Sustainability Flashcards
1
Q
What is sustainability?
A
The ability to maintain or support a process over time without depleting natural or physical resources.
2
Q
What is sustainable development?
A
Aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. - Aims to balance the needs of economy, environment and society.
3
Q
What are the triple bottom line principles?
A
Environmental, social and economic aspects
4
Q
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
A
National Planning Policy framework - published in 2021 includes specific section on achieving sustainable development - establishes a presumption in favour of sustainable development basing understanding on 1987 report Our Common Future where sustainable development defined as meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs
5
Q
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
A
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement
6
Q
What targets did the Climate Change Convention or Climate Change Protocol set?
A
Aim of developed countries to stabilise their greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2000
7
Q
What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?
A
UK announced new target at COP29 (Nov 2024) to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035
8
Q
What is the Paris Agreement?
A
legally binding international treaty concerning climate change
Apopted by nearly every nation and came into effect in 2016
Goal: limit global warming to below 2 degrees celsius whilst targeting levels below 1.5 degrees celsius when compared to pre-industrial levels
Creates framework for transparent monitoring and reporting each countries progress
9
Q
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were its targets
A
Kyoto protocol was agreement to limit carbon emissions, agreement of Annex 1 countries to limit their carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2000
10
Q
Explain your understanding of COP26
A
Conference of the Parties 26 - Climate Change conference held in Glasgow in 2021 attended by 120 world leaders and concluded with signing Glasgow Climate Pact - focus on four key actions:
mitigation and reducing emissions
adaptation to help those affected by climate change
Finance to enable coutnries to meet climate goals
Collaboration on more global action
11
Q
What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?
A
UK government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
However, target made more ambitious in 2019 when UK became first major economy to commit to net zero target.
12
Q
What is the UKs current target for sustainability?
A
Plans to meet net zero by 2050
13
Q
What does Net Zero mean?
A
net zero carbon emissions by 2050
14
Q
When does the UK need to achieve Net Zero by?
A
2050
15
Q
How will the UK achieve its Net Zero target?
A
- power generation from more carbon neutral sources
- encouraging reduction of carbon emissions from heating and buildings (change source of heating - Heat pumps, improved insulation, building materials etc)
- cars, buses, trains and bikes
- flights and shipping
- food
- tree planting
16
Q
What are the carbon budgets?
A
Maximum amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be released during certain time period while staying within specific target temperature
17
Q
What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?
A
introduced number of specific measures including community rights to purchase shares or equitable interest in large renewable energy projects and safeguards relating to shale fracking and new carbon offsetting regime
18
Q
What is the renewable heat incentive?
A
A government scheme offering grants to homeowners to put towards renewable heating cost (biomass boilers, solar water heating and some heat pumps)
Now closed to new applicants
19
Q
How can buildings impact upon the environment?
A
- embodied carbon
- carbon emissions from use of buildings
20
Q
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
A
- green roof
Vegetation on roof of building designed to reduce heat loss, increase vegetation in urban areas, increase absorbsion of rain and reduce water entering drainage system.
Increase biodiversity
21
Q
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
A
BREEAM - sustainability rating system for new and operational buildings
Nine weighted criteria including water, energy, transport and waste used to apply a rating - two stages of assessment: Design and post-construction
22
Q
Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?
A
MEES standards were introduced to set minimum EPC rating of E for rented residential and commercial buildings.
From April 2023 threshold will also apply to existing leases for commercial buildings.
23
Q
How does MEES impact upon your role?
A
Affects the design of new buildings and retrofit of existing - need to ensure incorporate materials to meet the minimum standards
24
Q
What are the key dates for MEES?
A
April 2023
25
What falls outside of MEES?
26
Are there any exemptions to MEES?
Buildings not required to have EPC
Buildings where EPC over 10 years old
Tenancies of less than 6 months
Tenancies of over 99 years
Landlords can let building which MEES regs apply to which is below minimum standard if exemptions apply:
- golden rule
- devaluation
- 3rd party consent
27
What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES?
Renting for period of fewer than three months in breach is fine equivalent to 10% of property's rateable value subject to mimimum penalty of £5k and max of £50k
After 3 months penalty increases to 20% rateable value, min penalty of £10k and max of £150k
28
What is an EPC?
Energy performance certificate
Introduced in 2007 and required when building is sold, let or constructed
Valid for 10 years
29
What buildings require an EPC?
