Sustainability

Question 1

What are the key principles of sustainability?

Answer 1

Environmental, Social and Governance

Question 2

What is BREEAM?

Answer 2

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Question 3

What is a green lease?

Answer 3

A standard lease with additional clauses focusing on the ESG performance of a building

Question 4

Can you explain the concept of the “triple bottom line” in sustainability? The 3 P’s

Answer 4

The 3 P Framework:

People
Planet
Profit

Question 5

What is the definition of sustainability in the context of the built environment?

Answer 5

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Question 6

How does sustainability relate to the RICS Rules of Conduct and professional ethics?

Answer 6

1. Rule 1 - By acting with integrity
2. Rule 3 - By providing a good-quality service
3. Rule 5 - By acting in the public interest
4. Continued CPD

Question 7

Can you name any UK regulations or policies that drive environmental sustainability in the built environment?

Answer 7

Building Regulations Part L

MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)

The Environment Act 2021

Net Zero by 2050

The National Planning Policy Framework

Question 8

What is an EPC?

Answer 8

An Energy Performance Certificate

Question 9

How long is an EPC valid for?

Answer 9

10 years

Question 10

How does BREEAM work?

Answer 10

It assesses a building’s environmental performance across categories such as:

Energy
Water use
Health and wellbeing
Waste
Pollution

Question 11

What are BREEAM Ratings?

Answer 11

Pass
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Outstanding

Question 12

What are EPC Ratings?

Answer 12

A (very efficient) to G (least efficient)

Question 13

What does an EPC do?

Answer 13

Rates the energy efficiency of a building

Question 14

When is an EPC required?

Answer 14

For all buildings when let, sold or constructed

Question 15

What can improve an EPC rating?

Answer 15

Insulation (Loft / walls)

Windows (double/triple glazing)

Heating (new boiler)

Renewable Energy (Solar panels / Smart meters)

Question 16

What is the WELL Building Standard?

Answer 16

Focusses on human health and wellbeing in buildings

Question 17

What can improve WELL Building Standard?

Answer 17

Air
Water
Natural light
Sound

Question 18

What is a sustainability benchmark, and why is it important?

Answer 18

A point of reference used to measure and compare the ESG performance of a building

Question 19

What does ESG stand for?

Answer 19

Environmental, Social and Governance

Question 20

What are some MEES Requirements?

Answer 20

All properties must have an EPC Rating of E and above

Question 21

What are some of the penalties if you do not comply with MEES?

Answer 21

Financial penalties and reputational damage

Question 22

What is E in ESG?

Answer 22

Environmental

Energy use, carbon emissions, resource efficiency, climate resilience.

Question 23

What is S in ESG?

Answer 23

Social

Health & wellbeing of occupants, community engagement, diversity and inclusion.

Question 24

What is G in ESG?

Answer 24

Governance

Question 25

What is a sustainability statement in a planning application?

Answer 25

It shows how a proposed addressed ESG factors

Question 26

Where would you find an EPC Certificate?

Answer 26

Online on the EPC register by searching the property address

Question 27

What are the key dates for MEES?

Answer 27

2018: New lease must be E or above 2023: All existing leases must be E or above 2030: All buildings must have rating of C or above

Question 28

What are the future milestones for MEES?

Answer 28

2030: All buildings must have rating of C or above

Question 29

When does the UK want to be net zero by?

Answer 29

2050

Question 30

What is meant by net zero?

Answer 30

Completely negating the amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide

Question 31

What are the most common environmental issues on construction sites?

Answer 31

Water Pollution Air and Noise Pollution Land contamination Energy consumption

Question 32

What are the key Building Regulations that relate to sustainability in construction?

Answer 32

Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power Part O - …

Question 33

How does your company implement and promote sustainability?

Answer 33

Recycling LED lighting Motion sensor lighting Cycle to work schemes Paperless initiative

Question 34

What is a green roof?

Answer 34

Covered with vegetation over a waterproof membrane

Question 35

What is carbon neutral?

Answer 35

A balance between the carbon omitted and the carbon absorbed

Question 36

What is rainwater harvesting?

Answer 36

a method of collecting and storing rainwater for future use

Question 37

What do YOU do to promote sustainability?

Answer 37

Recycle Walk Public transport Paperless Avoid using plastic Turn lights off

Question 38

What are some exemptions of when an EPC is required?

Answer 38

When it is under 50 sq/m Places of worship Listed buildings Temporary buildings