Sustainability Flashcards
What is an EPC?
- Energy Performance Certificate – measures a buildings energy performance
MEES states buildings with F or G ratings cannot be let.
What is BREEAM?
- BREEAM – Life cycle energy cost.
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
Pass, good, very good, excellent, outstanding.
What is the CO2 target for the UK by 2050?
Reduce 1990 CO2 levels by 100%
Net zero.
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Triple bottom line = Social, Environmental and Economic.
Why is sustainability important?
Don’t compromise future generations needs or quality of life.
Live with the environment appose to against
Don’t compromise life, the earth etc.
More energy efficient. Lowers carbon footprint / emissions Reduces resources. Reduces harm and is more healthier. Reduces climate change. Reduces waste.
What is sustainable development?
Cradle to Cradle thinking appose to Cradle to Grave.
Long life materials, low carbon footprint, flexible spaces, sustainable technologies, natural materials.
What is an Environmental Management Policy?
A management policy/system an organisation has to their policy and commitment to be sustainable.
The bigger the business you would expect bigger the policy. The policy should look to protect the environment for future generations.
i.e. paperless office, working from home one day per week etc.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility - considers the interests of society by taking responsibility of a firms actions.
Sometimes requires them to take steps to improve quality of life, environment, charity etc.
CSR can be seen to distract companies from core business, can be seen as cheap publicity.
What is Zero Carbon?
Zero carbon aims to reduce/minimise the amount of carbon which is omitted, ultimately leading to carbon neutral.
i.e. buildings, construction, travel, lifestyle.
What is whole life carbon?
Whole-life carbon emissions are directly related to the type and quantity of the resources used to create, maintain and use a building.
Look to refurbish and reuse. The last resort should be demolition, though sometimes acceptable dependant on existing conditions and proposed use.
How can you install to promote sustainability in buildings?
Installing Smart Building Energy Management systems
Water management (rainwater, grey water flush toilets, low water use appliances, educating users)
Technology enhanced construction (Solar PVs, insulation, LEDs)
Long life materials
What are the current sustainability topics?
COVID-19 has had an impact on the general publics perception of sustainability.
Ban of new petrol/diesel cars is 2030. Proposals to install Electric Vehicle Charging points into new and existing residential properties mandatory in UK.
Modus - article about gas heating within homes is bad and their needs to be a change.
What is and what are some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
They are apart of the Agenda 2030 and include.
No poverty No hunger Good health and wellbeing Quality education Gender equality Clean water and sanitation Affordable and clean energy Decent work and economic growth Climate action Life below water Life of land
What are the principles of sustainability within the construction process?
Lower carbon foot print (locally sourced materials)
Waste management
Life long materials
Efficient technologies.
Part L (Approved Doc L)
What is MEES 2018?
Minimum energy efficiency standards 2018.
Aims to increase the energy standards within in private rented and non-domestic property.
Minimum standard of E must be achieved. If F or G cannot be let.
Private rented resi - from 2018 cannot grant or extend new leases if F of G (below E)
Non-domestic private rented - from 2018 as above and cannot continue to let after 2023.
EPC lasts for 10 years.
What and who are the BBP?
The BBP (Better Buildings Partnership) is a collaboration of the UK’s leading commercial property owners who are working together to improve the sustainability of existing commercial building stock.
How can you protect the ocean?
Avoid single use plastic. Minimise the waste.
What sustainability issues should you consider during a survey?
Old services (electric, gas, AC) which dont perform to todays standards. Damaged components (i.e. thermal insulation)
Why is sustainability important to some purchasers?
Any opportunities with the building?
Will the building perform to their standards?
Strong sustainability ethos.
Looking towards the future, as sustainability is become increasingly more important.
What are some renewable energy sources?
Solar energy.
Wind energy.
Hydro energy.
Biomass energy.
How can you conserve energy in buildings?
Greater thermal insulation
Efficient services
BMS
What is approved Document L and what does it cover?
L1 A - In new dwellings
L1 B - In existing dwellings
L2 A - In new buildings other than dwellings
L2 B - In existing buildings other than dwellings
Tell me about the parts of Approved Document L
I’ve not used L1 A or L2 A as I have had no involvement in new buildings in my career so far.
I’ve utilised L1 B and L2 B.
Provides recommendations on Thermal Element Ratings on new elements or retaining existing, Services, Guidance on upgrading parts of elements etc/
