Sustainability

Question 1

What RICS documents include guidance on sustainability?

Answer 1

RICS Red Book Global 2021
RICS Rules of Conduct 2021
RICS Guidance Note - Environment risk and global real estate 2018

Question 2

What is outlined within the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) net carbon zero framework?

Answer 2

1. Establish a NZC scope
2. Reduce construction impacts
3. Reduce operational energy use
4. Increase reneweable energy supply
5. Offset any remaining carbon

Question 3

What are the current EPC rules?

Answer 3

EPCs required for all commercial premises over 50 sq m
Newly built, sold or let for more than 6 months and less than 99 years
Sub lease still requires an EPC

Question 4

What are the EPC exemptions?

Answer 4

Buildings with no heating
Religious buildings
Temporary buildings
Buildings due to be demolished/redeveloped

Question 5

What is on the front page of an EPC?

Answer 5

Address of property and floor area
Reference number
Technical info on property’s energy provision
Estimated energy runnning costs
Energy rating
Benchmarking information
Recommendation report

Question 6

Penalites for EPC non-compliance?

Answer 6

12.5% of RV (min £500 - max £5,000 fine)

Question 7

Penalites for MEES non-compliance?

Answer 7

Less than 3 months - up to £5,000 or 10% RV (max £50,000)
Over 3 months - up to £10,000 or 20% RV (max £150,000)

Question 8

What is a Display Energy Certificate?

Answer 8

DECs are required for public buildings over 250 sq m
Include the energy used and carbon dioxide emitted

Question 9

What is BREEAM?

Answer 9

A voluntary environmental assessment tool to rate new, refurbished and operational buildings

Question 10

What are the BREEAM weightings?

Answer 10

Energy consumption
Water use
Transport links
Waste management
Health and wellbeing