK’s EPC Register, which can be accessed online.
When are the penalties for not having an EPC?
Penalties for not having an EPC can range from £200 to £5,000, depending on the property’s rateable value.
What is a DEC?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is a document that shows the energy performance of a public building based on its actual energy usage.
When is a DEC required?
A DEC is required for buildings larger than 250 square meters occupied by public authorities and institutions providing public services.
What must accompany a DEC?
A DEC must be accompanied by an advisory report containing recommendations for improving the building’s energy efficiency.
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
Answer:
Penalties for not having a DEC can range from £500 for failing to display a DEC to £1,000 for not having a valid advisory report.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Answer:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that emphasizes ethical conduct, social and environmental considerations, and the well-being of stakeholders.
What is BREEAM/SKA rating/LEED/Passivhaus?
These are all sustainability assessment methods for buildings.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a UK-based method, SKA rating is an environmental assessment tool for fit-outs,
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a US-based green building rating system,
and Passivhaus is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings.
What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?
The Code for Sustainable Homes was replaced by the national technical standards in 2015, which are now part of the Building Regulations.
What is the Climate Change Levy?
The Climate Change Levy is a UK environmental tax imposed on the non-domestic use of energy, aimed at encouraging energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?
Building Regulation Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) relates to energy efficiency in buildings
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?
One example is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), which requires privately rented properties to meet a minimum energy performance rating.
What is ESOS?
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is a UK mandatory energy assessment scheme for large organizations, aimed at identifying and promoting energy-saving opportunities.
