Sustainability Flashcards
What was the Brundtland report?
The Brundtland Report 1987 - titled “Our common future” - was a publication from the Brundtland commission which introduced the concept of sustainable development and how it could be achieved. It established the definition of sustainable development - “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were a key part of “Agenda 2030”. There are 17 goals and 232 related indicators that address the most important economic, social and environmental and governance challenges.
What is a CEMP?
The purpose of a construction environmental management plan is to outline how a construction project will avoid, minimise or mitigate effects on the environment and surrounding area. The basic scope of a plan should consider the following subject areas, as applicable to the individual project; Air quality, Water quality and drainage, Noise and vibration, Geology and soils etc, any potential sources of contamination. CEMP are often submitted by developers to Local Planning Authorities as part of a planning application.
What is typical content of a CEMP?
Introduction – General purpose, scope and structure of the document.
Scope of work and project description – Information about the development.
Consents, commitments and permissions – Appropriate environmental legislation, planning conditions and any other consents or licensing.
Management plans – Specific management plans such as; ecology, noise and vibration, and so on.
Communication – External and internal consultations.
What is the UK net zero target?
The Climate Change Act 2008 (as amended) requires the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels by 2050. This is otherwise known as the net zero target, set out expressly in the energy White Paper (2020) and support by legislation such as the Environment Act 2021 and strategies such as the Heat & Building Strategy. This builds in the Paris Agreement (2015) and the original Kyoto Protocol (1997 and 2013-2020).
What is ESG?
Environmental and Social governance is a recent concept that builds on CSR (corporate social responsibility). This provides specific criteria that businesses can use to measure their sustainability impact. Many companies report on ESG and incorporate it into their core business objectives and aims. CSR is about accountability and ESG, measurability.
What methods are used to Assess buildings?
- BREEAM Assessment
- EPC
- SAP Calculations
- Environment Impact ratings
What is a BREEAM Assessment?
A
BREEAM, first published by the Building Research Establishment in 1990, is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. BREEAM is an assessment undertaken by independent licensed assessors using scientifically-based sustainability metrics and indices which cover a range of environmental issues. It sets standards for the environmental performance of buildings through the design, specification, construction and operation phases and can be applied to new developments or refurbishment schemes.
What are the scoring categories for a BREEAM Assessment?
Outstanding ≥ 85
Excellent ≥ 70
Very good ≥ 55
Good ≥ 45
Pass ≥ 30
Unclassified ≥ 30
What are some of the issues assessed in a BREEAM Assessment?
Consultation plan
Economic impact
Demographic needs and priorities
Flood risk assessment
Noise pollution
Energy strategy
Existing buildings and infrastructure
Water strategy
Ecology strategy
Land use
Transport assessment
What are some criticisms of BREEAM?
BREEAM has been criticised for being ‘tick-box’ in its applicability for example you get points for solar panels but it does not take into account if the solar panels are performing optimally e.g. poor orientation. The score given by BREEAM at the design phase cannot ensure good quality outcomes in the use phase. The outcomes of sustainability measures and low energy technologies could be turned out differently due to the role of the project end users.
How does the RICS promote sustainability?
The RICS has committed to working toward the SDGs in its Value the Planet campaign. This includes professional guidance, research , CPD, better data, sustainable finance, thought leadership and strategic partnerships. The RICS is also committed to the UN Global Compact and ten fundamental principles centred around human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, hence the 2018 publication - Advancing Responsible Business in Land, Construction and Real Estate Use and Investment
– Making the Sustainable
Development Goals a Reality.
The RICS also publishes an annual Sustainability Report.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in April 2008 and are required when a building is built, sold or let. An EPC provides a building’s energy performance/efficiency rating on a scale from A to G, typical energy costs and recommendations to reduce energy consumption.
What buildings do not require an EPC?
- A place of worship
- For temporary use under two years
- A standalone building with total useful floor space under 50 sqm
- An industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building with low energy use
- A building that is due to be demolished.
- Holiday accommodation rented out for less than four months per year or let under a license to occupy.
- A listed building, if the building would unacceptably alter the character of the building.
- A residential building used for less than four months of the year.
What are some criticisms of an EPC?
The inspection is not invasive only visual meaning the inspector cannot drill walls or ceilings to determine the state or even existence of any insulation.
Issues for listed buildings for example double glazing will not be accepted by English Heritage.
