Sustainability Flashcards
1
Q
Define the term sustainability
A
Meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of the future
2
Q
What are the key principles of sustainability
A
- Social: building healthy communities with a large number and range of buildings
- Economical: build a strong, responsive and competitive economy
- Environmental: Contributing towards enhancing and protecting the natural, built and historic environment
3
Q
What are the principles of planning sustainably
A
- Proactive steps should be taken to achieve sustainable development
- Converse the natural environment and reduce pollution
- Encourage brown field sites
- Conserve heritage
- Maximise the use of public transport
4
Q
What are common environmental issues?
A
- Risk of water pollution
- Air and noise pollution
- Risk of land contamination
- High waste production
5
Q
Can you explain your understanding of the term carbon neutral?
A
- Carbon neutrality is heaving a balance between carbon emitted and carbon absorbed
- It is an important measure of the impact that the businesses and projects have on the environment
6
Q
What sustainable initiatives do the RICS run?
A
- SKA Ratings: alternative method of the environmental rating of a building to BREEAM, for fit out projects
- RICS ‘Value the Planet’ campaign: Looks to implement the UN’s sustainable development codes
- Responsible Businesses Report: Filled with solutions for businesses to operate in a greener capacity
7
Q
What did you learn in your Environmental Awareness Training
A
- Companies can be given unlimited fines for disposing of waste incorrectly
- Material life cycle assessments
- Endangered species within the UK
8
Q
What is COP26?
A
- Annual UN climate conference where countries revisited pledges made in the Paris Agreement
- Parties committed to reducing the use of coal, reducing emissions and increasing the money sent to poor countires
9
Q
What is the Paris Agreement?
A
- Landmark agreement to combat climate change made at COP21
- Pursue efforts to prevent temperatures rising more than 1.5 degrees
10
Q
What are the key pieces of legislation that affect sustainability?
A
- Building Act: Primary piece of legislation which covers waste prevention, misuse and contamination of water and fuel consumption
- Clean Air Act: Provides measures of reducing air pollution
- Climate Change Act: Imposes targets to cut emissions and achieve net 0 by 20250
11
Q
What is BREEAM?
A
- Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method is designed to evaluate the environmental performance of a building
- Unclassified, Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding
12
Q
What procedures does you firm implement to promote sustainability
A
- Ensure recycling bins are on site
- Hold environmental awareness training
- Transitioning to an electric fleet
- Use cloud based storage systems
