Sustainability Flashcards
Why is sustainability important in construction?
Built environment accounts for 40% of CO2 emissions worldwide.
Can result in hazardous waste.
What is sustainable development?
Development which meets the need of the present without compromising future generations.
Social, environmental and economic.
Define social, environmental and economic considerations in relation to sustainability?
Environmental - prevent harmful impacts on environment.
Economic - efficient use of resources to meet needs of users.
Social - respond to needs of the wider community.
How do you measure sustainability?
BREEAM.
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology.
Independent certification of performance of build environment.
What is the Paris Agreement?
Global framework to avoid climate change by limiting global warming to below 2 degrees celsius.
Each country must report on contribution it undertakes.
What measures does your company take in relation to sustainability?
Recycling.
Sensored lights.
LED lighting.
Carshare and public transport.
Name some technology available to help meet Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power)?
Wind turbines
SUDS
Insulation
Ground source heat pumps.
Rainwater harvesting.
Green roofs
What is a Green Roof?
Roofs that are partially or completely covered with plants and vegetation.
What is a U value?
U-values measure how effective a material is as an insulator.
Lower value is better.
How do photovoltaics work?
PVs convert sunlight into electricity.
How does a soakaway work?
Solution to standing surface water, is a large hole that receives water from a pipe. Helps water percolate through soil.
How do ground source heat pumps work?
Network of pipes buried underground, and a heat pump. Fluids absorb heat stored in the ground and transfers to the heat pump which goes to the building.
How does rainwater harvesting work?
Collects rainwater from a buildings roof and filters to store in an underground tank.
Name some assessment schemes/criteria for sustainability measurement?
LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
BREEAM - Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology.
SKA - Operated by RICS for fitouts.
CEEQUAL - Civil engineering, infrastructure and landscaping.
Latest version of BREEAM?
Version 6 2022.
What are the BREEAM assessment categories?
Management.
Energy.
Health and wellbeing.
Water.
Materials.
Waste.
Pollution.
Innovation.
Advantages of BREEAM?
Demonstrates level of achievement.
Lowers environmental impact.
Reduce operating cost.
Improves value of building.
What are BREEAM thresholds for different ratings?
30
45
55
70
85
What does “net zero carbon” mean for a new build?
Amount of carbon emissions related to construction is zero or negative.
What does “net zero carbon” mean for a operational energy?
Amount of carbon emissions from operations on annual basis is zero or negative.
How can solar gain be reduced in buildings?
External shading.
Limiting glazed areas.
Reduce glazing to south.
Reflective film on glazing.
Which building regulations apply to sustainability?
Approved Document Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power.
What is Passivhaus?
Design criteria for very low energy buildings.
Reduces heat loss to minimum.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
Process of evaluating environmental impact of a project.
What is the SBEM tool?
Simplified Building Energy Model.
Generates Energy Performance Certificates for non-domestic buildings.
What is DEC?
Display Energy Certificates for public buildings - Use a scale of A to G.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificate - A to G and indicates how much it costs to heat and power a property.
What is Minimum Energy Efficient Standards in relation to energy performance?
Unlawful for landlords to grant new leases on commercial premises if below E rated.
Same for domestic ratings.
What is SUDS?
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
Efficient management of surface water in urban environments, in addition to regular drainage.
Examples of SUDS?
Swales.
Green roofs.
Ponds.
Permeable surfaces.
What is the RICS approach to sustainability?
Report published each year.
Increased demand for green buildings. Decarbonisation as top priority.
RICS Value the Planet campaign.
What are some RICS documents related to sustainability?
Whole Life Carbon Assessment.
Legislation related to sustainability?
Environment Act 2021
Are you aware of outcomes of COP 28?
By 2030:
- Transition from fossil fuels.
- Triple renewable power.
- Double energy efficiency.
COP 29, when and where?
Azerbaijan, November 2024.
Name three UN SDGs?
17
No Poverty.
Zero Hunger.
Climate Action.
How is BREEAM assessed in terms of lifecycle?
Starts in design stages to set realistic goals and practices.
It is then verified after the project and certified.
The project may complete certification assessments in the future to ensure the assessment is still valid.
