Sustainability Flashcards
What is renewable energy
It is energy that comes from a natural source such as the sun
What are the different sources of renewable energy
Solar, wind, hydro, wave
What is Hydro energy
This is done by building a dam/barrier within a reservoir which can control the flow of water that in turn will drive a turbine which generates the electricity
What is wave energy
This is where the twice daily tide currents are used to drive a turbine that will generate energy
- Why is economic, environmental and social factors important
Because they are interlinked.
Environmental means living within our natural resources. Without this we will run out of our current sources and destroy the earth.
For this to happen the economy needs to change, which means businesses and countries need to source naturally if they don’t then this will impact environmental.
Social factors incorporates humans well being and health. Without a clean environment such as clean water due to pollution will cause health issues and without jobs provided my business then this will impact the economy.
- How long does an EPC last for?
a. 10 years
- What were the new EPC regulations that came into effect this year?
a. They came into effect as of 1st April 2023. It meant that it is an offence to continue to let or newly let units with an EPC rating less than E
b. There is the proposal to commercial property must have a rating of C or higher by 1st April 2027 and B ore better by 2030
- Did you review the payback period for the light sensors?
a. We knew it would be beneficial and my client wanted to implement sustainability initiatives and therefore my client was happy to front the costs
- What is sustainability?
a. Ensuring what we take away from the earth we give back to ensure we protect ours and other generations future
- What are MEES
a. Minimum energy Efficiency standards they govern the regulations for EPCs for commercial and residential properties.
- What would happen if a unit was currently let with an F or G rating and who would do them?
a. You would need to carry out the relevant works to bring them up to standard and this would be at a cost to the landlord
- What is an EPC plus report?
a. Provides information of the works that bring it up to standard as well as the payback period
- Can you put improvement of the lighting through the service charge?
a. Only if you are modernising or it is economically viable. If you can show that you will get your money back over 7 years.
- If you are going to do an improvement that saves money, does the RICS allow you to charge this through the service charge?
a. Service charge costs are usually resevered for the cost of, replacement where beyond economic repair and maintenance. It cannot include initial costs, setting up costs, improvements above the cost or normal maintenance, repair, replacement. Unless it can be justified following a cost-benefit analysis.
- What is Net Carbon Zero?
a. It is where we review our carbon emissions and reduce them as much as possible. For the amount we cannot reduce we ensure the carbon we input is the carbon we output
