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Alice’s APC > Sustainability > Flashcards

Sustainability Flashcards

1
Q

What impact can property have on the environment?

A

Built environment accounts for nearly 40% of emissions globally

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2
Q

How does sustainability relate to real estate?

A

Built environment is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions

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3
Q

What is sustainability?

A

Meeting needs of present without comprising ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Bruntland report)

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4
Q

What is sustainable development?

A

Development that meets needs of present without comprising ability of future generations to meet their own needs

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5
Q

What are the key concepts of sustainable development?

A

Needs – meeting humans’ needs, particularly poorer people

Limitations – restrictions on environment’s ability to meet needs by technology + how society is organised

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6
Q

How are you sustainable in your day-to-day activities

A

Lift share where possible

Use public transport when travelling to office

Use electronic files + cloud storage to minimise use of paper files

Use energy efficient light bulbs + turn lights off when not in use

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7
Q

How is your office sustainable?

A

Office is paperless – we use digital documents

Office has energy efficient lighting with automatic sensors

Have a recycling programme

Employees are encouraged to use public transport – no car park

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8
Q

Name some ways you can make a building more sustainable?

A
  • Replace lighting with LED lights with automatic sensors
  • Improve water usage by installing water efficient taps, toilets + showers
  • Upgrade old services with more energy efficient devices, e.g. heating + cooling
    systems
  • Upgrade existing insulation
  • Implement green leases
  • Consider longer term solutions, e.g. solar panels + rainwater harvesting
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9
Q

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

A

Promotes sustainable development with a presumption in favour of it

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10
Q

What are the triple bottom line principles?

A

Economic

Social

Environmental

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11
Q

What is ESG?

A

Environmental, Social, Governance

Provides criteria that businesses can use to measure sustainability impact

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12
Q

What importance do the UN have on sustainability?

A

Play crucial role in promoting sustainability globally

UN developed 17 SDGs as part of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – goals address global challenges, e.g. poverty, climate change, inequality, environmental degradation + justice

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13
Q

What is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

A

Adopted by 193 UN members at UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015

Provides shared blueprint for the world we want to see by 2030

Centred around 17 Sustainable Development Goals

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14
Q

How many UN Sustainable Development Goals are there?

A

17

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15
Q

What is the target achievement date for the SDGs?

A

2030

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16
Q

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of + the targets it set?

A

Kyoto Protocol 1997

Target for 37 countries to reduce emissions by average 5% below 1990 for period 2008-2012

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17
Q

When did the UN introduce the first convention on climate change?

A

1992

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18
Q

What is the Kyoto Protocol and when was it agreed?

A

1997 – target for 37 countries to reduce emissions by average 5% below 1990 for period 2008-2012

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19
Q

What did the UK agree to as part of the Kyoto protocol?

A

12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

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20
Q

Was the Kyoto protocol successful?

A

Emissions overall reduced by 10% but not enough to offset increasing emissions from other industrialising countries so total global emissions grew

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21
Q

What happened after 2012 (Kyoto protocol)?

A

Second Kyoto commitment period 2013-2020 - fewer countries signed up, although UK and EU are

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22
Q

What is the latest agreement on climate change?

A

Paris Agreement 2015

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23
Q

What is the Paris Agreement?

A

Legally binding international treaty that aims to limit global warming/address impacts of climate change

AIM – To hold increase in global average temperatures to 2 degrees c below pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees c

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24
Q

What are the 2020/2030/2050 EU targets?

A
  • 2020 – reduce emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels
  • 2030 – reduce emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels
  • 2040 – reduce emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels
  • 2050 – achieve net zero emissions
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25
Q

What are the UK current climate change targets?

A

Achieve net zero by 2050

68% reduction in emissions by 2030 against 1990 levels

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26
Q

Tell me about COP29

A

Conference of the Parties

29th annual summit

RICS participated in COP29

Agreed new climate finance goal – new target to mobilise $300 billion annually by 2025 to support developing countries in reducing emissions. Countries also reviewed progress towards Paris Agreement goals, highlighting areas needing more action

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27
Q

What UK legislation was enacted as a result of the Paris Agreement?

A

Climate Change Act 2008

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28
Q

What is the Climate Change Act 2008?

A

UK law that established legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

AIM – Originally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, but now the commitment is to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050

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29
Q

How will the Climate Change Act 2008 be pursued?

A

Legally binding carbon budgets (cap on greenhouse gases emitted in UK over 5-year period), set at least 12 years in advance to allow for preparation

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30
Q

What are carbon budgets?

A

Cap on greenhouse gases emitted in UK over 5-year period

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31
Q

What is carbon offsetting?

A
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32
Q

What is the Environmental Protection Act 2021?

