Sustainability Flashcards
What are EPCs and what do they do?
Energy Performance Certificates. They are documents providing info about the energy efficiency of a building.
How is an EPC rating measured?
Based on how much CO2 emissions the building generates i.e much how energy is generated and how much is lost.
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years from date of issue.
When is an EPC required.
When building is constructed sold or rented.
Which buildings are exempt from requiring an EPC?
Places of worship
Temporary building (with planned use of 2 years or less)
Stand-alone buildings (with total useful floor area of less than 50sqm.
Buildings due to be demolished (provided they have necessary planning and conversation consents)
What are the penalties for not complying with EPC legislation?
Depends of type and size of property but can be as high as £5,000 fine for commercial properties.
What is MEES?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
What does MEES aim to do?
Raise energy efficiency standards of privately rented properties in England and Wales. Goal is to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills and improve quality of housing stock.
Where does MEES apply?
Properties in private rented sector including both residential and commercial.
What properties are exempt from the minimum energy efficiency standards?
- Properties where improvements are not cost effective (payback period exceeds 7 years).
-Buildings listed or in conservation area (where proposed works would alter character or appearance).
-Buildings due to be demolished.
-Temporary buildings with planned use of less than 2 years.
-Certain buildings not required to have EPC e.g. place of worship.
Who can enforce MEES regulation and what are fines for non-compliance?
Local Authorities. Fines can be issued up to £5k for residential and £150k for commercial.
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Established Environmental Assessment Method. Widely recognized assessment method and rating system for buildings/developments. Evaluates and certifies sustainability performance of buildings against various categories.
What is the aim of BREEAM?
To assess, improve and certify sustainability of buildings based on their environmental, social and economic impacts.
What are BREEAM Assessment categories?
Energy
Health and Wellbeing
Management
Pollution
Land use/Ecology
Materials
Water
Waste
What are some benefits of BREEAM?
- Market Recognition - may attract investors or tenants based on ESG impact
- Operational savings
- Environmental impact
Occupant health and wellbeing (better emphasis on occupants health and wellbeing)
