Sustainability Flashcards
What methods are used to assess sustainability?
BREEAM, LEED, EPC
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is a tool used to assess, verify and certify sustainability of buildings. It is a holistic process which takes into account a number of factors such as design, waste management, water strategy, noise pollution, energy performance, economic impact, flood risk assessment
What is LEED?
Leadership Energy and Environmental Design, another method for assessing sustainability established in the USA and gives a rating of silver, gold and platinum.
What are the BREEAM Ratings?
Outstanding - 85% Excellent Very Good Pass Unclassified (unclassified is a non compliant building)
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificate used to assess energy performance of any new building, building up for sale or for rental.
What buildings do not require an EPC?
Temporary buildings, places of worship, agricultural or light industrial units, listed buildings.
What are the 3 Pillars of Sustainability?
Economic, Environmental and Social
What is a sustainable development?
As per the Bruntland report definition it is a ‘development which has the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What legislation are you aware of in respect of sustainability?
Climate change Act 2008, Environmental Act 1990, Wildlife and Countryside Act, Flood and Water Management Act.
What is the Climate Change Act 2008?
Legal framework to help reduce green house gas production , target for 2020 was 34% reduction.
What is a waste management plan?
A plan that sets out how materials will be used and disposed off and also advises what materials will be reused and recycled.
What is Passivhaus?
A method of construction which uses materials to insulate mitigating the need for space heating while still promoting indoor air quality.
What is a Brownfield Site?
Land which has been used for industrial purposes and requires to be redeveloped.
What is a greenfield site?
Land or site that is not constrained by any existing buildings or structures.
What did the UK agree to a part of the Kyoto Protocol?
Reduce greenhouses gases by 12.5% below base levels.
What was the aim of the Paris Agreement?
To hold global average temperature increases below 2oC above pre-industrial levels and limit temp increases to 1.5oC.
What was the Target of the Climate Change Act 2008?
Was originally to reduce greenhouse gases to 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 but was now changed to ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050.
When must you display a EPC?
When the total floor area is over 500m2 or more and visited frequently by the public.
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years.
What is SKA Rating?
Enviromental assessment method led and owned by the RICS for non domestic fit outs. Promotes good practice methods and fit outs can be awarded 3 levels bronze, silver or gold.
What is Section 63 of The Climate Change Act 2008?
Section 63 is the assessment and energy performance of non domestic buildings. Requires owners to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from buildings.