- residential buildings
- recreational properties
- factories, offices, retail premises, public sector
When sold, built or rented
30
When is an EPC required?
When the property is sold, built or rented
31
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
- buildings protected as part of designated environment or because special architectural or historical merit
- temporary buildings
- resdiential buildings used less than 4 months of year
- stand alone buildings with total useful floor area of less than 50m2
32
When do you need to display an EPC?
when advertising or selling building
33
What is included in an EPC?
- asset rating for the building
- reference value (benchmark)
- recommendation report
- relevant reference number
- address of the building
- estimate of buildings total useful floor area
- date on which EPC was issued
34
How would you find an EPC?
Search the database online
35
What are the penalties for not having an EPC?
- fixed penalty of £200
36
What did Rishi Sunak announce in September 2023 regarding the UKs Net Zero target?
Changes to UK green policies - key changes
- delay to ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars
- delay phasing out gas boilers until 2035
37
What is a DEC?
Energy rating system that shows amount of energy that it uses
Display Energy Certificates
38
What must accompany a DEC?
An advisory report to show recommendations given to improve rating
39
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
£500 fine
40
What is Corporate Social Responsilbity (CSR)
businesses policy to operate in a way that enhance society and environment
41
What is BREEM
Building research establishment environmental assessment model
- 9 point rating system including -
Energy
Transport
Waste
Ecology
Materials
Pollution
Health and wellbeing
42
What is SKArating
RICS environmental assessment method developed for commercial office fit outs
43
What is LEED
Leadership in environmental design -
Most widely used green building rating system in the world
44
What is Passivhaus?
Voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings
Passivhaus buildings are well insulated and ventilated, retain heat from sun and occupation,
require minimal additional heating or cooling - high performance building with reduced carbon footprint
45
What happened to the Code for Sustainable homes?
It was a standard for sustainable homes but withdrawn by government in March 2015 for new developments.
Replaced by national technical standards and additional optional building regs
46
What is the Climate Change levy?
Environmental tax charged to businesses in industrial, agricultural and commercial and public sectors.
Charged on electricity and gas supply.
Ways to be exempt
47
What part of the Building Regulations relates to energy efficiency?
Part L Building Reg relates to fuel and power
48
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings
Enabling clean energy and net zero infrastructure
49
What is ESOS?
Government scheme on Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme
requires businesses to identify energy saving opportunities
50
When was CRC abolished?
Energy efficiency scheme - participants had to collect energy data
Abolished after 2018-2019 compliance year
51
What replaced CRC?
SECR - Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regime
52
How did CCL rates change?
in April 2024 the CCL for gas was increased to meet the electricity rate
53
What is the SECR regime?
Streamlined Energy Carbon reporting
regulation to simplify carbon and energy reporting and encouraging energy efficiency and emissions reduction
54
When was the SECR regime introduced?
financial years beginning on or after April 2019
55
What type of company was the SECR regime introduced for?
Three groups of businesses:
1) Quoted companies of any size that are already obliged to report under mandatory greenhouse gas reporting regimes
2) Unquoted companies incorporated in UK that meet definition of "Large" under Companies Act 2006
3) Large LLPs will have to prepare and file an energy and carbon report
56
Who is exempt from the SECR regime?
Companies that can confirm their energy use is low - 40MWh or less over the reporting period
57
What are the requirements for the SECR regime?
Report energy use from electricity, gas, transport fuel and associated GHG emissions
58
What are the penalties for non compliance with SECR regime?
£150 to £7500 depending on company type and delay in submission
59
What is a Memorandum of Understanding?
Document that describes the outlines of agreement reached between two or more parties
60
What is a green lease?
Lease agreement that incorporates sustainability practices into property operations.
Outlines environmental responsiblities of both landlords and tenants
61
What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?
Value the planet campaign
Responsible business report
SKA rating system
Sustainable development report 2024
Specific guidance for whole life carbon assessment for built environment
RICS whole life carbon assessment stardard
62
How can EPC impact upon value or use of a building?
High EPC rating can increase property prices, attract more buyers or tenants and ensure compliance with regulations
63
How do you assess a building's sustainability characteristics?
Look at rating system like BREEAM or LEED
Look at sustainability benchmarking
64
Tell me about sustainable design
Sustainable design means designing construction of new buildings or retrofit of existing buildings to maximise their sustainable features - usually incorporating sustainable materials and minimise heat requirements when operating.
