Sustainability Flashcards
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building, Research, Establishment, Environmental Assessment Methodology
When do site waste management plans apply?
Is compulsory to prepare a site waste management plan for any construction project with an estimated cost of over £300,000
What is regulation part L?
Regulations of conservation of fuel and power
What other approved documents are in relation to sustainability?
Approved document B: Fire Safety
Approved document D: Toxic substances
Approved Document E: Resistance to sound
Approved document F: Ventilation
What is the purpose of BREEAM?
Is the longest establishes method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings, communities and infrastructure.
What are the ratings of BREEAM?
- Unclassified, less that 30%
- Pass, 30-44%
- Good 45-54%
- Very Good 55-69%
- Excellent 70-84%
- Outstanding 85% pluss
What element is BREEAM going to evaluate?
- Energy consumption
- Water
- Pollution
- Materials
- Waste
- Health and wellbeing
What are the benefits of BREEAM?
- Reduced operational costs
- Making a building more attractive to sell or let.
- Limits the developers risk for the future of the building
- Created a healthy workplace
Who set up BREEAM?
The BRE – Building Research Establishment in 1990
What is LEED?
It’s a widely used certification to provide a framework for healthy, highly efficient green buildings.
What does EPC measure?
How energy efficient a building is.
What can influence an EPC rating?
- Insulation
- Heating system
- Renewable energy
Name some examples of sustainable technologies that enhance provide renewable energy.
- Solar Panels
- Ground-source Heat Pumps
How do solar panels work?
- sunlight hits the panel, the photovoltaic cells absorb the energy
- Absorbed energy energises the cells causing them to release electrons and produce an electric charge
- An inverter converts this electricity for use in the building.
How do ground-source heat pumps work?
- absorb heat from the Earth
- Thermal Transfer Fluid is pumped through a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to a refrigerant, which is then compressed in a compressor.
- This hot refrigerant flows into a condenser which is then used to heat the building.
What are the main differences in BREEAM and NABERS?
BREAAM is a design-based energy rating, whereas NABERS UK measures and rates the actual energy use of offices.
What does NABERS stand for?
National Australian Built Environment Rating System
What does LEED stand for?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What are the NABERS ratings?
1 star: Poor
2 stars: Below average
3 stars: Average
4 stars: Good
5 stars: Excellent
6 stars: Market leading
Who set up NABERS?
The Australian Government
What is the difference between BREEAM and LEED?
They’re similar in that they are both green building standards, but they differ:
- scoring system
certification process, BREAAM uses licensed assessors while LEED relies on the design team to gather information
What is the RESET certification?
A certification that focusses on the quality of indoor air quality.
What does RESET stand for?
Regenerative, Ecological, Social & Economical Targets.
What is the FITWEL certification?
A system that focusses on occupant health-promoting environments.
What are the levels under FITWEL?
1 star, 90-104 points
2 star, 105-124 points
3 star, 124-144 points
What is the WELL certification?
A rating system that measures how well a building’s design and operations impact the health and well-being of its occupants.
What are the levels under WELL?
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
What is the difference between FITWEL and WELL?
Approach
FITWEL is more practical and materials-based, while WELL is more holistic.
Focus
FITWEL focuses on location, shared spaces, and healthy eating, while WELL focuses on using medical research to improve human health.
Cost
WELL is more expensive than FITWEL because it requires more costly onsite testing.
Time
FITWEL certification can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, while WELL certification typically takes six months.
Suitability
FITWEL is better suited for existing buildings, while WELL is better for new construction. FITWEL is also more flexible and modular than WELL.
Development
FITWEL was developed by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Who created the WELL building standard?
Delos and the International WELL Building Institute (IWIB) in 2014
Who created the FITWEL building standard?
The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
What is the Paris agreement 2050?
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees and emissions need to be reduced by 43% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
What is the Paris agreement?
The Paris Agreement is a global climate accord aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, by requiring countries to set emissions-reduction targets, adapt to climate impacts, and provide financial support for developing nations.
