Sustainability Flashcards
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method, is a way of rating the sustainable performance of a building.
How is a building rated under BREEAM?
“Credit based sytsem. Against nine criteria:
- Energy.
- Land use.
- Water.
- Health and Wellbeing.
- Pollution.
- Transport.
- Materials.
- Waste.
- Management.”
What are the different levels of BREEAM?
6 levels for a 6 letter word.
o Unclassified – under 30%
o Pass – 30-45%
o Good – 45-55%
o Very Good – 55-70%
o Excellent – 70-85%
o Outstanding – 85% +
What renewable technologies do you know off?
“Photo-voltaic panels
Wind power
Wave power
Thermal power (ground sourced heat pump)”
What can be done to increase a BREEAM rating?
“o Energy use is key – CHP, chilled beams instead of Fan Coil Unit, PIR for lighting
o Cycle racks
o Water use
o Recycled aggregates in concrete”
What is LEED?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefit. similar to BREEAM
Define LED lighting.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and LED lighting uses these diodes to produce light
What are the LEED Certifications?
“Based upon points & tiers 4 tiers based n a 4 letter word:
- 40-49 credits for normal / certified LEED
- 50-59 credit for silver LEED
- 60-79 credit for Gold LEED
- 80 plus credits for Platinum certified LEED buildings”
What are some advantages of LEED?
”- Boosts public image.
- easily qualify for zoning allowances and tax rebates.
- retain higher property values.
- reduced insurance premium / saves money.”
What are the difference between BREEAM & LEED?
The main difference is the method of assessment, as BREEAM requires a trained assessor to review the documents and submit it to the BRE, whereas LEED does not need one.
What is the most current version of LEED?
LEED v5 - addresses critical imperatives such as equity, health, ecosystems and resilience.
Is there any other accreditations that you can get in USA to prove sustainability
”- The WELL Standard – focuses more on mindfulness and wellbeing
- ISO 14001 is focused solely on the environmental impact of a company.
- ENERGY STAR - recognizes a building that operates more efficiently than 75% of similar structures nationwide”
What is the first step I undertake when a client says they are looking to implement a LEED status? What are some of the key considerations I take into account?
“I would evalute:
- Is there money in the budget?
- Is it an existing building?
- Is there existing services?
- Can we procure the tests directly through the client opposed to an Architect who will apply a typ. 10% mark up for managment?
- Is it a key driver for the Client? “
“Does having a LEED accreditation have a certain $ value next to it and how much does it cost to implement LEED Silver?
Was this value the same across all project?”
“Every time someone asks what the $ of something generic is – it’s a trick question! How much for a brick wall? How much for LEED Silver? How much does a door cost?
Always follow up with more questions “well it depends on the project as it varies from site to site (then refer to above for LEED).”
What is Local Law 97?
“In NY, most buildings over 25,000 square feet are required to meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits as of 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030.
Included in the Climate Mobilization Act.”