A

UK legislation aimed at improving environmental protection post-Brexit

Act sets legally binding targets to improve air + water quality, measures to enhance biodiversity, increase recycling rates + improve resource efficiency

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33
Q

What is ESOS?

A

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme

Mandatory for large companies

Requires energy audits for buildings, industrial processes + transport

Must measure total energy consumption, identify cost-effective energy efficiency measures, and report compliance to the Environment Agency

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34
Q

Did the Infrastructure Act 2015 introduce any climate change initiatives?

A

Introduced rights for fracking + energy exploitation to meet carbon budgets

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35
Q

What is the renewable heat incentive and under what act was it introduced?

A

UK government scheme designed to encourage use of renewable heat technology

Provides financial incentives to households + businesses

Introduced under Energy Act 2008

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36
Q

What do you understand by the term Net Zero?

A

Refers to balance between amount of greenhouse gases emitted into atmosphere + amount removed from it

To achieve net zero means that there is no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions

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37
Q

What is an EPC?

A

Energy Performance Certificate

Document providing information about energy efficiency of a building or property

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38
Q

What is the purpose of EPCs?

A

Used to assess energy efficiency of buildings + provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency

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39
Q

What buildings require an EPC?

A

Residential properties – when built, sold or let

Commercial properties – when built, sold or let

Public buildings – buildings over 250 sqm that are frequently visited by public must display an EPC

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40
Q

Where would you find an EPC?

A

Government website

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41
Q

What legislation led to the introduction of EPCs?

A

EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and UK Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations

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42
Q

When is an EPC required?

A

When a building is built, sold or rented

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43
Q

What does an EPC include?

A

Energy rating (A-G)

Energy use

Typical energy costs

Recommendations about how to reduce consumption

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44
Q

Can you charge prospective tenants or buyers for a copy of an EPC?

A

No

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45
Q

When must you display an EPC?

A

Commercial premises >500 sq m frequently visited by the public

46
Q

How long is an EPC valid for?

A

10 years

47
Q

When is an EPC not required?

A
  • Place of worship
  • Temporary buildings (<2 years)
  • Standalone building with total useful floor space <50 sq m
  • Industrial sites, workshops + agricultural buildings with low energy use
  • Some buildings due to be demolished
  • Holiday accommodation rented out for less than 4 months per year or let under a
    licence to occupy
  • Listed buildings
  • Residential buildings used less than 4 months per year
48
Q

Where would you source an EPC from that already exists?

A

Public register
Ask the seller/lessor

49
Q

What are the penalties for not having a valid EPC?

A

£200 fine for non-display of EPC information on marketing material (residential)

Failure to provide to a prospective buyer/tenant – fine of 12.5% of rateable value of building (minimum of £500 + maximum of £5,000) (commercial)

50
Q

How is an EPC calculated?

A

Assessor looks at property + scores variety of factors based on condition + potential for heat loss

51
Q

How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?

A

Buildings with higher EPC ratings are more attractive to buyers + tenants – likely to increase market value

Properties with higher EPC ratings can command higher rents – tenants willing to pay more for energy-efficient buildings due to potential saving costs

Buildings with poor EPC ratings have higher operational costs to inefficient energy use

52
Q

What is a DEC?

A

Display Energy Certificate

Show energy use + carbon emissions of public buildings over 250 sqm

Rated A to G with an advisory report

53
Q

What must accompany a DEC?

A

An advisory report

54
Q

What are the penalties for not having a DEC?

A

£500 for not displaying DEC

£1000 for not having a valid advisory report

55
Q

When do you need a DEC?

A

Public buildings over 250 sq m occupied by public authority and frequently visited by public

56
Q

How long is a DEC valid for?

A

10 years (250-1000 sqm) or 1 year (over 1000 sqm)

Advisory report is valid for 7 years

57
Q

What are MEES and what does it stand for?

A

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Set of rules requiring landlords to maintain a minimum energy efficiency level for their properties

58
Q

What are the implications of MEES?

A

Domestic property – requires minimum EPC E rating to let property on a new lease from 1 April 2018. From 1 April 2020, requirement applies to existing leases, including lease renewals + extensions

Non-domestic property – requires minimum EPC E rating to let property on a new lease from 1 April 2018. From 1 April 2023, requirement applies to all non-domestic properties, regardless of lease changes

59
Q

What is the minimum EPC rating for letting residential property?

A

E

Regulation has been in place since 1 April 2020

60
Q

What changes are the government considering regarding MEES?

A

Domestic – government is considering raising the minimum standard to EPC rating C by 2030

Non-domestic – minimum standard expected to rise to EPC band D by 2025, EPC band C by 2027, and EPC band B by 2030

61
Q

Do any buildings fall outside the scope of MEES?

