Sustainability Flashcards
What are EPCs?
- Energy Performance Certificates
- Stemmed from 2007 EU Directive
- The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, amended 2012
- Required for marketing any residential property, produced by EPC assessor
- Scale A to G and last for 10 years. Show current and potential rating with improvements.
What is MEES?
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 2015.
- Since 2018 minimum E for new leases, since 2023 for all leases (resi and commercial).
- Plans to increase to C by 2025 recently scrapped by Rishi Sunak.
- Households now have until 2035 to replace gas boilers with heat pumps, and only if changing anyway.
What impact does the built environment have on carbon emissions?
40% of global CO2 emissions
Key points of CPD on sustainable building design?
- Aims to minimise environmental impact of buildings throughout lifecycle.
- Key considerations include energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and waste reduction.
Methods to reduce impact include:
- Passive design strategies - optimizing natural lighting and ventilation.
- Renewable energy sources - solar panels or geothermal systems.
- Water-efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Sustainable materials - recycled or locally sourced materials.
- Recycling and construction waste diversion.
- Sustainable building certifications, such as LEED or BREEAM - frameworks and guidelines for sustainable design and can add value.
How will your company achieve net zero by 2040?
- Collect emissions data
- 96% of emissions from clients’ properties we manage so advising them
- Carbon offsetting
- More energy efficient offices
- Smart metering in offices
- Encouraging home-working to reduce commuting
- Business travel - trains instead of flights
- Transitioning vehicle fleet to EVs
What are essential for achieving sustainable building design?
- Consideration of social & economic aspects of sustainability, including occupant comfort and health, community engagement, and lifecycle cost analysis.
- Collaboration among stakeholders, including architects, engineers, developers, and policymakers.
What are the exceptions of EPCs?
- Listed buildings
- Buildings without heating
- Religious buildings
- Temporary buildings
- Due to be demolished/redeveloped
- Residential property unoccupied > 4 months pa
What is included within an EPC?
- Property address & floor area
- EPC reference number
- Information on the property’s energy provision
- Estimation of running costs
- Energy performance rating (A - G)
What are the fines/penalties in place for non-compliance with EPCs?
£200 fine (for not displaying on marketing material)
Who enforces those penalties for EPCs?
The Local Authority’s Trading Standards
What are the main acts surrounding sustainability?
Climate Change Act 2008
Energy Act 2011
Who can produce an EPC?
An accredited energy assessor
How long are EPCs valid for?
10 years
What are the penalties for non-compliance for MEES? (residential property)
- Less than 3 months = £2k
- More than 3 months = £4k
What are the exceptions for MEES?
- Devaluation exemption – if improvements would decrease market value by 5%.
- New landlord exemption – 6 month exemption for new landlords of a sub-standard property where they have purchased the property subject to an existing tenancy.
- Consent exemption – landlord unable to increase the energy efficiency because tenant or 3rd party consent are required and are refused.
