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Sustainability Flashcards

1
Q

What is sustainability?

A

Fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations.

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2
Q

What is sustainable development?

A

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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3
Q

What are the triple bottom line principles?

A

People, Profit & Planet.

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4
Q

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

A

Achieving sustainable development means that the planning system has 3 overarching objectives which are interdependent & need to be pursued in mutually supportive ways.
1. An economic objective
2. A social objective
3. An environmental objective

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5
Q

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?

A

Climate Change Act 2008
Kyoto Protocol – committing industrialized countries & economies in transition to limit & reduce greenhouse gases.

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6
Q

What targets did one of these set?

A

The climate Change Act 2008 – Amended in 2019 to require the UK to achieve “net zero carbon” by 2050.

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7
Q

What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?

A

Net zero carbon by 2050
An interim target of reducing emissions by 78% by 2030

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8
Q

What is the Paris Agreement?

A

A legally binding international treaty on climate change. Adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in 2015. It aims to keep the global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius.

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9
Q

What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?

A

It operationalizes the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change by committing industrialized countries & economies in transition to limit & reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets. It was adopted in 1997

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10
Q

What are the 2020/2030/2050 EU targets?

A

Roadmap to low carbon economy. 25% reductions in 2020, 40% in 2030 and 80 – 95% in 2050.

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11
Q

Explain your understanding of COP26.

A

Conference of Parties (COP). This summit was attended by the countries that signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) a treaty that came into force in 1994. This was the 26th COP summit.

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12
Q

What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?

A

It created a basis for the UK’s approach to tackling & responding to climate change. It requires emissions of C02 & other greenhouse gases are reduced & that climate change risks are adapted to. It also establishes the framework to deliver on these requirements.

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13
Q

What are carbon budgets?

A

Set every 5 years. A restriction on the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit over a 5-year period.

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14
Q

What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?

A

Zero carbon homes & carbon off-setting The government introduced a zero carbon emissions standard for new homes in England & Wales from 2016, implemented through the building regulations. The intention is there should be no carbon emissions generated from energy required to heat & light a home.

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15
Q

What is the renewable heat incentive?

A

A government financial incentive to promote the use of renewable heat. It closed in March 2022.

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16
Q

How can buildings impact upon the environment?

A

Construction is responsible for up to 50% of climate change. The built environment generates 40% of annual global CO2 emissions.

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17
Q

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

A

Geothermal heat pumps, water collection butts, energy efficient windows.

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18
Q

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

A

BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment.
EPC – Energy performance certificate.

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19
Q

Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?

A

Landlords can no longer rent or continue to let properties covered by MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have an exemption. From April 2023.
A new EPC must be registered by April 2025 & another by April 2028 to see if they comply to the below:
EPC C – by 2027
EPC B – by 2030

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20
Q

How does MEES impact upon your role?

A

Need to ensure theses are met & advise clients.

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21
Q

What are the key dates for MEES?

A

April 2023 – E or above
April 2027 – C or above
April 2030 – B or above

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22
Q

What falls outside of MEES?

A

Listed or officially protected buildings.
Freehold investors will not be considered landlords for the purpose of MEES Regulations where the term of the headlease is over 99 years.

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23
Q

Are there any exemptions from MEES?

A

Yes. ‘All relevant improvements made’ - you never need to spend more than £3,500. If you can’t improve the properties EPC to E then you should make all the improvements you can for 3.5K and then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption. The exemption lasts 5 years.
* ‘High Cost’ Exemptions – if even the cost of installing the cheapest recommended measure would exceed £3,500. You need 3 quotes. This lasts 5 years.
* Wall insulation exempt – If the only relevant improvements are cavity, external or internal wall insulation.
* Third-party consent exemption – need consent from another party and it can’t be obtained.
* Property devaluation exemption – there improvements would devalue it by more that 5%.
* Recently become a landlord – 6-month exemption in certain circumstances.
* Where the LL has been refused consent to improve by the tenant within the last 5 years.
* 7-year payback exemptions

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24
Q

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

A

If the beach lasts longer than 3 months. Higher of £10k or 20% of the rateable value of the property up to £150,000.

