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APC > Sustainability > Flashcards

Sustainability Flashcards

1
Q

Why is it important for the construction industry to make intentional efforts towards sustainability?

A

It’s important to address climate change and meet the mandates of agreements like the Paris Agreement.

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2
Q

What concept are you familiar with regarding sustainability?

A

Sustainable development.

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3
Q

How do building regulations, particularly approved document L, contribute to sustainability?

A

They focus on conserving fuel and power.

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4
Q

What technologies align with Part L requirements for sustainability?

A

Technologies such as Green roofs, ground source heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting.

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5
Q

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

A

Environmental, economic, and social.

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6
Q

What significance do sustainability assessment systems like LEED and BREEAM hold?

A

They provide a framework for assessing sustainability and understanding potential cost benefits for the client based on the project’s BREEAM or LEED rating.

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7
Q

What standards are some of the projects you’re involved in required to reach regarding sustainability?

A

They are required to reach a particular BREEAM standard to comply with local building regulations or planning requirements.

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8
Q

What strategies are employed to meet BREEAM standards?

A

Strategies such as responsibly sourcing materials, decreasing water consumption, and improving energy efficiency.

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9
Q

What is the current goal for the commercial project you’re involved in?

A

Initially aimed for BREEAM Excellent but now strives for BREEAM Outstanding.

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10
Q

How is the BREEAM Outstanding goal achieved?

A

By earning credits in each evaluation category.

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11
Q

What role do you play in achieving specific BREEAM credits?

A

Participating in design team meetings to discuss strategies and contributing to cost assessments for sustainable design implementations.

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12
Q

What insights did you gain from reviewing the Stage 3 design report for the Canary Wharf project?

A

Insights into the building elements contributing to the targeted BREEAM rating.

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13
Q

How have you contributed to pricing sustainable elements during cost planning?

A

By playing a role in pricing these elements during Stages 3 and 4 of the project.

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14
Q

What does COP stand for?

A

Conference of the Parties

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15
Q

Who attends the COP?

A

attended by countries that signed the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

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16
Q

When was the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change treaty agreed?

A

in 1994

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17
Q

What is COP26 ?

A

The 2021 meeting was the 26th meeting which is why it’s called COP26.

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18
Q

What significant announcement was made at COP26 regarding financial alliances?

A

At COP26, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero carbon emissions was announced, involving $130 trillion of private capital to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.

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19
Q

How is the private sector being affected by the new net-zero carbon commitments?

A

The private sector is now under more intense scrutiny from both clients and institutional investors to ensure that net-zero commitments are robust and legitimate.

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20
Q

What new requirements were introduced for listed companies in the UK at COP26?

A

All listed companies in the UK are required to produce net-zero transition plans by 2023.

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21
Q

Please explain your understanding of the term sustainability?

A

To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.

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22
Q

Where were the key principles of sustainability set out ?

A

within the Brundtland Commission Report, Our Common Future
1987

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23
Q

What did the Brundtland Commission Report, Our Common Future 1987 call for?

A

conservation of the environment and resources by gradually changing the ways in which we develop and use technologies.

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24
Q

What are the key principles of sustainability?

A
  • Social
  • Economical
  • Environmental
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25
Q

What is the social aspect of sustainability ?

A

Building healthy communities with sufficient numbers and range of buildings

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26
Q

What is the Economical aspect of sustainability ?

A

Build strong, responsive, competitive economies ensuring sufficient land and right types.

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27
Q

What is the Environmental aspect of sustainability ?

A

Contributing towards the protection and enhancement of our natural, built and historic environment.

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28
Q

What are 4 of the core principles of Planning and Decision making around sustainability?

A
  • Proactive steps should be taken to achieve sustainable development.
  • Support a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.
  • Conserve & enhance natural environment and reduce pollution.
  • Encourage use of brownfield sites.
  • Conserve heritage.
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29
Q

What are 4 of the most common environmental issues experienced on construction sites?

A
  • High Wastage production into landfill.
  • Air and Noise Pollution.
  • High Energy Consumption and carbon emissions.
  • Release of dangerous gases and chemicals.
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30
Q

What are the 4 key legislations that affect sustainability in construction ?

