Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Meeting current needs without harming future generations.
Balancing 3 pillars: Environment, Society, and Economy.
for responsible and lasting development.
What is sustainable development?
A holistic approach to progress, seeking a harmonious coexistence of people and nature.
It promotes balancing responsible resource use, social well-being, and economic resilience.
Meet current needs without compromising the future.
What are the triple bottom line principles?
Profit, people and the planet (social, economic and environmental).
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
- Sets government’s planning policies for England.
- Emphasizes achieving sustainable development.
- Recognizes three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.
- Establishes a presumption in favor of sustainable development.
Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs
Explains lifecycle costing and whole life costing for new and refurbished assets.
What RICS guidance relates to sustainability
Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment RICS professional standard - 2023
Purpose: Provides standardized guidance on whole life carbon costing (WLC) for construction, ensuring consistent and comparable results.
Methodology: Details the WLCC process, emphasizing accurate data collection
Applications: Demonstrates WLC’s utility across sectors with real-world case studies, highlighting its benefits in decision-making and cost savings.
How are RICS working towards the SDGs?
Publishing Sustainability reports and WLCABE 2023.
Working with Governments
Training its professional members and Firms.
What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?
Objective: Promotes planet preservation and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Resources: Offers tools, webinars, and best practice showcases.
Insight: Many UK firms currently lack a sustainable strategy, underscoring the campaign’s importance.
Explain a key theme discussed in the RICS and World Built Environment Forum Sustainability Report 2021.
Built Environment’s Role: Responsible for ~40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Trends: Shift towards green buildings and ESG investing, with Europe leading.
Green Leases: Increasing adoption due to client demand and brand reputation.
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
The UN Framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) (aim to stabilise GHGs),
Kyoto protocol (only for developed countries to reduce emissions),
Paris Agreement (replaced the Kyoto protocol in 2015. Includes all countries and aims to reduce emissions to maintain global warming to 1.5C pre-Industrialisation levels).
What targets did one of these set?
limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?
Reach net zero emissions by 2050. Ban the purchase of diesel vehicles by 2035
What is the Paris Agreement?
International treaty on climate change.
Limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
What are carbon budgets?
It Is a restriction on the total amount of GHGs the UK can emit over a 5-year period.
Climate Change Act 2008.
What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?
zero carbon emissions standards for new homes In England and Wales.
No carbon emissions generated from the energy require to heat and light a home.
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?
International agreement linked to the UNFCCC.
The protocol set targets for Industrialised countries to reduce their GHG emissions by c.5% against 1990 levels.
What are the 2030/2050 EU targets?
2030: 55% net emissions reduction
2050: net zero
Explain your understanding of COP26.
(Conference of the Parties) A summit where the countries that signed the UNFCCC attended to discuss climate change.
COP26 was held In Glasgow:
Adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact, focusing on resilience building, curbing emissions, and financing for climate action.
COP27 In Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.
Dedicated fund for loss and damage, maintaining global warming limit to 1.5°C, accountability for businesses, financial support for developing countries, and shifting from promises to action.
COP28 (Dubai, 2023)
Will include the first Global Stocktake, assessing progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.
How can buildings impact upon the environment?
Emissions from construction, operation, demolition
air, water, noise, visual pollution.
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
Air or ground source heat pumps for heating and cooling building Interiors, Insulations, windows, LED lighting.
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
BREEAM (evaluates energy and water used, pollution, transport, etc.), LEED (American, most widely used green building rating system).
Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?
Regulation requiring properties to meet a specific EPC rating.
Applicable to both residential and commercial rented properties, to improve energy efficiency
How does MEES impact upon your role?
Need to assess properties’ energy efficiency before renting.
May require property upgrades to meet standards.
Ensuring compliance to avoid penalties.
What are the key dates for MEES?
April 2018: MEES came into effect for new residential tenancies and renewals.
April 2020: Extended to all residential tenancies.
April 2023: Applies to all commercial tenancies.
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
Listed buildings where compliance would alter character.
Temporary buildings with use time <2 years.
Industrial sites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand.
What falls outside of MEES?
Properties not required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Temporary structures with a planned use time of 2 years or less.
Some listed buildings, if compliance would alter their character.
Are there any exemptions from MEES?
Upgrades are not cost-effective within a 7-year payback period.
Third-party consent is required but cannot be obtained.
Property devaluation due to compliance.
What does an MEES assessment take into account?
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, including insulation, heating, lighting, and ventilation.
Renewable energy sources, if any.
What upgrades do they commonly recommend?
Enhance insulation in walls, roof, and floors.
Upgrade to energy-efficient heating systems and lighting.
Implement renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Fines based on property value.
Potential publication of non-compliance.