if less higher of £5k or 10% of RV up to £50k

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25
What is an EPC?
A certificate giving a property a rating from A – G & is valid for 10 years.
26
What buildings require an EPC?
Must have a roof, walls and use energy to condition the indoor climate.
27
When is an EPC required?
When a building is constructed, sold or rented.
28
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
* Listed or officially protected * A temporary building to be used 2 yaers or less * A place of worship * An industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use that much energy * A detached building less than 50 sqm . * Due to be demolished * Due to be sold with VP * Suitable for demolition or redevelopment * Buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission.
29
When do you need to display an EPC?
If all of these apply; total useable floor area is over 500 sqm, the building is frequently visited by the public, an EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction.
30
What is included in an EPC?
Information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. Recommendations about how to reduce energy use & save money.
31
How would you find an EPC?
EPC register online.
32
When are the penalties for not having an EPC?
Fine of up to £5k. When regulations are upgraded the fine for not having a valid EPC of C or above will be £30k.
33
What is a DEC?
A Display Energy Certificate. It measures the actual energy usage of a building on annual consumption.
34
When is a DEC required?
Public authorities must have if: it is at least partially occupied by a public authority, it has a total floor area of over 250 sq m, it I frequently visited by the public.
35
What must accompany a DEC?
An advisory Report containing cost-effective recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building.
36
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
£500 for filing to display at all times in a prominent place visible to the public and £1k for failing to have possession of a valid advisory report.
37
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
A business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders and the public.
38
What is BREEAM/SKArating/LEED/Passivhaus?
BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment. SKA rating – A certificate that demonstrates that your company takes sustainability seriously & has achieved a standard with your property. LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Most widely used green building rating system. More common than BREEAM in nearly every market. Levels of certificate to silver, gold & platinum. Passivhaus - A building that aims not to use as much energy in the first place by being effectively sealed against the elements. They maintain constant temperature.
39
What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?
It has been withdrawn and replaced by new national technical standards which comprise new optional Building Regs regarding water & access.
40
What is the Climate Change Levy?
An environmental tax charged on the energy that businesses use.
41
What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?
Part L covers the requirements for energy efficiency compliance of a new build dwelling. Individuals responsible for the building work must ensure the work complies.
42
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?
A new target to reduce energy demand from buildings & industry by 15% by 2030.
43
What is ESOS?
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – A mandatory energy assessment scheme for organisations in the UK.
44
When was CRC abolished? What replaced it?
CRC = Carbon reduction scheme. Abolished in 2019 The Streamline Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) Framework.
45
How did CCL rates change?
Changes to rates from April 2024. Increase the main rate of Climate Change Levy (CCL) for gas.
46
What is the SECR regime? When was it introduced? For what type of company? Who is exempt? What are the requirements? What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Streamline Energy & Carbon Reporting – a sustainability reporting framework which is mandatory for large organizations in the UK. April 2019 Quoted companies, large unquoted and LLPs. Non-UK registered companies. UK subsidiaries that qualify but are already covered by a parent’s group report, public sector organizations, charities and private sector organizations that don’t file reports to company’s house. Consumed more than 40,000 kilowatt-hours of energy in the reporting period. Accounts may not be signed off which could lead to missing the filing deadline and a civil penalty
47
What is a Memorandum of Understanding?
A document that describes the broad outline is an agreement that two or more parties have reached. It’s not legally binding.
48
What is a green lease?
A series of additional provisions that impose an obligation on the landlord & tenant to manage & reduce the environmental impact of a property by way of improvements. They tend to only relate to commercial properties.
49
What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?
‘Contamination, the Environment & Sustainability’, 2010 “Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice” 2021
50
How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?
Liquidity, EPC improvements reduce capex, reduction of SC.
51
How do you assess a building’s sustainability characteristics?
BREEAM – ‘Excellent’ >70%, Very good > 55%, Good > 45%, Pass > 30%
52
Tell me about sustainable design / construction considerations/materials.
Avoid non renewables, create less waste, use less.
53
What improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types/ages?
Lighting LED, Window Glazing, M&E
54
Tell me about how you would apply a sustainability matrix in your work.
Use the matrix as a criteria to assess how well your ideas align with your sustainability strategy and how much value they create for your business.
55
What is Off Site Manufacture (OSM)?
Building methods where components are made remotely, delivered and assembled on site.
56
Tell me about tenant/lender/investor considerations in relation to sustainability.
Tenants may require more incentive to agree green clauses. Lenders & investors may only want to invest into sustainable buildings / projects.
57
Explain your understanding of the Green Deal to me.
It helps make energy-saving improvements to your home & to find the best way to pay for them. The Green Deal can give loans.
