Sustainability Flashcards
What is the legislation in the UK that deals with the issue of sustainability in building construction?
The Environment Act 2021
Climate Change Act 2008 - legally binding framework to tackle climate change. It imposed targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990 levels by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Building Regulation Part L - conservation of fuel and power
Zero Carbon Homes Policy
Clean Air Act - provides LA to introduce measures in order to control air pollution
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate that tells you how energy efficient a property is. It contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency. An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) and is valid for 10 years. It is required whenever a property is built, sold, rented or altered. Since 1 April 2023 all privately rented non-domestic properties required an EPC of Band E or above. This is proposed to increase to C in 2027 and B in 2030.
What steps do you take in your business activity to ensure that your company operates in a sustainable manner?
- Promote file saving on computers and only print essential documents (use a cloud-based system)
- Use of energy efficient lighting
- Cycle to work scheme
Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?
Solar panels
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems - an alternative to the direct channeling of surface water
Is the Code for Sustainable homes still a requirement?
No it was scrapped in 2015
What building regulation parts cover sustainability?
Building Regulation Part L - conservation of fuel and power
What different code of practice are you aware of for measuring suatinability?
BREEAM - Building research establishment environmental assessment method (also known as the Life Cycle Assessment)
International scheme that provides 3rd party certification on new and refurbishment projects (domestic and non-domestic)
Certification takes place at design, construction, operation and refurbishment. Levels range from outstanding (85%) to unclassified (less than 30%)
Others - SKA ratings and LEED (Life cycle assessment)
What is sustainability?
To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The key principles were set out within the Brundtland Commission Report, Our Common Future 1987. It identified the need for sustainable development based around environmental protection, economic growth and social equity. It called for conservation of the environment and resources by gradually changing the ways in which we develop and use technology.
What are the key principles of sustainability?
Social - building healthy communities with sufficient numbers and range of buildings
Economical - build strong, responsive, competitive economies ensuring sufficient land and right types
Environmental - contributing towards the protection and enhancement of our natural, built and historic environment
What are the different forms of taxation relating to sustainability?
Landfill Tax - payable in addition to landfill rates charged by private disposal companies. Introduced to encourage recyling. It is charged by weight at varying rates depending on whether the waste is inert or active.
What is the Paris Agreement?
Legally binding international treaty concerning climate change. It was adopted by nearly every nation and came into effect in 2016. The goal is to limit global warming to 2.C whilst targeting below 1.5C when compared to pre-industrial levels. It creates a framework for transparent monitoring and reporting for countries to cut their climate pollution.
What is your understanding of the term ‘Green Roofs’?
Roof covering that is partially or completely covered with vegetation that is placed over a waterproof membrane. Advantage - absorb rainwater, provide extra insulation, increase biodiversity, lower urban air temperatures.
What are Photovaltics?
Allow the conversion of sunlight into electricity.
Can you explain your understanding of the term carbon neutral?
To have a balance between the carbon emitted and the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. It is an important measure of the impact that businesses and projects have on the environment and global warming.
