Sustainability Flashcards
When is the “Net Zero Carbon” target
- An interim target of 78% reduction by 2030.
Which Act related to Net Zero
Climate Change Act 2008
What are the 5 steps in the UK Green Building Council framework to address Net Zero
- Establish Net Zero Carbon Scope - across the whole life of buildings
- Reduce Constructive Impacts - Changing materials and designs
- Reducing Operational Energy Use -Landlords to consider how to retrofit efficiency measures
- Increase Renewable Energy SUpply
- Offset any Remaining Carbon - last resort
What is net zero?
Bringing total emissions down to 0, by reducing emissions and implementing methods of CO2 absorption
When do you need an EPC?
- all commercial buildings with 50sqm+ usable floor area
- newly built, sold or let for a term more than 6m
- when newly refurbished
- when A/C / heating services are altered
- sub-letting and assignments
What are the EPC exemptions?
- listed buildings
- buildings with no heating
- religious buildings
- temporary structyres
- due to be demolished/redeveloped
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) 2015 what is required when letting a property?
Under minimum energy efficiency standards you cannot let, or continue to let a commercial building unless it is an E or above. Includes all exisiting leases from April 2023. Valid for 10 years. Consultation to be a C by 2027 or a B by 2030.
Why are EPC’s important in marketing?
- must be commissioned within 7 days of marketing
- agent is responsible for procurement
- only energy rating is required to be shown
- online must link to EPC
What is the commercial penalty for non complaince with EPCs on marketing?
max - 12.5% of the RV of the building or £5,000
min - £500
What are penalties for failure to comply with regualtions (commercial property)
- less than 3 month breach - up to £5,000 or 10% of the RV - max £50,000
- 3+ month breach - up to £10,000 or 20% of RV - max £150,000
What changes might happen to the MEES regime?
MEES regulation may require a min EPC rating of B on all new tenancies from 2030
What is the ESOS?
Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme
- energy assessment scheme mandatory for large UK undertakings and corporate groups with 250+ employees
- Required to measure total energy consumption every 4 years
- conduct energy audita to identify reccomendations
- report compliance to the Environment Agency
What is the Heat Network Regulation 2014?
Provision of communal heating in multi-occupied commercial & residential schemes and to district heating systems.
Final consumers must be provided accurate meter readings/bills.
What is the Climate Change Levy?
The CGL is a tax on energy delievred to non-domestic users in the UK. Introduced as an incentive ti increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
What is a Display Energy Certificate?
A requirement for public buildings over 250 sq m to displace the actual energy used and carbon dioxide emissions
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Improving natural habitats to deliver a measurable positive impact on biodiversity. A policy response to declining biodiversity. From Debruary 2024 it is compulsory for all new developments to provide at least 10% BNG secured for at least 30 yrs, either on site or off site. A Statutory Biodiversity Metric will be used to calculate BNG delivered
What is BREEAM? Can you tell me a bit about it?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method - looks at environmental ratings across energy waste water transport waste health and wellbeing. Pass, Good, very Good, Excellent, Outstanding.
What is the WELL Building Standard?
Used to rate spaces ro optimise the health and mental wellbeing of occupiers
What is a green lease clause?
Ensure landlords/tenants share information about the use of energy, water and waste in a building.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations
Why would you use a green lease?
- Achieve greater energy and resource efficiency to reduce costs
- Comply with a company’s ESG goals
- Comply with statutory requirements to report on environmental issues
What are the economic and social implications of sustainability
Social
o Harmful environment for people
o Can be unsafe
Economic
o Depreciation in asset value of properties that aren’t energy efficient
o As companies shift focus to ESG, assets that are non-conforming will not be attractive for leasing or investing
What are some factors of sustainable building design?
- Energy consumption monitoring built in
- Sensor activated lighting
- Shell and Core finishes to minimise waste
- Recycle buildings materials
- Biophilia
What is the RICS Guidance on Sustainability?
- Updated Rules of Conduct – Rule 3: High quality & diligent service example must advise on sustainability factors
- Red Book – Guidance Note Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategic Advice
- Guidance Note – Environmental Risks and Global Real Estate