58
How can building conservation relate to sustainability?
Re-using & reshaping buildings is sustainable and saves carbon. Maintaining buildings efficiency is sustainable.
59
What features would you recommend in this context?
Re-use of buildings instead of demolition. Maintenance programs to replace redundant or ill performing systems.
60
Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs.
Life Cycle Costing 2016. Life Cycle Costing covers the main principles, processes, calculations & definitions for life cycle costing.
61
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals? How many are there? What is the target achievement date?
A call for action by all countries to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. 1. No Poverty 2. Zero Hunger 3. Good Health & Wellbeing 4. Quality Education 5. Gender Equality 6. Clean Water & Sanitation 7. Affordable & Clean Energy 8. Decent Work & Economic Growth 9. Industry Innovation & Infrastructure 10. Reduces Inequalities 11. Sustainable Cities & Communities 12. Responsible Consumption & Production 13. Climate Action 14. Life Below Water 15. Life On Land 16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions 17. Partnerships For the Goals 2030
62
How are RICS working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals
To identify the most critical issues facing companies with a stake in land, real estate & construction in relation to the SDGs
63
What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?
To promote the preservation of the planet & a more sustainable longer -term approach through the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
64
How can the private sector work towards the SDGs?
Speak out more ambitiously & transparently on the need for smart public policies & regulation.
65
What is SUDS?
Sustainable drainage systems
66
What is net biodiversity gain?
An approach to development, and or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better shape than it was beforehand.
67
What do each of ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?
ISO 14001 – looks at resource use, waste management & pollution. ISO 150001 – interested in energy performance indicators & a business’s energy baseline. ISO = International Organization for Standardization.
68
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
A framework that helps an organization achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation, and improvement of its environmental performance.
69
What is sustainable procurement?
The integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles into your company.
70
What is social value?
A set of principles that are morally accepted by society.
71
What does the term whole life carbon mean?
The carbon emissions resulting from the materials, construction and the use of a building over its entire life, including its demolition and disposal.
72
How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?
Life cycle costs are those associated directly with construction & operating the building. Whole life costs include other aspects such as land.
73
What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?
The phasing out of direct fossil fuels alongside adding onsite renewable generation. Shift to zero-carbon technologies to generate electricity.
74
What is a post-occupancy evaluation?
The process of obtaining feedback on a building’s performance in use after it has been built & occupied. It informs the users if the building is energy efficient & reveals if it is being used as intended.
75
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment and when would one be carried out?
A tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. Used for when a project has potentially significant environmental effects.
76
What methods of construction are more sustainable?
Using renewable and recycled materials. Controlling waste management. Constructing green buildings.
77
What are Modern Methods of Construction?
A process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production & factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building. To produce more, better quality homes in less time.
78
What is PAS 2035?
A specification for what is called ‘whole-house’ or ‘whole building’ retrofit. This is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) which takes into account the requirements of the entire building, both from a technical standpoint & considering factors like occupancy comfort
79
When and why was the Green Grant scrapped?
31st March 2020 (6 months after being unveiled). The scheme offered funding to help homeowners make energy efficient home improvements. It closed as; issues with the application process, administrators being slow to distribute vouchers, tradespeople being left out if pocket for completed work.
80
What further changes are proposed to minimum energy standards relating to private residential property?
Plans to raise the minimum EPC to C by 2030 and the government is currently consulting on how to implement this.
81
Explain your understanding of NABERS.
Helps owners to accurately measure & communicate the environmental performance & progress of buildings. (National Australian Built Environment Ratings System).
82
Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper.
The Energy White Paper lays out a plan that the government will transform energy, provide people with a fair deal & drive a green recovery. Key proposal: The UK government’s commitment to nuclear as it aims to bring at least one large-scale nuclear project to Final Investment Decision (FID) within its tenure, before the end of 2024.
83
What changes are likely to be made to MEES under this?
The 2020 White Paper confirmed the future trajectory for the non-domestic MEES will be EPC B by 2030
84
Explain how EPC reporting on the Government website has changed.
Estimated costings have been amended on the EPC to provide costs over 1 year instead of 3 years.
85
Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard.
It aims to ensure that new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes built under the current Building Regulations.
86
Explain the proposals under the Government's Net Zero Strategy and Heat & Buildings Strategy.
No one will be forced to remove their existing boilers, but whenever an old boiler breaks after 2035, homeowners will need to install an eco-friendly alternative.
87
What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and what will it fund?