Also consider flexibility of adaptation if primary use is no longer required.
65
Tell me about sustainable construction considerations
Sustainable construction considerations includes review of
= materials
= transport
= embodied carbon
= waste and water
= energy use
= health and wellbeing
= ecology
66
Tell me about sustainable materials?
Materials that require less carbon to manufacture or that do not use finite raw materials instead recycling or using renewable materials
67
What improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types / ages?
Retrofitting - improving energy efficiency by reducing energy waste and introducing renewable energy sources.
Harder in some older properties due to the original construction type
68
Tell me about how you would apply a sustainability matrix in your work?
69
What is off site manufacture (OSM)
Making components of buildings that were traditionally manufactured on site - instead made in factory conditions and transported to site either as "flat pack" or to be slotted into building
Increases efficiency, reduces weather related delay, allows use of specialist trades in central location, reduces waste
70
Tell me about tenant / lender / investor considerations in relation to sustainability?
lenders - seek to meet their legal and regulatory obligations and achieve net zero commitments
Tenants - commercial tenants want to meet their own CSR obligations and promote their business commitment to sustainability
Investors - keen to invest and promote their sustainability agenda to increase market share / profitability
71
Explain your understanding of the Green Deal to me?
It was scheme put in place to help homeowners improve energy efficiency without upfront costs
Aimed to encourage uptake of insulation and double glazing
72
How can building conservation relate to sustainability?
Retrofitting and restoring and preserving existing structures - improve building efficiency, reduce environmental impact that comes with demolition and new construction
73
What features would you recommend in this context?
Improve insulation / energy loss
Introduce renewable energy sources - more efficient ways to heat buildings
increase biodiversity
reduce waste
74
Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs
RICS guidance note on Life Cycle Costing 2016
Summarises what life cycle costing means for new construction works and refurbishment of existing assets
Explains the basic principles of Life cycle costing
When - to predict cash flow or to carry out an option appraisal
How to identify suitable specialist
75
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
1) No poverty
2) Zero hunger
3) Good health and well-being
4) Quality Education
5) Gender Equality
6) Clean water and sanitation
7) Affordable and clean energy
8) Decent work and economic growth
9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10) Reduced inequalities
11) Sustainable cities and communities
12) Responsible consumption and production
13) Climate action
14) Life below water
15) Life on land
16) Peace Justice and Strong Institutions
17) Partnerships for the goals
76
How many UN Sustainable Development Goals are there?
17
77
What is the target achievement date?
2030
78
How are RICS working towards the SDGs?
The RICS "Implementing UN sustainable development goals"
by introducing the Value the Planet campaign:
1) Guidance and standards
2) Research
3) Capacity building
4) Tools - SKArating
5) Strengthening business case for investment in climate action
6) Better data - driving development of building passports
7) Sustainable finance
8) Thought leadership
9) Partnerships
79
What is the RICS value the planet campaign?
How the RICS is implementing the UN Sustainable Development goals 1) Guidance and standards
2) Research
3) Capacity building
4) Tools - SKArating
5) Strengthening business case for investment in climate action
6) Better data - driving development of building passports
7) Sustainable finance
8) Thought leadership
9) Partnerships
80
How can the private sector work towards the SDGs
- print only when necessary
- car sharing
- use of energy efficient equipment
- recycling
- cycle to work
- careful to minimise waste
- avoid use of single use plastic
- use cloud based sharing systems
81
What is SUDs
Sustainable drainage systems and allow surface water to be managed as close to its source as possible by allowing surface water to infiltrate into the ground where it is collected and managed passively
SUDS slow down surface water run off by allowing it to infiltrate and soak into natural contours and landscapes
82
What is net biodiversity gain?
Is a concept that refers to the process of increasing the overall biodiversity value of a development site.
Aims to ensure development leaves biodiversity in a better state than before - requires any development has positive impact on biodiversity contributing to the enhancement of natural habitats and ecosystems
83
What does ISO 14001 relate to
Environmental management systems - provides structured framework for organisations to identify, manage, monitor and improve their environmental performance
84
What does ISO 50001 relate to
Energy management systems - supports organisations in all sectors to use energy more efficiently through development of energy management system
85
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)
Framework to enable organisation to identify, manage, monitor, and improve their environmental performance
86
What is sustainable procurement
Integration of environmental, social and governance in organisations procurement processes
87
What is social value
The positive impact an organisation has on society beyond its financial bottom line.
