Sustainability Flashcards
Define sustainability.
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What are the requirements for businesses over 250 employees?
Under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, an energy assessment has to be made to measure the total energy consumption across buildings, transport and industrial activities, and conduct energy audits to identify efficiency recommendations. Compliance must be reported to the EA.
What is BNG?
Biodiversity Net Gain is now mandatory for most developments / panning applications, ensuring a 10% biodiversity gain is delivered on or off site.
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
An assessment tool to rate new and refurbished buildings
What is ESG?
Environmental, Social, Governance
The key factors that support ethical and responsible investment in business and property
Public awareness has boosted the need for ESG to be considered
Can you name some of the 17 UN Sustainability goals?
Eliminating poverty, taking climate action, ensuring good health and wellbeing, quality education
What are the exemptions to BNG?
Householder applications (loft conversions / conservatories)
Self-build
NSIP’s (coming 2025)
What is water neautrality?
Where a development doe snot increase the rate of water abstraction above the existing levels
What is nutrient neautrality?
Where development does not increase the phosphate or nitrate levels in local watercourses beyond current levels. Nitrates are released within wastewater from development.
What are the recent changes in EPC requirements for Commercial property?
Minimum band E, just like residential.
What are the incoming changes to MEES?
All new tenancies should be a C from December 2025, and new tenancies from 2028.
What is a green mortgage?
A mortgage which rewards someone for buying or owning an energy efficient home, by offering favourable terms, which include lower interest rates of cash back.
What are the most common environmental issues on construction sites?
Land degradation
Water pollution
Air pollution
Land contamination
Noise
High energy usage and CO2 emissions
High wastage production into landfill
What procedures does your firm implement to promote sustainability?
Recycling
LED lighting throughout
Paperless as much as possible
What sustainable initiatives are you aware of that are implemented by the RICS?
Value the planet - encourages firms and members to implement the UN sustainable development goals
Responsible Business Report - offers solutions to businesses to become more sustainable (recycling and reducing energy)