A
  • Agricultural Land Act
  • Building Act
  • Clean Air Act
  • Climate Change Act
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31
Q

What are the key pieces in the Agricultural Land Act

A

Enables land to be acquired for a particular purpose for example to control pests and weeds, for use as woodlands or to support agricultural activities.

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32
Q

What are the key pieces in the Building Act

A

his is the primary piece of UK Legislation that enables the Building Regulations to be enforced. This is to assist in the conservation of fuel and power, to prevent waste, misuse or contamination of water

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33
Q

What are the key pieces in the Clean Air Act

A

This legislation provides local authorities within England to introduce measures in
order to control air pollution.

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34
Q

What are the key pieces in the Climate Change Act

A

This is a legally binding framework to tackle climate change. It imposed targets to cut greenhouse emissions compared with 1990 levels 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

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35
Q

What are 4 of the key elements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations

A

o Requires that EPC’s are produced for dwellings and non-dwellings.
o Quantifies energy efficiency of buildings.
o Required when buildings are built, sold or rented.
o Commercial buildings over 500 sqm. and frequented by the public need to display a display
energy certificate (DEC) based on actual energy used.

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36
Q

What part of the building regulation relates to sustainability in construction ?

A

Building Regulations Part L — Conservation of Fuel and Power.

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37
Q

What is the different form of taxation relating to sustainability?

A

Landfill Tax

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38
Q

What is Landfill Tax?

A

An environmental tax payable in addition to landfill rates charged by private disposal companies.

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39
Q

Why was Landfill Tax introduced ?

A

As a means to encourage alternative methods of disposal such as recycling.

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40
Q

How is the Landfill tax charged?

A

By weight at varying rates depending on whether the waste is inert or active.

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41
Q

What are the 3 different code of practice are you aware of for measuring sustainability?

A
  • BREEAM
  • SKA
  • LEED
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42
Q

What does BREEAM stand for ?

A

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method.

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43
Q

What is the purpose of BREEAM ?

A

It’s a Life Cycle Assessment.
That sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings through specification, design, construction and operation.

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44
Q

How is the BREEAM life cycle assessment undertaken ?

A

The assessment is undertaken by a licensed assessor based on energy, land & ecology, water, health & wellbeing, pollution, materials and waste and management.

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45
Q

What are the different BREEAM ratings ?

A

 Outstanding.
 Excellent.
 Very Good.
 Good.
 Pass.
 Unclassified.

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46
Q

What types of projects does BREEAM apply to?

A

new and refurbishment projects, domestic and non-domestic.

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47
Q

What is an SKA rating?

A

An RICS Environmental assessment method for non-domestic fit outs such as office refurbishments.

48
Q

What does the SKA ratings assess ?

A

The scheme assesses fit out projects against a set of sustainability good practice criteria, known as Good Practice Measures (GPM).

49
Q

What does LEED stand for ?

A

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

49
Q

Why would SKA be used instead of BREEAM ?

A

its cheaper

50
Q

Where does LEED originate from (Country)

A

USA

51
Q

What are the different LEED ratings ?

A

 LEED Certified.
 Silver.
 Gold.
 Platinum.

52
Q

What does LEED review?

A

Embodied aspects of carbon emissions as well as life cycle assessment during
construction and operation.

53
Q

What 3 procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?

A
  • Recycling of cardboard, paper and plastics.
  • Use of Energy efficient lighting (motion sensors).
  • Cycle to work schemes.
54
Q

What is the Paris Agreement?

A

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty concerning climate change.

55
Q

When did the Paris agreement come into affect?

A

2016

56
Q

What is the goal of the Paris agreement ?

A

is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius whilst
targeting levels below 1.5 degrees Celsius when compared to pre-industrial levels.

57
Q

What framework does the Paris agreement create ?

A

a framework for the transparent monitoring and reporting of each individual countries
progress.

58
Q

Name 4 sustainable building methods?