88
What does whole life carbon mean?
REfers to carbon impacts over the entire life cycle of a built asset from its construction
89
How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?
Life cycle costs are assessment of the long term economic performance of a building taking into account all its life stages.
Whole life carbon is assessment of the carbon use of the building over all its life stages
90
What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?
1) new building - use low carbon materials and methods
2) Design to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon materials and methods of construction
3) Occupation - low carbon energy efficiency and ability to adapt to new uses without need to make significant changes to structure
4) De-commisioning - reduction of waste and recycling materials
91
What is a post -occupancy evaluation?
Systematic process used to evaluate buildings after they have been occupied.
Evaluates how well a building meets needs of users and whether it aligns with the original design objectives.
92
what is an environmental impact assessment and when would one be carried out
Process of assessing environmental consequences of proposed plan, policy, program or project before deciding whether to proceed - evalautes ecological, socio-economic, cultural and human health impacts, both beneficial and adverse
93
what methods of construction are more sustainable
- off site manufacture
- green roofs
- SUDS
- Heat pumps
- recycled materials and renewable materials
- solar panels
- solar shading
- rainwater harvesting
94
What are modern methods of construction?
- off site manufacture
95
What is PAS 2035?
National standard for carrying out retrofit projects in the UK
Provides best practice for energy efficiency, whole house retrofits, ensuring intended outcomes and avoiding unintended consequences such as damp, mold and rot.
96
When and why was the Green Grant scrapped?
The green grant was scrapped after just six months - primarily because it failed to deliver expected results - missed 600,000 homes target by 93.5% - 86% people reported bad experience with scheme.
97
Explain your understanding of NABERS
It was australian sustainable buildings rating system.
Introduced in UK and run by Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
System measures and rates actual energy use of offices.
98
Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper
Sets out significant acceleration towards net zero, covers carbon capture and storage, energy transition and disbribution, heat, offshore wind and energy efficiency
99
Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard
Consultation launched on December 2023 and closed March 2024.
Proposes requirements to ensure all new buildings reduce carbon dioxid emissions and are net zero carbon ready.
100
Explain the proposals under the Governments Net Zero Strategy and Heat and Buildings Strategy
Sets out government plan to cut carbon emissions from UK 30 million homes and workplaces in a simple low cost and green way whilst ensuring this remains affordable and fair for households across the country.
Like transition to electric vehicles will be gradual transition which will start by incentivizing consumers and driving down costs:
1) Intention to phase out installation of new natural gas boilers
2) Set clear ambition for industry to reduce costs of installing heat pump by 25-50% by 2025 and reduce cost of heat pump
3) Improve heat pump appeal
4) provide financial support to meet capital cost of heat pump
5) rebalance energy prices
6) Grow supply chain for heat pumps
7) Ensure all new buildings ready for net zero from 2025
8) phase out installation of fossil fuel heat systems
9) grow UK manufactured technology and capabilities
10) ensure electricity system can accomodate increased electricity demand
101
What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme land what will it fund
Government energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions
102
Explain your understanding of the Help to Heat scheme
Scheme will improve energy efficiency of homes and increase low carbon heating installations for low income households
103
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Government initiated export tariff for small scale low carbon generators in the UK
Enables generators to receive payments from electricity suppliers for electricity exported to National Grid
104
What is the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
EU regulation aimed at enhancing transparency in financial services sector regarding sustainability
Mandatory ESG disclosure obligations on asset managers and other finance market participants - requires disclosure of sustainability information at the entity, service and product levels helping investors to make informed decisions.
105
What are the Taxonomy Regulations
Sets out conditions for economic activity to qualify as environmentally sustainable:
1) activity must contribute substantially to one or more of six environmental objectives
2) Must not significantly harm any other environmental objectives
3) Must comply with minimum social safeguards
4) Must comply with technical screening criteria
106
Explain your understanding of the B Corp certification
Designation that business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable given to supply chain practices and input materials
107
What is BOPAS
Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme
Risk based evaluation that demonstrates to funders, lenders, valuers and purchasers that homes built from non-traditional materials and methods will stand test of time for at least 60 years.
108
What changes is the Government making to the use of rebated diesel and biofuels
109
How will the Government changes to use of rebated diesel and biofuels affect the construction industry?