A

EPC not required, e.g. place of worship, low energy demand industrial sites or workshops, non-residential agricultural buildings

Tenancy under 6 months with no security of tenure

Tenancy over 99 years

Certain residential leases, e.g. second homes + landlords, e.g. public sector + social

62
Q

Are there any exemptions from MEES?

A

If building doesn’t need EPC, e.g. place of worship

Tenancy under 6 months or over 99 years

When not feasible to improve EPC to E or above despite all improvements being made with a payback of 7 years or less

If improvements would devalue property by more than 5%

Certain residential leases, e.g. second homes + landlords, e.g. public sector + social

63
Q

How are MEES exceptions registered + how often do they need to be renewed?

A

Pre-registered on Local Authority Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register

Renewed every 5 years

64
Q

What are the penalties for non-compliance with the MEES for residential properties

A

Breach less than 3 months – £2,000

Breach more than 3 months – £4,000

65
Q

What are the penalties for non-compliance with the MEES for commercial properties

A

Breach less than 3 months – up to £5,000 or 10% of RV, max £50,000

Breach more than 3 months – up to £10,000 or 20% rateable value, max £150,000

66
Q

How does MEES impact your role?

A

The property management team cannot let residential properties out with an EPC rating below an E

When carrying out external maintenance inspections, I make every effort to consider property’s EPC rating when proposing works to it

67
Q

On your inspections, what improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types/ages?

A

If windows + doors are timber, I would look to replace these with UPVC

If changing the windows + doors to UPVC do not fit in with the character of the building, I instead ask the property manager to consider other internal improvements instead

68
Q

How do you assess a building’s sustainability characteristics?

A

Refer to its EPC rating + get specialist advice

69
Q

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

A

BREEAM (Buildings Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – voluntary scheme of environmental impact for non-domestic buildings, refurbishment + in use. Ratings – Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding (depending on the level of sustainability achieved)

70
Q

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for residential properties?

A

Home Quality Mark (HQM) – developed by BRE. Certification assesses overall quality, sustainability + performance of new homes

71
Q

Name examples of Government policies on energy efficiency for buildings?

A

EPCs – requirements for buildings to have an EPC when built, let or sold

MEES – regulations that set minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties

72
Q

What does BREEAM stand for?

A

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

73
Q

What is BREEAM?

A

Voluntary scheme of environmental impact for non-domestic buildings, refurbishment and in-use

74
Q

What part of the Building Regulations relate to conservation of power and fuel?

A

L

75
Q

What Building Regulation relates to energy efficiency?

A

L

76
Q

What is ESOS?

A

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme

UK government programme that requires large organisations to audit energy use every 4 years

77
Q

What is the CRC?

A

Carbon Reduction Commitment

Scrapped following Government’s Business Energy Taxation Review (2015) – replaced by CCL in 2019

78
Q

What is the CCL?

A

Climate Change Levy

Tax on energy for non-domestic users in UK – encourages energy efficiency

Charged by energy providers

Renewable energy sources are exempt from CCL

79
Q

What is CSR?

A

Corporate Social Responsibility

Takes into account social, environmental + economic aspects to make businesses accountable for actions

80
Q

What is the SECR regime?

A

Streamlined Energy + Carbon Reporting

UK government policy implemented on 1 April 2019

Requires organisations to disclose energy use + carbon emissions in annual reports – encourages energy efficiency + helps reduce carbon emissions

81
Q

Who does the SECR regime apply to?

A

Large companies + large limited liability partnerships (LLPs) in UK

To be considered large – company must have turnover of £36 million or more, a balance sheet total of £18 million or more, or 250 employees or more

82
Q

Are there any exceptions to the SECR regime?

A

Low Energy Users (must declare themselves as low energy users in annual reports

Public interest entities, e.g. charities + non-for-profit organisations

83
Q

What is an EMS?

A

Environmental Management System, e.g. ISO 14001:2015 – standards to management environmental responsibilities

84
Q

What is BNG?

A

Biodiversity Net Gain

Principle where new developments must leave natural environment in better state than before

All new building projects will have to improve biodiversity of site by a minimum of 10% (mandatory from Feb 2024)

85
Q

What guidance do RICS provide on sustainability and property valuation?

A

Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice (reissued as a professional standard in 2023 but previously published in 2021 as a guidance note)

86
Q

Should valuers reflect sustainability characteristics in valuations?

A

Yes – to extent that informed and well-advised purchaser would account for them

87
Q

What method could you use to compare a sustainable v non-sustainable building in a valuation?

A

DCF

88
Q

What is a green lease?

A

Agreement where both landlord + tenant follow environmentally friendly practices to achieve sustainability goals

89
Q

What is a memorandum of understanding?

A

Way of agreeing shared goals/benefits, who pays and who benefits in relation to sustainability clauses

90
Q

What are SUDS?

