SUSTAINABILITY Flashcards
Explain your understanding of the term sustainability
Conservation of the environment and resources by changing the way in which we develop, use technology and lifestyle choices
What is the most commonly used definition of sustainable development?
Sustainable development is that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What are the key principles of sustainability
SOCIAL - Building healthy communities and meeting the needs of the wider community
ECONOMICAL - Building strong and making efficient use of resources
ENVIRONMENTAL - Contributing toward protection and enhancement of the natural environment
What does COP stand for
Conference of the Parties
It is attended by the countries who signed the UN Framework on Climate Change
What is COP28
This was the 28th meeting
It took place in 2023
What happened at COP28
a. End to fossil fuels - phasing out
b. Putting nature at the heart of infrastructure projects
What is the Paris Agreement
It is an international treaty which came into effect in 2016.
Its aim is to keep global warming below 2 degrees, and all major emitting conutries have committed to reducing their climate pollution
What are the different forms of taxation relating to sustainability?
Landfill Tax
Disposal companies charge a heavy tax based on weight and contamination of materials. This promotes recycling.
What are the key pieces of legislation that affect sustainabiliy in construction
a. Building Regulations - Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
b. Energy Performance of Building Regulations (requires EPC for buildings)
c. Climate Change Act 2008 - Imposes targets to cut greenhouse emissions
What regulations and codes of practice govern the construction industry’s approach to sustainability?
Building regulations – Part L
Code for sustainable homes / buildings
EPCs / DECs
BREEAM and other environmental assessment methods
What is the Climate Act 2008
UK Carbon Account needs to show and 80% reduction by 2050, compared to 1999 emissions
What is the Environmental Act 1995
Created the Environment Agency
Climate change
and take the leading role in limiting and preparing for the impacts of climate change
Air quality
regulate the release of air pollutants into the atmosphere from industrial processes
Land quality
Regulate all waste management activities including the licensing of sites such as landfill, incineration and recycling facilities.
What is the Energy Act 2011?
Enables the provision and ability to obtain low-carbon energy supplies and creates a fair competition in the energy markets. The Act includes key provisions relating to:
The Private Rented Sector:
The Act also makes it unlawful to rent out residential or business premises that do not reach a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating ‘E’
The Energy Company Obligation:
Requires energy providers to target appropriate measures for households likely to need additional support (e.g. vulnerable people on low incomes and in hard-to-treat housing)
What are the requirements under the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012
Absestos Survey must be completed to locate and identify Asbestos
Info must be available to those carrying out the works
Issue and wear correct PPE
Incidents must be reported
What does SAP stand for
Standard Assessment Procedure
