Sustainability Flashcards
What is the definition of sustainability?
Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Report (1987).
What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s)?
An EPC is a document that provides an assessment of a building’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. It includes an ENERGY EFFICIENY RATING.
An EPC is required when a property is built, let or sold in the UK.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES’s)?
Since April 2023, landlords cannot let commercial properties with an EPC rating below E (F&G ratings)
The government requires all rental properties to have an EPC rating of E or higher before being let to tenants.
What is your company’s sustainability policy?
NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS – Colliers has pledged by 2050, with a goal of HALVE emissions by 20230
CARBON REDUCTION PLAN – Colliers has published a Carbon Reduction Plan with initiatives to reduced its carbon footprint.
‘ELEVATE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT STRATGY’ –
Elevate the Environment: Reducing environmental impacts in operations and client services
Elevate Inclusiveness: Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the company and its procurement practice
Elevate Health & Wellbeing: Advancing health and wellbeing in operations and though client services.
What do you do to minimise your personal carbon footprint?
To minimise my personal carbon footprint, I adopt sustainable practices in both my professional and personal life. I prioritise using public transport, cycling, or walking where possible to reduce emissions. In the office, I ensure energy efficiency by switching off lights and equipment when not in use and reducing paper consumption by opting for digital documentation.
I also support sustainable procurement by choosing products with lower environmental impact and minimising waste through recycling. Additionally, I stay informed on sustainability best practices through RICS guidance and industry updates, ensuring I contribute to reducing environmental impact in my professional role.
Can you explain the significance of achieving ‘Net Zero Carbon’ by 2050 in the property sector? How does it impact the work you do?
Achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is essential for reducing the property sector’s environmental impact, as buildings account for a significant portion of the UK’s carbon emissions.
This impacts my work as I must ensure that all property advice aligns with sustainability targets to future-proof assets and maintain compliance with upcoming regulations.
What steps would you take to help a client ensure that their commercial property aligns with these sustainability goals?
This wouldn’t be my area of expertise and I wouldn’t be competent to help so would refer to out ESG team.
I would however, ensure the client’s property complies with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and meets a high EPC rating.
What is BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)?
A leading sustainability assessment method for buildings, infrastructure, and master planning projects. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and awards ratings based on energy efficiency, resource use, and environmental impact.
What factors are BREEAM assessed on?
Energy efficiency and emissions
Health and Wellbeing – Indoor air quality, lighting and thermal control
Waste – Reduction, reuse, recycling
Transport – Accessibility and sustainable travel options
Pollution – Emissions and environmental impact
Why is BREEAM Important? What are the benefits of a high rating?
Enhances property value and marketability
Improves occupier satisfaction and wellbeing
Reduced operational costs through energy efficiency
Support compliance with sustainability regulations
Aligns with ESG Objectives
What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), and why are they important in the context of sustainability in commercial property?
EPC – provide a rating (from A to G) that indicates how energy-efficient a building is.
They provide a benchmark for identifying a building’s energy performance and highlights areas for improvement.
EPC is a legal requirement; a higher EPC can improve marketability and ensure compliance with energy efficiency regulations
How do the forthcoming changes to EPC regulations affect the way properties are valued or leased?
The changes aim to raise the minimum EPC requirements for commercial properties to C or above by 2030.
Properties that do not meet these standards may become ‘stranded assets’ – less desirable or even un-lettable due to noncompliance – driving property values.
How does your understanding of sustainability influence the advice you give to clients regarding commercial property acquisitions or disposals?
Properties with strong sustainability credentials, e.g. high EPC rating or green certifications, are increasingly in demand by tenants and investors.
For acquisitions, I encourage clients to acquire properties that meet or have the potential to meet Net Zero Carbon goals. I also consider sustainable building certifications such as BREEAM or NABERS for new developments and refurbishments.
For disposals, I recommend making sustainability improvements to attract tenants and increase the asset’s market value.
You’ve attended seminars on your company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team services. How does your company’s ESG team support sustainability?
They help clients develop sustainability strategies for their properties, such as implementing energy-efficient technologies, ensuring compliance with MEES and Net Zero Carbon goals and focusing on social aspects like healthier work environments.
This is done to help future-proof assets and reduce operating costs while contributing to environmental goals.
Example of energy efficiency tech - solar panels, LED lighting connected to a smart system, high efficiency glazing
How do you stay informed about changes in sustainability regulations, particularly those affecting energy efficiency in commercial properties?
I stay informed through regular CPD training, attending seminars and reading RICS publications.
I also keep an eye on market trends through industry publications such as EGI and CoStar.
What actions does the UK Green Building Council think are necessary?
The UK Green Building Council focuses on promoting sustainability in the built environment.
They want to establish Net Zero Carbon – this needs to be across the whole lifecycle of buildings i.e. carbon emissions associated with the construction, use, refurbishment and demolition of buildings.
Reduce operational energy use.
Increase renewable energy supply -
Offset remaining carbon – planting trees.
What is a green lease?
Green lease clause typically seek to ensure landlords and tenants share information about the use of the energy, water and waste arising in a building. The Better Building Partnership has a Green Lease Toolkit with best practice recommendations
