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
How are SAP Calculations made
SAP calculations are based on the energy balance of a new development, considering a range of factors that contribute to energy efficiency, such as:
- Materials used for the construction
- Thermal insulation of the building fabric
- Air leakage characteristics of the dwelling, and performance of ventilation equipment
- Efficiency and control of the heating systems
- Solar gains through openings in the dwelling
- The fuel used to provide space and water heating, ventilation and lighting
- Energy for space cooling
- Renewable energy technologies
Why are SAP calculations important?
SAP assessments have been a legal requirement for all new-build, domestic properties in the UK under Part L of Building Regulations since 1995.
Homes must achieve a ‘Pass’ on these calculations for the project to pass Building Regulations.
What is an EPC
Energy Performance Certificate
It is a legal requirement to have for a building to be constructed,let or sold
They are rated on a scale from A-G (A being the best)
How does building control come into EPC
Without this, a property will not be signed off by Building Control and may not legally be listed for rent or sale
What is BREEAM
BREEAM Stands for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
Sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings through specification, design, construction and operation.
What criteria is the BREEAM rating based?
The assessment is undertaken by a licensed assessor based on energy, land & ecology, water, health & wellbeing, pollution, materials and waste and management.
What are the benefits of a BREEAM certified building
a. Lower running costs - more marketable
b. Less environmental impact
What are the criteria ratings for BREEAM
Ratings are:
Outstanding - 85%+
Excellent. 70-85%
Very Good.55-70%
Good 45-55%
Pass.20-45%
Unclassified. 20% or less
What criteria is the BREEAM rating based?
Energy, Land use, Water, Health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, management
What is the Assessment process of getting BREEAM
Design Assessment
Post Construction Assessment
What issues did you consider with the design team at the early stages of the design to achieve your BREEAM rating?
- Building orientation
- Building geometry and layout
- Solar shading
- Thermal performance
- Maximising daylight
- Providing natural ventilation where possible
- Airtight building envelope where appropriate to minimise uncontrolled air loss
Name some of the BREEAM requirements that would help earn you some credits
Thermal model - summer and winter operative temperature ranges in occupied spaces are in accordance
Acoustic Performance - The building meets appropriate acoustic standards and testing requirements
Proximity to local amenities - Food Outlet/Cash Point/Sports facility (2 of) within 500m
What does LEED stand for
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
What is the RICS Residential Retrofit Standards
Effective from October 2024
Creating low-carbon, energy-efficient homes is essential to meeting net-zero obligation
An estimated 25 million homes require a form of energy improvement and professional advice.
This standard will be essential to supporting this work and helping to address one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment
What sustainable initiatives are you aware of that are being implemented by the RICS?
a. RICS SKA ratings - encourages green codes of practice for commercial properties.
b. ‘Value the Planet’ campaign - committed to forming a climate change expert panel
c. Responsible Business Report - Solutions for companies on how to be greener
Name some low and zero carbon technologies that are currently available
PV Cells - Convert sunlight into electricity
ASHP - Absorbs heat from the air and to heat water for heaters
GSHP - Similar to above but uses heat from the ground
Wind Turbines - Convert wind energy into electricity
What are green roofs
A roof covering that is partially or fully covered in plants.
It is placed over a waterproof membrane
They provide habitats for wildlife and are aesthically pleasing
What are PV cells
Sit on the roof and convert solar energy into electricity
What does carbon neutral mean
Having no difference between the carbon we release into the environment and the carbon that is captured
What is solar gain
The term given to using the suns energy to increase the temperature in a space or object
What is a ground source heat pump
They transfer heat from the ground, via a loop, to heat the water in radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinders
