Sustainability

Question 1

Why is sustainability important to construction?

Answer 1

Construction makes up approximately 6% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Climate change, resource consumption and water management are all environmental issues that must
be carefully considered when working towards sustainability in construction

Question 2

What is the environmental pillar?

Answer 2

Environmental - preventing harmful and potentially irreversible impacts on the environment by the careful use of natural resource minimising waste and energy, protecting and enhancing the environment where possible. A measure of the carbon footprint of the building.

Question 3

What is the economic pillar?

Answer 3

Economic - efficient use of resources, including labour, and ensuring the design and construction meets their current and functional needs of the users. Does the development represent overall value for money?

Question 4

What is the social pillar?

Answer 4

Social - The development should respond to the needs of the wider community. For example, a failure might be a fast food restaurant being built next to a school. Whereas a library being constructed next to a university would be considered more socially sustainable.

Question 5

What is lifecycle costing?

Answer 5

The cost of an asset through its lifecycle including construction, renewal, operation, maintenance, and end of life costs

Question 6

Benefits of local supply chains

Answer 6

Supporting the local community economically
Using local workers - social
Saving money on transport
Saving fuel so not contributing to high emissions from travelling

Question 7

What is BREEAM

Answer 7

Building research establishment environmental assessment method

Sets best practice for environmental performance through design, specification, construction, and operation.

Independent licences assessors carry about an assessment of a scheme and score each criteria. This is then multiplied by a weighting.

Can be on new developments or refurbishments

Voluntary but clients, public projects and local authorities may require it or stipulate it as part of planning.

Question 8

BREEAM Values

Answer 8

Energy
Land use and ecology
Water
Health and wellbeing
Pollution
Transport
Materials
Waste
Management

Question 9

BREEAM rating

Answer 9

Unclassified (<30%)
Pass (>30%)
Good (>45%)
Very Good (>55%)
Excellent (>70%)
Outstanding (>85%).

Question 10

Benefits of BREEAM

Answer 10

Inspires developers to improve, innovate and make effective use of resources.

Sustainable value and efficiency makes BREEAM certified developments attractive investments

Generates sustainable environments that enhance
the wellbeing of the people who live and work in them.

Reduced operational costs

Help limits developer risk for the future, making a building more attractive to let, sell or retain, and creating a healthier workplace

Question 11

Are there other assessment methods for sustainability

Answer 11

SKA rating - used on non-domestic fit outs.
LEED - leadership in energy and environmental design. Mainly in America