Sustainability & EPCs (Level 1 Portfolio) Flashcards
What is sustainability?
It is said to be meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future generations to meet theirs.
For example, producing enough energy for us to live now however to do it in a sustainable manor so we dont pollute the world to not allow future generations to live comfortably.
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Environmental, economic & social
What does each sustainable pillar mean?
Environmental - pollution like carbon emissions, energy & water consumption
Economical - financial performance so making profit but not at the expense of the environment
Social - support the community and finding ways to give back into the community
How does sustainability influence building design?
To reduce the negative impact a building has on the environment by improving building performance with better insulation, more efficient heating methods such as air source heat pumps. Promoting renewable energy resources
What is an air source heat pump?
Its classed as a renewable way to heat water for homes. Its how fridge works but in reverse.
It takes renewable heat from the outside air (even at cold temperatures, most commly down to -20 degrees C) and heats up a refrigerant to turn it into a gas, the gas gets compressed and increases temperature even more, then its condensed to transfer the heat into the homes heating system. The now cooled refrigerant loops back to start the process again.
It only needs electrical supply and water supply, an air source heat pump could be used with solar panels to create the electricity for the pump which would then make a highly efficient home.
Suitable for retro fit and on new builds. And can help for social housing to 1. Reduce carbon emmision and 2. Also help reduce fuel poverty as they allow cheaper running costs.
Because they are classed as a renewable resource home owners could get money back through government schemes. (Renwable heat incentive)
What are some examples of sustainable design in PCC?
Wilmcote house is a passivhous design which promotes air tightness & high levels of insulation
The SHO is made with glulem timber which is from a sustainable forest
What is the importance of sustainability in the construction industry?
Buildings are one of the largest consumers of natural resources & produce lots of greenhouse gases therefore it is important to reduce emissions and energy use as it has a large part of the whole worlds negative impacts.
What is BREEAM and what do they do?
Building research establishment environmental assessment method
They are a sustainability rating scheme that can give definite ratings for buildings design to help improve sustainability in the construction industry
What targets are set out in the Climate Change Act 2019?
That the UK will become ‘net zero’ (balanced emissions) by 2050
PCC have the same target by 2030
What building regulation covers sustainability?
Approved document L
When did EPCs first become required?
1st October 2008
What regulations transpose EPCs into law?
The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation 2012, which intends to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
They require:
EPC’s
DEC’s
Air conditioning is inspected
What is the EPBD?
Energy Performance Building Directive and it makes the energy efficiency of buildings transparent by requiring EPCs
It aims to improve the energy performance of buildings
What is the minimum EPC rating?
E (since April 2018)
Will tighten to C by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for all tenancies.
What factors have the highest weighting on EPC rating?
Heat loss walls, age, heating type / fuel