Set up in April 2013. The scheme aims to help eligible customers make their homes more energy-efficient by installing free energy-saving measures and heating improvements.
88
Explain your understanding of the Help to Heat scheme.
Helps switch to gas central heating by offering a cheaper or free gas connection.
89
Explain a key theme discussed in the RICS and World Built Environment Forum Sustainability Report 2021.
Room for improvement in the construction sector, where the majority of respondents take no measure of carbon emission over expected project life cycles. The growth I occupier demand for green buildings is most pronounced in Europe.
90
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
A support mechanism designed to ensure small-scale generators are paid for the renewable electricity they export to the grid.
91
What is the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)?
SFDR empowers the Commission to adopt delegated & implementing acts to specify how competent authorities and market participants shall comply with the obligations laid down in the directive.
92
What are the Taxonomy Regulations?
Establishes a classification system (or taxonomy) which provides businesses with a common language to identify whether or not a given economic activity should be considered “environmentally sustainable.”
93
Explain your understanding of the B Corp certification.
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social & environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit & purpose.
94
What is BOPAS?
An independent Third-Party Accreditation of MMC Providers & their associated construction systems, providing assurance to Lenders, Developers & Homeowners as to the integrity & durability of properties accredited under the scheme. Build offsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) – developed to address concerns & perceived risks associated with innovative construction.
95
What changes is the Government making to the use of rebated diesel and biofuels?
Government will remove the entitlement to use rebated diesel & biofuels from most sectors from April 2022 to help meet its climate change air quality targets.
96
How will this affect the construction industry?
Heavy construction equipment of all kinds will be banned to use red diesel. This will have knock on implications.
97
Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021.
Improve air & water quality, tackle waste, improve biodiversity & make other environmental improvements.
98
What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection?
To protect & improve the environment by holding government & other public authorities to account.
99
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?
Scope 1 are those direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company. Scope 2 & 3 are indirect emissions as a consequence of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.
100
What does Approved Document L relate to?
Guidance on the conservation of fuel & power.
101
What recent changes to the Building Regulations have been made to work towards the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025?
Recent changes; Updated Part B (fire safety), F (ventilation), and L (conservation of fuel & power). New regulations to part O (Overheating) and part S (infrastructure for charging electrical devices). Compliance with FHS will become mandatory in 2025.
102
What does Approved Document S relate to?
Infrastructure for charging electrical vehicles.
103
Why is the Government encouraging the use of electric vehicles?
EVs produce none or fewer carbon emissions.
104
What is the UN Race to Zero?
A global campaign to rally leadership & support from non-state actors (businesses, cities, regions, investors) to take rigorous & immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 & deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world.
105
What is the World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment?
It challenges companies, cities, states & regions to reach net zero building emissions in their portfolios by 2030 & to advocate for a net zero carbon-built environment by 2050.
106
Do you personally or your company have any specific initiatives to reduce your carbon footprint?
Cycle to work. Recycling.
107
Explain your understanding the measures undertaken by governments and international bodies to encourage the reduction of the environmental impact of development.
World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings – a net zero carbon-built environment by 2050. Net zero biodiversity gain aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better shape than it was beforehand. Paris agreement aims to keep global temperature increase to 2 degrees.
108
Drapers Yard, Leeds - Investment Disposal What Is meant by BREEAM and why was it relevant here?
BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment. The building was being fit out by the tenants who were targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’, Important for the sale for investors.
109
What was the Importance of photovoltaics on the roof and how did this Impact ESG?
Solar panels reduce the cost for the tenant and the reliance on the grid. Help with the BREEAM Rating and ESG credentials. Increases investor appetite.
110
Why were EV car charging points Important to sustainability and why did It matter about these being allocated? How would this Impact on value?
Electric vehicles produce less carbon emissions and so are better for the environment. EV charging points allows the facilitation of EV. Increases value as future proofs the asset.
111
Norfolk Tower, Norwich - Investment Disposal How did you know the building was circa 50 years old? What did the floor refurbishment consist of, and what was the level before the refurbishment? Why does LED lighting Increase an EPC rating? Who typically would pay for any work to Increase an EPC rating? How can EPCS Impact on value?
There was a building survey which referenced the date. CoStar also gave the date of its construction as 1974. New LED lighting. All areas were refurbed with air conditioning split systems. LED’s offer improved energy efficiency. 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. The landlord. MEES require EPC C by 2027 and B by 2030. If they don’t meet these investors will need to factor in this capex into a purchase.
112

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