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Sustainability Flashcards

1
Q

What is COP 26?

A

Conference of the Parties
26th meeting
Happened in 2021 in Glasgow

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2
Q

What is Glasgow Financial Alliance?

A

Formed at COP26
Aim to provide private capital to achieve net zero
Capital input totals $130trillion

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3
Q

Define sustainability

A

Bruntland report 1992

Meeting the needs of today without compromising on the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

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4
Q

Principles of sustainability

A

Social = healthy communities
Economical = strong responsive economy
Environmental = protect and enhance natural, built and historic environment

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5
Q

What are three principles of planning and decision making?

A

Creative process
Proactive
High quality
Account for surroundings
Low carob energy
Conserve natural environment and reduce pollution
Encourage brownfield
Conserve heritage
Use transport i.e cycling, walking
Support health, social and cultural wellbeing

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6
Q

What are common environmental issues?

A

Water pollution
Air and noise pollution
Carbon emissions
Contamination
Damage habitats
Wastage
Release of gases and chemicals

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7
Q

What legislation affects sustainability?

A

Agricultural Land Act - control pests and weeds
Building Act 1984 - conserve fuel and power
Clean Air Act - control air pollution
Climate Change Act 2008 - cut greenhouse gases
Energy Act 2011
Environmental Protection Act - disposal of household waste
Wildlife and Countryside Act
Flood and Water Management Act

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8
Q

What are key building regs?

A

Part L - conservation of fuel and power

EPC - energy efficiency
- built, sold, let

DEC - Display Energy Certificate
- 250sqm

Waste management plans

BREAAM and other assessment methods

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9
Q

How does taxation affect sustainability?

A

Landfill Tax - in addition to landfill rates and is based on weight

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10
Q

What is BREEAM?

A

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Set standards through: specification, design, construction and operation

Assesses: energy, land, water, health and wellbeing, pollution, materials, waste and management

Ratings (6): unclassified, pass, good, very good, excellent, outstanding

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11
Q

What is a SKA Rating?

A

It’s for non domestic fit outs i.e office
Measures fit out vs good practice measures
Lower cost than BREEAM

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12
Q

What is LEED?

A

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

US equivalent to BREAAM

Ratings (4): certified, silver, gold, platinum

Reviews the life cycle of carbon emissions

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13
Q

How does the Coop ensure sustainability?

A

Recycle, efficient lighting, EV cars, cycle scheme, cloud storage, charity, green initiates

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14
Q

Explain the Paris Agreement?

A

Signed in 2016 as an international treaty

Aim to restrict global warming to less than 2 degrees with a target of 1.5

Requires transparent reporting by all countries

Commits all major countries

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15
Q

Name sustainable building methods?

A

Recycling - tiles, plastics
Heat pumps
Solar
Solar shading
Wind
Rain
Green roofs
Automated systems

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16
Q

Explain what a green roof is?

A

Vegetation on roof on a membrane
Adds layers incl drainage, irrigation root barriers and soil
Absorbs rain, insulates and increases biodiversity

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17
Q

What are photovoltaics ?

A

Turns sunlight into electric
Sunlight contain energy known as photons
Photons hit solar modules within solar panel that cause electrons to flow through bottom layer
Electron movement creates electricity flows into inverter

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18
Q

What is a soak away?

A

Surface water drainage
Hole or pit
Water runs into the soil

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19
Q

What is carbon neutral?

A

Carbon emitted vs carbon absorbed
Impacts environment and global warming
Carbon not removable from atmosphere to offset global warming

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20
Q

Explain solar gain?

A

Increased temperature in space, object or structure
Retain by thermal mass
Avoid by reflecting i.e insulation

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21
Q

How to manage solar gain?

A

Limited window/door openings
Shade from sun
Reflect
Insulate walls and roof

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22
Q

Explain ground source heating?

A

Heat from the ground absorbed at a low temperature
Turns into fluid via pipe
Fluid to compressor which raises the temperature
Cooled fluid back into the ground

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23
Q

What are SUDs?

