Sustainability Flashcards
What is a Green Lease?
Leases that are drafted to provide specific responsibilities and obligations to minimise carbon emissions arising from the operation and occupation of the property focusing on landlord and tenant jointly.
For example, a landlord may install and repair a HVAC system and the tenant will be obligated to operate it on energy efficient settings.
What would you expect to find on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs with steps to improve the energy efficiency and save money.
It would include information such as:
- Address
- Floor Area
- EPC Reference Number
- Rating A-G
- Benchmark Information
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 Years
What are exemptions for EPCs?
Various exemptions that apply to the prohibition on letting a property with an energy efficiency rating below E.
Examples are:
- 7 year payback i.e., a test as to whether the landlord will make back the cost of purchasing and installing a recommended improvement within 7 years of installation.
- Listed or officially protected i.e., alterations would be unacceptable.
- Temporary building i.e., used for 2 years or less.
- Place of worship
- Industrial, workshop or agricultural i.e., does not use much energy.
- Detached building less than 50 sq. m.
What is sustainable building design and what are its features?
Purpose to minimise energy consumption and waste, use environmentally friendly products/materials, protect and conserve water, and improve indoor air quality.
Examples include:
- Passivhaus Design
- Daylight Controlled Lighting
- Rain Harvesting and Water Efficient Fittings
- Renewable Energy Sources i.e., Solar Panels
What is the Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA)?
A world-leading and award-winning standard for consistent and accurate carbon measurement in the built environment. 2nd Edn published from 1 July 2024.
What are typical EPC improvement recommendations and where are these displayed?
The EPC comes with a recommendation report on how the energy performance of the building can be improved (to reduce running costs) together with an indication of the payback period.
Typical recommendations include:
- Installation of condensing boiler.
- Installation of cavity wall and loft insulation.
- Consider energy-efficient glazing.
- Low energy light bulbs.
- Consider renewable energy sources.
What legislation are you aware of in relation to sustainability?
Climate Change Act 2008
Energy Act 2010
Environmental Act 2021
What RICS guidance are you aware of in relation to sustainability?
Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategic Advice (2021), Effective 2022
RICS Sustainability Report (2023)
What is the Governments Net Zero Strategy?
Its aim is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the economy. For example by removing fossil fuels, using renewable energy, making renewable energy cheaper and more accessible through policy changes.
UK become a leader as host of COP26.
What is the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP)?
Collaboration of leading property owners who are working together to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings by:
- Leadership and collaboration.
- Knowledge sharing.
- Develop common approaches i.e., toolkits providing advice and guidance for property managers on embedding sustainability within property management services.