Restrictions from renting until compliance is achieved.
Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper.
Launch of the Energy Performance Certificates Action Plan to improve the EPC system,
- enhance energy efficiency
- build consumer trust
- increase engagement.
What changes are likely to be made to MEES under this?
All rented non-domestic buildings will aim to achieve EPC Band B by 2030, where cost-effective.
Implementation and enforcement of this target will be improved through consultation.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificate.
Rates energy efficiency of buildings.
What buildings require an EPC?
All buildings, except:
* Listed buildings where compliance would alter character.
* Temporary buildings with use time <2 years.
* Industrial sites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand.
When is an EPC required?
Before selling or renting out a property.
After construction of a new building.
How many are there?
17
What is included in an EPC?
Energy efficiency rating.
Recommendations for improvement.
Estimated energy costs.
How would you find an EPC?
Online EPC register.
Contacting accredited energy assessors.
When are the penalties for not having an EPC?
Fines based on property type.
Restrictions from selling or renting the property.
How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?
Value Boost: Higher EPC ratings can increase property market value.
Lower Costs: Better ratings lead to reduced energy expenses.
Tenant Appeal: Higher ratings attract sustainability-conscious tenants.
What is a DEC?
Display Energy Certificate.
Shows energy performance of public buildings.
What is the Climate Change Levy?
an environmental tax charged on the energy that businesses use.
1 April 2023:
- 0.775p per kWh for electricity
- 0.672p per kWh for gas.
When is a DEC required?
For public buildings with a total useful floor area over 250m².
Frequently visited by the public.
What must accompany a DEC?
An advisory report with recommendations to improve energy performance.
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
Fines, typically based on the size and type of the building.
Regular checks by enforcement authorities.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and stakeholders interactions.
When do you need to display an EPC?
When a property is viewed.
When information is provided about the property.
Upon lease or sale completion.
What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?
Part L
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?
Green Deal
What was the Green Deal
Provided financial support for energy efficiency improvements.
Targeted homeowners, landlords, and tenants.
Covered measures like insulation, heating, and double glazing.
Tell me about tenant/lender/investor considerations in relation to sustainability.
Operational Savings: Tenants prefer energy-efficient spaces for reduced bills.
Long-term Value: Investors seek sustainable properties for future-proofing assets.
Risk Mitigation: Lenders favor green properties for lower default risks.
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.
What is the target achievement date?
2030
How can the private sector work towards the SDGs?
Direct funds towards sustainable projects and startups_
Implement sustainable products and technologies.
Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs, governments, and communities.
What is SUDS?
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
- manage stormwater locally (as close its source as possible),
- mimic natural drainage (infiltration, attenuation and passive treatment).
What is net biodiversity gain?
- Aims to leave nature in a better state than before.
- Ensures developments result in a net positive impact for biodiversity.
- Involves assessing the site’s current biodiversity, implementing measures to protect and enhance it, and monitoring the outcomes.
DEFRA Metric 4.0
EA 2021 - 10%BNG
What do each of ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?
14001 -set requirements for an environmental management system & 50001 - energy management.
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency
What is social value?
Benefits communities and individuals receive beyond economic gains.
What does the term whole life carbon mean?
Total carbon emissions across a building’s entire lifespan.
How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?
Whole Life Carbon: Carbon footprint from inception to end-of-life.
Life Cycle Costs: Total costs incurred throughout a building’s life.
What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?
Sustainable design.
Energy-efficient construction.
Renewable energy sources.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment and when would one be carried out?
EIA Regs 2017:
A study to predict the environmental effects of a proposed project.
* Evaluates potential positive and negative impacts.
* Recommends mitigation measures for adverse effects.
When Carried Out:
* Before major developments or infrastructure projects.
* When significant environmental effects are anticipated.
* For projects in sensitive or protected areas.
* As required by local or national regulations.
Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021.
Biodiversity: Enhance and protect natural habitats and species.
Air Quality: Set legally binding targets to reduce air pollution.
Waste Management: Improve waste reduction and recycling measures.
Water Resources: Safeguard and manage water resources efficiently.
What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection?
Oversight: Monitor and report on environmental progress.
Enforcement: Ensure government and public bodies comply with environmental law.
Advice: Provide expert advice on environmental matters to the government.
Public Engagement: Address public complaints regarding environmental law breaches.
Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard.
Ensure low carbon heating in new homes. 75-80% lower carbon emissions by 2025.
High energy efficiency standards.
Enhance energy performance in non-domestic buildings.
Set energy and ventilation standards.
Focus on comfort, air quality, and wellbeing.
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?
Scope 1: direct emissions that are owned and controlled by the company (burning natural gas, diesel for transportation),
Indirect emissions.