A

Sustainable drainage system
Surface water to landscape
Environmentally friendly
Natural vegetation to absorb surface water
Slow down surface water run off

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24
Q

Benefits of BREAAM?

A

Lower running costs
Lower environmental impact
Marketability
Desirable
Value increased
Better PR

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25
What is rainwater harvesting?
Reduces water demand Reduces imported water Water and energy conservation Reduces cost Helps with BREAAM rating
26
Explain understanding of EPCs
Introduced in 2007 Legal requirement when sold or let Last ten years A-G ratings Provides efficiency improvements Shows co2 emissions
27
What are the RICS initiatives re sustainability
SKA - encourage green codes of practice Value the planet - implement UN sustainable development goals Responsible business - high recycling, reduce energy, transport and water used
28
How to promote sustainability?
No printing Car share Cycle Recycle Efficient equipment No plastic Limit waste Cloud storage
29
Name exemptions from EPCs
Place of worship Temporary buildings Some listed buildings
30
What are the punishments for not providing an EPC?
Fine = 2.5% RV Minimum 500 Max 5,000
31
What are MEES
Not to let if EPC below F/G
32
What are landlords obligations?
Permissible = consent not given for alterations Appropriate = reduce value of 5% Cost effective = 7 year rule
33
How to building sustainably?
Insulate Air tightness Thermal mass Natural light Sustainable material Renewable technology Minimise waste
34
Name three key areas on social responsibility
ESG Environmental Social Governance
35
What is a green loan?
Financing for projects which contribute to environmental objectives such as EPC improvements, upgrading to solar or wind power
36
Kyoto protocol?
Effect Feb 2005, countries reduction in emissions target equating to average 5% Replaced by Paris agreement
37
MEES in resi
Since 1 April 2020, cannot let or continue to let below E unless exempt
38
MEES cost cap
Required to spend 3,500 (including VAT) on efficiency improvements. If not reach E, make all improvements up to 3,500 and register ‘all improvements made’ exemption
39
MEES Commercial
1 April 2023 - E or above Not apply to term certain not exceeding 6 months or term certain of 99 years or more
40
Non-domestic EPC exemptions
7 year payback test - savings over 7 yr period on energy bills are less than cost of repaying it - exemption lasts 5 years
41
What is Passivhaus?
Buildings that use substantially less energy for heating than those constructed in line with current Regs
42
What is the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
In 2015 the UN published a list of 17 SDG as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmnt Incl eliminating poverty, taking climate action, ensuring good health
43
What is net zero?
Greenhouse gas emissions balance by removal from the atmosphere by 2050
44
What is ICMS?
RICS with prominent organisations developed International Cost Management Standard for developing, benchmarking, measuring and reporting construction costs
45
Recent RICS publication re sustainability?
Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) for the built environment 2nd edition effective 1 July 2024 Standards for whole life carbon assessment including recording any deviations
46
Who are the Better Building Partnership?
28 members Uk main property owners and agent
47
What is the affect of property on the environment
Nearly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions come from real estate sector
48
What is a waste management plan?
Apply from 6 April 2008 Compulsory for construction projects over 300k Management of materials efficiently How to dispose, re-use and recycle
49
What is the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2008?
A piece of legislations which imposed obligations on Employers to: Manage exposure to asbestos within the workplace. Undertake Risk Assessments before commencing work around asbestos. Create a detailed plan (Method Statement) of how the works will be carried out around the asbestos. Prevent and reduce exposure.
50
Types of asbestos
White = chrysotile Brown = amosite Blue = chrosidolite
51
RICS sustainability report 2023
Industry woke up call Demand for sustainable buildings up High cost and lack for evidence for return barriers to green investments
52
Which rule of conduct links with sustainability?
Rule 3 - good quality and diligent service
53
MEES in the future
Intention to raise to a B in 2030
54
What is ESOS?
Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme Remove display energy certs as compliance method Mandatory energy assessment scheme - every 4 years Audits of energy used by buildings, industrial processes and transport Identify cost effective measure to save energy costs and achieve carbon saving