A
  • Solar Panels.
  • Wind Turbines.
  • Rain water harvesting.
  • Green Roofs.
  • Automated Building Systems (Lighting sensors).
59
Q

What is a green roof?

A

A green roof is a roof covering that is partially or completely covered with vegetation placed over a waterproof membrane.

60
Q

What additional layers may be included in a green roof?

A

Additional layers such as drainage layers, irrigation systems, or root barriers may be included over the waterproof membrane.

61
Q

What is an alternative form of a green roof used to treat grey water?

A

Rooftop ponds are an alternative form of green roof used to treat grey water.

62
Q

What are the key components of a green roof?

A

The key components of a green roof include vegetation, soil, drainage layer, root barriers, and irrigation system.

63
Q

What are the advantages of green roofs?

A

Green roofs absorb rainwater, provide extra insulation, increase biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife, are aesthetically pleasing, and lower urban air temperatures.

64
Q

What type of energy does sunlight contain that is crucial for photovoltaics?

A

Sunlight contains energy known as photons.

65
Q

What happens when photons hit solar modules within a solar panel?

A

When photons hit solar modules, they cause electrons to flow through the bottom layer

65
Q

What is the role of the inverter in a photovoltaic system?

A

The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the solar modules into AC electricity that is then used to power the building.

66
Q

What are photovoltaics?

A

Photovoltaics are systems that allow the conversion of sunlight into electricity.

67
Q

How is electricity generated in a photovoltaic system?

A

The movement of electrons through the bottom layer of the solar module generates electricity.

68
Q

What is a soakaway?

A

A soakaway is a means of surface water drainage attenuation.

69
Q

What is the primary function of a soakaway?

A

The primary function of a soakaway is to manage surface water drainage.

70
Q

How does a soakaway receive surface water?

A

A soakaway receives surface water from a drainage pipe.

71
Q

What happens to the surface water in a soakaway?

A

The collected surface water gradually infiltrates through the soil.

72
Q

What is the structure of a soakaway?

A

A soakaway consists of large holes or pits that collect surface water.

73
Q

What does carbon neutrality mean?

A

Carbon neutrality is having a balance between the carbon emitted and the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

74
Q

Why is carbon neutrality important?

A

It is an important measure of the impact that businesses and projects have on the environment and global warming.

75
Q

What are carbon sinks?

A

Carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb more carbon than they emit, such as forests, soil, and oceans.

76
Q

Are there any artificial carbon sinks capable of removing carbon from the atmosphere at the levels required to offset global warming?

A

No, to date no artificial carbon sinks are able to remove carbon from the atmosphere at the levels required to offset global warming.

77
Q

How do carbon sinks contribute to carbon neutrality?

A

Carbon sinks absorb carbon from the atmosphere, helping to balance the carbon emitted and achieve carbon neutrality.

78
Q

What is meant by the term solar gain?

A

Solar gain is the increase in temperature in a space, object, or structure due to solar radiation (the heat from the sun).

78
Q

How can a building retain solar gain?

A

A building can retain solar gain by having high thermal mass.

78
Q

How can a building avoid solar gain?

A

A building can avoid solar gain by using reflective materials and insulation.

79
Q

How can solar gain be managed in buildings through openings?

A

Solar gain can be managed by limiting the size and area of openings such as doors and windows.

80
Q

How can solar gain be managed in buildings through shading and orientation?

A

Solar gain can be managed by shading or orientating doors and windows from direct sunlight.

81
Q

How can reflective materials help manage solar gain in buildings?

A

Using reflective materials on the glass and building fabric can help manage solar gain by reflecting solar radiation away.

82
Q

How can insulation help manage solar gain in buildings?

A

Insulating walls and roof spaces can help prevent indirect solar gains into the building.

83
Q

What is the impact of high thermal mass on solar gain in buildings?

A

High thermal mass can help retain solar gain, thereby maintaining increased temperatures in the building.

84
Q

What materials can be used to manage solar gain effectively?

A

Reflective materials on the glass and building fabric, as well as insulating materials, can be used to manage solar gain effectively.

85
Q

Why is it important to manage solar gain in buildings?