Increase financial pressure especially on small businesses who may not be able to use biofuel or greener alternatives to red diesel.
Increased costs will be passed on to clients and consumers.
110
Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021
- increase biodiversity
- improve air quality
- improve water quality
- reduce waste
- increase recycling
- improve resource efficiency
- set clear statutory targets for recovery of natural world
- include new target to reverse decline in species abundance
111
What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection
- scrutinise EIP (environmental improvement plan) and environmental targets
- scrutinise environmental law
- advice on changes to environmental law and other matters
- complaints and enforcement
112
What are Scope 1 2 and 3 carbon emissions
Greenhouse gases that are released across organisations entire value chain:
Scope 1 emissions organisation emits from sources it owns or controls directly
Scope 2 emissions are indirect deriving from organisations purchase of electricity, steam, heating or cooling
Scope 3 emissions are life cycle emissions arise across value chain both upstream and downstream
113
What does Approved Document L relate to ?
Conservation of fuel and power
114
What recent changes to the Building Regulations have been made to work towards the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025?
- energy efficiency: new homes must have better insulation and airtightness, potentially with lower U-values for roofs, walls and windows
- heating systems: gas boilers will likely be banned with shift to low carbon options like heat pumps
- overheating prevention: new design and ventilation measures will help prevent homes from overheating, crucial with rising temperatures
- ventilation: updated standards will ensure efficient air quality while saving energy
115
What does Approved Document S relate to?
Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
116
Why is the Government encouraging the use of electric vehicles
To work torwards its net zero target - reduce reliance on fossil fuels and petrol vehicles
117
What is the UN race to zero?
Campaign working to fill gap by working with businesses, cities, regions, investors, financial and educational institutions to achieve net zero carbon emissions
118
What is the UK GB Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment
Collaboration between CIBSE and 8 leading organisations to create free to access technical standard and offers clear and consistent methodology for defining and consistent methodology for defining and achieving net zero carbon in built environment
119
Tell me about the RICS Future Foundations strategy?
Outlines the RICS strategic goals to ensure member pride in their designation, public confidence in RICS professionals, staff feeling valued and inspired and recognition as leaders on important issues
120
What is the 30by30 target?
Government target to protect 30% of UKs land by 2030.
121
What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?
Technical standard that allows construction industry to prove that built assets align with UKs carbon and energy budgets.
Sets out performance targets for different asset types and enables buildings claiming net zero carbon to demonstrate that they meet decarbonisation trajectories.
122
What is the key theme discussed in the latest RICS sustainability report?
Spotlight on lack of understanding and action on embodied carbon, green skills gap, prohibitive costs and low prioritisation of biodiversity considerations.
123
What RICS guidance relates to retrofitting?
RICS residential retrofit standard - effective from October 2024
124
What are the benefits of retrofitting for the building stock?
- essential to meet governments net zero targets
- reduces carbon emissions without releasing embodied carbon
- cost effective for occupants of buildings - once capital cost have been recovered (reduced annual fuel bills)
125
What is a challenge around retrofitting?
- education for occupants and owenrs
- capital costs
- lack of skilled labourers to implement improvements
- lack of materials / poor service / bad press
- expense of renewable materials and technology
126
What sustainable construction methods are you aware of
- green roofs
- off site manufacture
- nudura blocks
- solar panels
- heat pumps
- sUDS
127
How does the RIBA plan of work support sustainability objectives?
RIBA sustainable outcomes guide sets sustainability targets based on UN development goals.
Passivhaus overlay provides guidance on implementing passivhaus design through each RIBA plan of work stage
128
What are the BREEAM guidelines for sustainable construction?
Stronger focus on carbon management
Advancements in circular economy and resource efficiency
Health and wellbeing
Climate resilience and adaptation
Enhancements to water and transport standards
Compliance with updated regulations and social value metrics
129
What categories are applied following sustainability assessment?
130
How can you consider Whole Life Costing when developing your project
Identify capital and operational costs and incomes
Identify when they are likely to occur
Use "discounted" cash flow analysis to bring costs back to common basis - items should normally be entered into the analysis at current cost and a real discount rate applied.
Undertake sensitivity analysis of variables such as discount rate, study period and predicted design lives of components
131
How does net zero impact construction projects
Construction industry needs to comply with various regulations and legislation imposed to assist meeting net zero targets - impacts design and cost of construction
