Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainable construction?
The goals of sustainable construction are to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Sustainable construction methods include using renewable and recyclable resources; reducing energy consumption and waste; creating a healthy, environmentally friendly environment; protecting the natural environment
What sustainable construction methods are you aware of?
- using renewable and recyclable materials
- reducing the embodied energy in building materials
- reducing the energy consumption of the finished building
- reducing on-site waste
- protecting the natural habitats during and after the construction phase.
What are the benefits of Green Walls & Green Roofs?
- Green walls are visual indicators of sustainable design and can be a means of qualifying for additional eco-credits for sustainability assessment schemes and may help with planning applications
- Green roofs improve the sustainability of their surrounding areas by: Decreasing stormwater runoff on average of 40 to 60%, keeping runoff out of local sewer systems, and reducing wear and tear along with potential damage that can lead to contamination.
Define sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
What % of total UK carbon emissions are attributed to the built environment?
Approx. 40% - 45%
Name some of the acts and regulations in the UK that relate to sustainability?
- Clean Air Act 1993
- Climate Change Act 2008
- Energy Act 2008
What is BREEAM?
- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
- Best practice guidance and standards for the environmental performance of buildings through design, specification, construction, and operation
What is a waste management plan?
- A site waste management plan (SWMP) is created to enable managers on construction projects to plan and strategies how any waste from the site will be managed or disposed of. They must be produced at the start of the project, and monitored throughout the project
- All projects over £300k are required to have one
What are the typical environmental issues that you are faced with on site?
- Dust
- Sound pollution
- Use of chemicals
- Use of asbestos
- Disposal of waste
What regulations and codes of practice govern the construction industry’s approach to sustainability?
- Building Regulations - Part L
- Code for sustainable homes / buildings
- EPC’s / DEC’s
- Site waste management plans
- BREEAM
- Certification of buildings
How do you measure sustainability?
Sustainability is measured by assessing performance of Social, Environmental, and Economic principles. While a balanced treatment of all three is an ideal goal, it is not always achievable.
Can also be measured using one of the construction sustainability assessments (BREEAM, SKA, LEED)
What measures does your company take in relation to sustainability?
- Recycling points
- Lights are on sensors
- Use public transport where possible
Name some of the technology available to help meet Part L of the building regulations?
- Photovoltaic panels
- Wind turbines
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
What is a U-Value?
Sum of the thermal resistances of the layers that make up an entire building element
Tell me about the last BREEAM project you worked on?
KN - BREEAM Excellent
Considerations was given to the following to score BREEAM Credits
- Solar shading
- Thermal performance
- Maximising daylight