55
Qualification for ESOS
Employs 250 people + Turnover in excess of 44.1m Balance sheet in excess of 37.9m
56
Gas boilers out
2030
57
Common environmental issues in construction sites?
Risk of land degradation Risk to flora and fauna Risk of water pollution Air pollution Land contamination Noise and vibrations High energy usage and emissions co2 High wastage production into landfill Release of gases and dangerous materials
58
Principles of sustainability?
Pillars of sustainability Social: healthy communities Economical: strong, responsive, competitive economy Environmental: protecting and enhancing natural, built and historic environment
59
Legislation relating to sustainability
Landfill tax Climate Change Level - introduced by 2000 Finance Bill = tax on energy used
60
What is climate change?
Shift in average weather over recent years
61
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap the suns heat and cause the plants temperature to rise
62
What was agreed at COP26?
Phase down coal Reduce use of coal Increased funds to developing countries to cope with climate change
63
Explain green mortgages
Rewards buying energy efficient home Favourable terms Low interest rate or cash back
64
What is urban greening factor?
Evaluates and measured the amount of urban greening to aid appropriate planning of greening on future developments Aim to increase green cover around buildings
65
How does rule 3 link with sustainability?
Encourage solutions that are sustainable
66
What is Approved Document L volume 2?
Building reg document for conservation of fuel and power for buildings other than dwellings
67
What is the high cost exemption?
Obtained 3 quotes and cost to purchase and install cheapest recommendation exceeds 3,500 - exemption
68
What is the 7 year payback?
Non- domestic Cost to purchase and install improvements does not meet a 7 year payback test
69
What is all improvements made exemption?
All improvements recommended are made but remains below an E
70
Name 3 types of EPC exemption?
All improvements made 7 year payback Devaluation - more than 5% High cost New landlord - 6 months Third party consent - consent required from LL All have 5 year exemption
71
When do MEES not apply to non -domestic property?
Term less than 6 months or exceed 99 years
72
When were MEES for non-domestic enforced?
1 April 2018 - new letting 1 April 2023 - not to continue letting below E
73
What is the fine for non-compliance with EPC regs?
Fine of 500-5,000 depending on RV
74
What does ESG stand for?
Environmental, Social, Governance
75
What does ESG include?
Environmental - biodiversity, climate change, water and energy efficiency, management systems Social - equal opps, health and safety, human rights, child labour Governance - ethics, compliance, shareholder democracy
76
Name three ways to measure ESG?
BREEAM LEED MEES
77
What does BREEAM circularity and resilience focus on?
Encouraging durable design Responsibly sourced materials Reduce water and energy consumption Waste reduction
78
What RICS information re sustainability?
Whole life carob assessment for the built environment eff July 2024
79
What were the findings in the RICS sustainability report 2023?
Demand for green buildings increased
80
What is the WLCA eff July 2024?
Whole life carbon assessment for built environment
81
What are the four principles of sustainablility?
Social - wellbeing, H&S Environmental - preserve and maintain environment Economic - reuse, less waste Cultural - inclusion, heritage
82
What are the three objectives in the NPPF
Social Economic Environmental
83
What is ISO14001?
Integration standard for environmental management systems Minimum environmental footprint Commitment to reducing environmental impact
84
What was the outcome of COP26?
Phase out coal Reduce greenhouse emissions by 2023
85
What is the aim of the Climate Change Act 2008?
Reduce carbon emissions lower than 1990 baseline
86
What are the five principles to PassivHaus?
High quality insulation Heat control and reobust windows Airtight construction Heat recover by ventilation Thermal bridge
87
What is carbon life cycle?
View of building carbon footprint Impact from: - material/excavation - manufacturing - transport - construction - maintenance - repairs - consumption of energy - carbon use at end Offers long term view
88
What is carbon offsetting?
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions -land restoration -plant trees
89
What is embodied energy?
Carbon generated through energy consumption and chemical process Emissions from all activities - creation to demolition

APC Revision (17 decks)

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