Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Meeting todays needs without impacting the needs of future generations
What are the triple bottom line principles?
A company shouldn’t care only about profits, care about people planet and prosperity
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
Has to determine whether a planning proposal has economic, social and environmental,
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
Climate Change Act 2008. UN Sustainability Development Goals 17
What targets did one of these set?
SDG No poverty. Climate change act- net zero by 2050 based on 1990 levels
What is the Paris Agreement?
Limit temperature rises to 1.5oc. Legally binding treaty.
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?
Reduce co2 emissions below 5% as of 1990 levels
What are carbon budgets?
Budget for the amount of carbon UK can produce in 5 year period
What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?
Encourages renewable heat incentives and offsite construction
What is the renewable heat incentive?
Encouragement to use air source and ground source heat pumps.
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
Installing air source heat pumps, collecting grey water, double glazing
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
BREEAM- Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment Methodology
Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?
Introduced in the Energy Performance Buildings Regulations (Private rented sector 2018). Required EPC certificate for buildings. Rating goes from A to G. from April 2023 now illegal to rent or sell a property with a rating below E.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
10,000 fine or 20% rateable value
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
listed, religious, agricultural, detached with less than 50sqm
What is a DEC?
public buildings
When is a DEC required?
over 250sqm
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
£500 if not shown, £1000 if no advisory report
What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?
Withdrawn now part of building regs
What is the Climate Change Levy?
Environmental tax on energy businesses use
What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?
Approved Document L
What is ESOS?
Requirement for businesses to detail energy usage in their buildings every 4 years
What is the SECR regime?
Must report large buisness carbon emissions on a yearly basis. Failure to comply can mean accounts not signed off.
What is green deal?
Scheme to improve energy efficiency in homes
What is PAS 2035?
Whole house or whole building retrofit targets
Explain your understanding of NABERS.
Star rating scheme for offices. Tracks energy usage in buildings.
