Sustainability Flashcards
What are the RICS UN sustainable development goals?
- UN outlined 17 sustainable development goals that address world social / economic challenges.
When was the RICS consulted on the sustainable development goals?
The RICS report was compiled from 2016 - 2018.
What impact do construction projects have on the environment?
Construction projects can be very impactful to the built environment. Construction project’s generate a large amount of waste from exercises such as demolition and strip out.
What are the latest efficiency targets?
The minimum energy efficiency standards are:
2027 - EPC C
2030 - EPC B
How do MEES impact the advice that you provide to your clients?
The MEES must be factored into advice that we provide to our clients. Especially relevant to larger whole building refurbishment projects as it is important to avoid a landlord’s asset being “stranded”. Given 10 year leases the MEES are very relevant when undertaking landlord work.
What is the impact if these MEES are changed by the current government?
This would have a large impact on the industry as a whole given that this likely legislation has driven change in the industry. I still think, without MEES legislation, the trend driven by tenants is for more sustainable space however.
What CPD have you undertaken relevant to sustainability?
Impact of Sustainability Issues on
Development & Construction, Sustainability Library - Building Certifications, An Introduction to NABERS by
Savills Earth
Could you please explain the likely raise in MEES to take place in commercial office space?
2027 - EPC C
2030 - EPC B
What is NABERS?
A simple system for rating the energy efficiency of office buildings across England. Focussing on plant efficiency, thermal performance etc.
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building research establishment environmental assessment method
What was the RICS role in the UN sustainable development goals?
- Provided advice on the critical issues facing the real estate, land industries.
Could you please provide an example of some of the UN sustainable development goals?
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Good health and wellbeing
- Responsible consumption and production
What are the three phases of the UN sustainable development goals?
1) - Development Phase
2) - Real estate use phase
3) - Recovery phase
What is the UK’s 2050 sustainability targets?
Achieve Net Zero by 2050 in all UK sectors
What BREEAM accreditation do you have experience with?
BREEAM refurbishment and fit-out 2014
What are some of the criteria assessedin BREEAM?
- Pollution
- Waste
- Materials
- Transport
How do you personally promote sustainability outside of work?
- Choose foods with less packaging.
- Two vegetarian meals a week.
- Take public transport.
- Printing
How would a change in likely implementation of MEES from the government impact your daily work?
- Tenants trends are tracking towards more sustainable space nonetheless.
- May impact the scope of some landlord refurbishments where achieving an EPC B is expensive.
What changes to MEES has the government recently implemented?
- They have scrapped proposed changes to the MEES due in 2025. The limit for EPC remains a E.
What is the EPC bracket for a B?
26 - 50
What is an EPC bracket for a C?
51 - 75
What is the most damaging form of refrigerant?
R-22
What refrigerant is currently being phased out?
R410A
What is the refrigerant that is currently deemed suitable for use?
R32
What is a SKA rating?
- RICS’ sustainability accreditation.
- Fit-outs only.
- Energy and water use
What is the BCO waiting time for a lift?
- 25s