Scope 2 (electricity purchase),
Scope 3 (logistics, materials, suppliers).
Why is the Government encouraging the use of electric vehicles?
Combat climate change.
Improve air quality.
Stimulate economic growth.
Reduce fossil fuel dependency.
What is the UN Race to Zero?
Leadership rally for zero-carbon future.
Target net-zero emissions by 2050.
What is the World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment?
All buildings net-zero carbon by 2050.
Enhance energy efficiency.
Transition to renewable energy.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
UK government scheme.
Pays small-scale generators for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
Successor to Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs).
Tariffs vary; includes time-of-use options.
Mandatory for energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers.
On Colthrop Quarry, what was needed for the project to demonstrate ecological and landscape compatibility?
assessment of these receptors using qulaified experts to produce reports.
ecology: minimum 10%BNG and no impact on protected species.
Landscape: no detrimental views of potential plant from jey view points.
How did this fit into local planning policy?
Good:
- contributed to combating climate change - WBC Climate Emergency
- away from protected landscape and well screened
- on a restored landfill in a quarry,
- near industrial area.
Bad:
- next to SSSI.
What form of valuation were you using?
DCF
How did the project contribute to national energy policies?
decrease whole life carbon from site as powering plant with renewable energy.
What is BREEAM
Leading certification system for sustainable built environments.
Offers sustainability assessment across asset types with third-party verification.
Trusted globally, aiding in verifying sustainability claims.
R v Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [2015]
UK’s failure to meet nitrogen dioxide levels set by EU law since 2010.
Legal Accountability: Governments can be legally held accountable for environmental breaches, ensuring adherence to sustainability standards.
Policy Impetus: Legal challenges can catalyze more stringent environmental policies and prompt action.
Air Quality Priority: The case emphasizes air quality as a critical component of sustainable urban living.
R v Environment Agency [2018]
Environment Agency unfairly restricting an established fisher from salmon-fishing in the Severn Estuary.
Decision-making:
Balance environmental aims with individual rights through transparent regulatory actions.
Compensation & Inclusion:
Prioritize compensating affected parties and ensure inclusive, sustainable decisions.
When is an EPC required?
EPC required for all commercial buildings over 50 sqm:
- When it is newly built, sold or let for a term of more than 6 months (& less than 99 years). Also applies for sub-letting and assignments of leases
- When it is newly refurbished and heating, air conditioning or ventilation services are altered, and/or the building is subject to Building Regulations for construction
What properties are exempt from an EPC?
- Listed buildings
- Buildings which have no heating
- Religious buildings
- Temporary buildings
- Buildings due to be demolished/redeveloped
- Residential units not occupied more than 4 months a year
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years unless the building is altered, after which a new EPC would be required
What are the exemptions for MEES regulation compliance?
- If a building does not need an EPC
- Places of worship
- Industrial units or workshops with a low energy demand (e.g. no heating or cooling)
- Where the tenancy is less than 6 months with no security of tenure
- Where the tenancy is for more than 99 years
- When it is not feasible to improve the EPC rating to E or above even when all possible improvements with a payback of 7 years or sooner have been made. 3 quotes for relevant works must be obtained from energy assessors
- Landlords of residential properties are required, from April 2019, to spend up to £3,500 to improve the energy efficiency of properties. A landlord who spends the full £3,500 on a property but is unable to bring the rating up to E would be entitled to register an exemption
- When the devaluation case can be proven i.e. improvements would reduce market value of a property by more than 5%
- When third-party consent from a tenant, landlord or planning authority for improvements is refused or conditionality cannot be reasonably met by the landlord
- Certain types of residential lease (e.g. company lets, second homes, very high or very low rents) and landlords (i.e. public sector and social landlords)
Which MEES exemptions only last for 5 years and cannot be transferred on sale?
- When it is not feasible to improve the EPC rating to E or above even when all possible improvements with a payback of 7 years or sooner have been made. 3 quotes for relevant works must be obtained from energy assessors
- Landlords of residential properties are required, from April 2019, to spend up to £3,500 to improve the energy efficiency of properties. A landlord who spends the full £3,500 on a property but is unable to bring the rating up to E would be entitled to register an exemption
- When the devaluation case can be proven i.e. improvements would reduce market value of a property by more than 5%
- When third-party consent from a tenant, landlord or planning authority for improvements is refused or conditionality cannot be reasonably met by the landlord
What is a BREEAM rating?
A voluntary environmental assessment tool to rate new and refurbished commercial and residential buildings.
They are commonly being required to support planning applications
What are some of the environmental standards that BREEAM assessors have reference to?
- Energy consumption
- Water use
- Transport links
- Waste management
- Health & wellbeing
What are the FIVE BREEAM ratings?
- Pass
- Good
- Very good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