A

Managing solar gain is important to control indoor temperatures, improve energy efficiency, and enhance occupant comfort.

86
Q

What does the term SUDS stand for?

A

SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.

87
Q

What is the primary function of SUDS?

A

SUDS slow down surface water runoff by allowing it to infiltrate and soak into natural contours and landscapes.

88
Q

How do SUDS benefit the environment compared to traditional drainage systems?

A

SUDS are environmentally friendly because they do not rely on the manufacture of plastic or clay drainage components and instead utilize natural vegetation and materials to absorb surface water.

89
Q

What natural elements do SUDS use to manage surface water?

A

SUDS use natural vegetation and materials to absorb surface water.

90
Q

Why are SUDS considered more sustainable than traditional drainage systems?

A

SUDS are considered more sustainable because they reduce reliance on manufactured drainage components and instead leverage natural processes and materials

91
Q

What is BREEAM certification?

A

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification is a standard for assessing the sustainability of buildings.

92
Q

How do BREEAM certified buildings benefit clients financially?

A

BREEAM certified buildings help clients lower the running costs of their built assets.

93
Q

What environmental impact do BREEAM certified buildings have?

A

BREEAM certified buildings minimize the impact on the environment through consideration at planning, design, construction, and operation phases.

94
Q

How does BREEAM certification affect the marketability of a building?

A

BREEAM certification increases marketability to building tenants by offering lower running costs and creating desirable places to live and work.

95
Q

What are the additional benefits of achieving higher BREEAM ratings like excellent and very good?

A

Achieving higher BREEAM ratings, like excellent and very good, can result in higher building value and a positive public relations (PR) message due to the increased sustainability of the building.

96
Q

Why do BREEAM certified buildings have greater marketability?

A

They have greater marketability because they offer lower running costs and create desirable living and working environments.

97
Q

What phases of a building’s lifecycle does BREEAM certification consider?

A

BREEAM certification considers the planning, design, construction, and operation phases of a building’s lifecycle.

98
Q

What is the impact of BREEAM certification on a building’s value and PR?

A

BREEAM certification can increase a building’s value and enhance its public relations by demonstrating increased sustainability.

99
Q

What are 4 of the benefits of rainwater harvesting?

A
  • It decreases the demand for water.
  • Rainwater harvesting promotes both water and energy conservation.
  • Improved BREEAM compliance can be achieved.
  • Lower operational costs can be gained.
100
Q

What does EPC stand for and when were they introduced?

A

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificates, which were introduced in 2007.

101
Q

When is an EPC a legal requirement?

A

An EPC is a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let, or constructed.

102
Q

How long is an EPC valid once obtained?

A

An EPC is valid for 10 years.

103
Q

What is the rating scale for EPCs?

A

EPCs are rated on a scale of A to G.

104
Q

Which band on the EPC scale indicates the most efficient buildings?

A

Band A indicates the most efficient buildings with the lowest fuel bills.

105
Q

What information does an EPC provide about a building’s energy efficiency?

A

An EPC identifies the current energy efficiency of the built asset along with the potential efficiency following improvements.

106
Q

What additional information does an EPC show regarding CO2 emissions?

A

An EPC shows the amount of CO2 emissions produced by the property in tonnes and advises on the potential reduction of these emissions.

107
Q

What is the RICS SKA rating?

A

The RICS SKA rating encourages green codes of practice for commercial properties.

108
Q

What campaign has RICS launched to address climate change?

A

RICS has launched the ‘Value the Planet’ campaign and committed to forming a climate change expert panel to implement the UN’s sustainable development goals.

109
Q

What is the purpose of the RICS Responsible Business Report?

A

The RICS Responsible Business Report provides solutions for companies to operate in a greener capacity, regardless of the firm’s size.

110
Q

What sustainability initiatives are suggested in the RICS Responsible Business Report?

A

The report suggests introducing higher recycling rates and reducing energy, transport, and water use where possible.

111
Q

What 3 things do you implement to promote sustainability?

A
  • Printing only when necessary.
  • Avoiding the use of plastic bottles.
  • Use of cloud-based storage systems.

APC (20 decks)

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