Sustainability

Question 1

What are some of the ways in which an existing building can be retrofitted to improve its efficiency?

Answer 1

• Improved insulation to walls, floors, roofs.
• Use of renewable energy sources – solar PV, ground or air source heat pumps.

Question 2

What are your ethical requirements when advising clients about Sustainability?

Answer 2

• Obligation to adhere to Rule 3 of the RICS Rules of Conduct (Example behaviour 3.10).
• Members and firms, when advising clients about projects, encourage solutions that are sustainable in that they minimise harm and deliver balanced economic, social and environmental benefits.

Question 3

What is the definition of sustainability?

Answer 3

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 4

What are some of the barriers in improving sustainability within the built environment?

Answer 4

High initial costs, lack of evidence of a return and uncertainty around benefits.

Question 5

Are you aware of any RICS publications regarding sustainability?

Answer 5

• RICS Sustainability Report 2023.
• Residential Retrofit Standard

Question 6

How are BREEAM and EPCs used as performance measuring and benchmarking criteria for the sustainability and efficiency of new and existing buildings?

Answer 6

• BREEAM uses performance benchmarks for categories including energy, land use & ecology, water, health & well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste and management. Assessments are carried out at the design (interim certificate) and post-construction (final certificate) stages, with a rating awarded from Unclassified (under 30%), Pass (30–44%), Good (45%–54%), Very Good (55–69%), Excellent (70–85%) and Outstanding (85% and over).
• The Government’s Construction Strategy requires an Excellent rating on all public projects, whilst specific BREEAM ratings may be required as part of local plans or planning conditions for particular developments.