Sustainability

Question 1

What is sustainability?

Answer 1

The avoidance of depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

Question 2

Is there a guidance note for sustainability?

Answer 2

RICS Guidance Note, Sustainability and the property lifecycle 2009.
- The RICS helps by evidence based research, best practice statements and best practice
training.

Question 3

What is the role of the building surveyor in sustainability?

Answer 3

• Economic - through cost saving, repairing when necessary etc.
• Environmental - through product choice, limiting waste, limiting transport etc.
• Social - application of the building regulations, developing wellbeing in building etc.

Question 4

What does EPC stand for?

Answer 4

Energy Performance Certificates.

Question 5

Which approved document has been amended to include Energy Performance?

Answer 5

Part L

Question 6

What are the current EPC Rules?

Answer 6

• Requiredforallbuildingsover​50m2.​
• When a ​new build is sold or let for a term of more than 6 months ​(and less than 99
  years).
• When ​refurbished and HVAC services are altered, ​and/or the building is subject to
  Building Regulations for construction.
• The sale or lease of residential buildings and refurbished schemes are included.
• An EPC is also ​required for sub-letting or assignment of a lease.

Question 7

What the exemptions for EPCs?

Answer 7

Listed Buildings, unheated buildings, eccleasiastical, temporary buildings, buildings due for demolition/redevelopment and resi units not occupied for more than 4 months of a year.

Question 8

What must an EPC include? (6)

Answer 8

1. Address​ and ​floor area.
2. EPC certificate reference number.
3. Technical information​ on the property’s ​energy provision.
4. Estimation of ​energy running costs.
5. A ​performance rating​ from A+ to G.
6. Benchmarking information.

Question 9

How long is an EPC valid?

Answer 9

EPC is ​valid for 10 years unless the building is altered. If altered, a new one is required.

Question 10

What does MEES stand for?

Answer 10

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, 2015

Question 11

What is the minimum rating according to The Energy Efficiency Regulation 2015?

Answer 11

From ​1st April 2018​, The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 require a ​minimum rating of Level E​ to let a building.

Question 12

What are the stages of implementation for MEES?

Answer 12

• New leases from 01 April 2018​ to include lease renewals/extensions.
• All existing leases from 01 April 2023​ for ​commercial​ properties.
• All existing leases from 01 April 2020​ for ​residential​ properties.

Question 13

What does BREEAM stand for?

Answer 13

BREEAM - The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Question 14

What is BREEAM for?

Answer 14

A voluntary environmental assessment tool to rate new and refurbished commercial and residential buildings.

The environmental impact assessment is rated by an assessor by reference to 9 environmental weightings including; ​energy consumption, water use, transport links, waste management and Health & wellbeing.

Question 15

What are the 5 ratings of BREEAM?

Answer 15

1. Pass.
2. Good.
3. Very Good.
4. Excellent.
5. Outstanding​.