A

Sustainable Drainage Systems

Designed to manage surface water runoff – helps reduce flooding, improve water quality + enhance biodiversity

91
Q

What is RICS SKA?

A

Environmental assessment method, benchmark + standard for non-domestic fitouts

Helps landlords + tenants measure + improve sustainability of offices

92
Q

What does RICS SKA assess?

A

Fit out

93
Q

When was the Code for Sustainable Homes last updated?

A

It was abolished in 2014

94
Q

What does Approved Document S relate to?

A

Installation and charge point requirements for electric vehicles

95
Q

What is the RICS sustainability strategy called?

A

Future Foundations

Aims to create a sustainable, resilient + inclusive built environment by leading on sustainability + attracting diverse talent. Focuses on inspiring members, advancing knowledge + upholding high standards

96
Q

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

A

Solar panels – generates electricity from sunlight, reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Green roofs – reduce stormwater runoff + provide natural insulation

Ground source heat pumps – use ground temperatures to heat + cool buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Rainwater harvesting – captures + stores rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing demand on municipal water supplies + lowering water bills

97
Q

What is sustainable procurement?

A

Process of acquiring goods + services in a way that achieves value for money while also considering environmental, social + economic impacts

98
Q

Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs, 2016

A

Provides guidance for assessing + managing costs throughout building’s entire life cycle, from initial construction to eventual demolition, ensuring cost-effective + sustainable decision-making

99
Q

What does the term, whole life carbon mean?

A

Total greenhouse gas emissions associated with building or product throughout entire lifecycle, including production, construction, operation + end of life disposal

100
Q

What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?

A

Improving energy efficiency – use low-carbon materials, incorporate renewable energy sources + enhance building operations + maintenance

101
Q

What are Modern Methods of Construction?

A

Innovative building technique that enhances efficiency + sustainability, e.g. off-site manufacturing, modular construction + prefabrication

102
Q

How can building conservation relate to sustainability?

A

By preserving existing structures, reducing need for new construction + minimising resource consumption + waste

103
Q

What is an EIA and when would one be carried out?

A

Environmental Impact Assessment – process used to evaluate potential environmental effects of a proposed project before it is carried out, ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making

Required for major development projects that may have significant environmental impacts

104
Q

Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard

A

Future Homes Standard – aims to ensure new homes built from 2025 produce 75-80% less carbon emissions compared to current standards. Aims to meet UK objective of net zero by 2050

Future Buildings Standard – sets out energy efficiency, ventilation + overheating mitigation requirements for non-domestic buildings. Aims to meet UK objective of net zero by 2050

105
Q

Explain your understanding of the Green Homes Grant

A

Voucher scheme that provided grants to homeowners + landlords to make energy efficient improvements to homes

Closed in 2021

106
Q

Explain your understanding of the Green Deal to me

A

Loan system that allowed homeowners to spread cost of energy-saving improvements over period of 10-25 years

Scheme’s primary goal was to eliminate upfront financial barrier that discourages investment in energy efficiency

Loan was attached to property rather than owner, so if moved, new occupant would have to take over repayments

Government ceased funding in July 2015 due to low uptake

While original Green Deal Scheme has ended, there is the possibility to obtain financing from private providers

107
Q

What is PAS 2035?

A

UK standard that provides a framework for the retrofitting of dwellings to improve energy efficiency, covering assessment, design, installation + monitoring

108
Q

How are RICS working towards the SDGs?

A

Conduct evidence-based research

Publish annual Sustainability Report (latest November 2024)

Offer training courses through RICS Online Academy – sustainability is a mandatory competency for professionals

Offer certification tools, e.g. SKA rating system for fit out of commercial properties

Offer range of guidance for professionals, e.g. Professional Standards Sustainability + Commercial Valuation 2023, Residential retrofit standard 2024 + Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment, 2024

109
Q

What do the rules of conduct say in relation to sustainability?

A

Example behaviour to rule 3 – Members + firms, when advising clients about projects, encourage solutions that are sustainable in that they minimise harm + deliver balanced economic, social + environmental benefits

110
Q

What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?

A

Professional Standard Sustainability + ESG in Commercial Property Valuation, 2023 – provides guidance for professionals to deliver valuation advice that incorporates sustainability + ESG factors, ensuring these are consistently + accurate reflected in property valuation

Professional Standard Residential retrofit standard, 2024 – sets out mandatory + recommended requirements to RICS members in delivering retrofit services. Promotes sustainable practices in residential property upgrades

111
Q

Tell me about the RICS Sustainability Report 2024

A
112
Q

What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?

A

Campaign that promotes sustainability by encouraging implementation of UN’s SDGs

Alice’s APC (22 decks)

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