Sustainability Flashcards
What is the legislation in the UK that deals with the issue of sustainability in building construction?
The Environment Act 2021
Climate Change Act 2008
Building Regulation Part L - conservation of fuel and power
Zero Carbon Homes Policy
BREEAM
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is.
An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency.
An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) and is valid for 10 years.
When would an EPC be required?
- selling a property
- renting out a property
- building a new property
What is the role of the BRE?
The role of the BRE is to delivers innovative and rigorous products, services, standards and qualifications to make buildings better for people and the environment.
How are the requirements BREEAM, which itself is nor legally binding document, enforced?
The requirements set out in the BREEAM can be included in project specifications and be an enforceable part of the contract.
What steps do you take in your business activity to ensure that your company operates in a sustainable manner?
- Promote file saving on computers, and try not to print out emails etc.
- Recycling on construction jobs
Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?
- Wind turbines
- Photovoltaic cells
- Ground source heat pumps
- Rainwater harvesting
- Green roofs
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
How do you balance economical, social and environmental factors?
Give an example of a sustainable product or technology that you have encountered?
I have encountered photovoltaic cells during my work experience. Last year I worked on property in Clapham where we installed photovoltaic cells on the roof.
Is the Code for Sustainable homes still a requirement?
No, this code was scrapped in 2015.
What are the levels of BREEAM? How are they achieved?
Outstanding (85%)
Excellent (70%)
Very Good (55%)
Good (45%)
Pass (30%)
Unclassified (Less than 30%)
What building regulation parts cover sustainability?
Building Regulation Part L - conservation of fuel and power
What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Sustainability?
What is BREEAM?
- Building Research Establishment, Environmental Assessment Method
- International scheme that provides 3rd party certification on projects
- Certification takes place at design, construction, operation and refurbishment
What are BREEAM assessment categories?
- Management
- Health & Wellbeing
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
- Materials
- Waste
- Land use and ecology
- Pollution
- Innovation