Sustainability (L1) Flashcards
Why is sustainability important to construction?
From energy use to emissions, the construction industry has a huge impact on the environment. The built environment accounts for 36% of worldwide energy usage, and 40% of CO2 emission.
Construction can also result in hazardous waste, and the improper disposal of such waste can result in pollution that affects not just the environment, but also the health of people living in that area.
What do we mean by sustainable development?
Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The three principles of sustainability are social, environmental and economic.
Define social, environmental and economic considerations in relation to sustainability
Environmental - Preventing harmful and potentially irreversible impacts on the environment through the careful use of natural resources, minimising waste, reducing energy usage and enhancing the environment where possible.
Economic - Efficient use of resources, including labour and ensuring the design and construction meet the current and functional needs of the users. Does the development represent overall value for money?
Social - Development should respond to the needs of the wider community. For example, a library being constructed next to a university would be considered socially sustainable.
How do you measure sustainability?
Sustainability can be measured by assessing the performance of Social, Environmental and Economic principles
Can also be measured using one of the construction sustainability assessments (BREEAM, SKA, LEED)
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What is the Paris Agreement?
A global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2’C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5’C.
Under the Paris Agreement, each country must determine, plan and regularly report on the contribution that it undertakes to mitigate climate change.
What measures does your company take in relation to sustainability?
Recycling points, LED lighting, electric car fleet, flexible working.
Name some of the technology available to help meet Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power)?
Wind turbines, ground source heat pumps, green roofs, natural ventilation, increased insulation.
Can you explain what green roofs are?
Roofs that are completely or partially covered with plants and vegetation. The vegetation is usually planted over a drainage membrane that sits on top of the roof, along with additional layers such as root barriers and waterproofing products.
What is a U-value?
Measure how effective a material is as an insulator
How do photovoltaics work?
Convert sunlight into electricity
How does a soakaway work?
A solution to standing surface water, consisting of a large hole that reduces the risk of flooding.
How does rainwater harvesting work?
Involves the collection of rainwater from a buildings roof, eliminates debris and then stores the water in a tank, to be used for other domestic or commercial applications (flushing toilets / washing machines / washing vehicles / cleaning).
Can you name some of the assessment schemes / criteria for measuring sustainability?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - A green building certification scheme.
BREEAM
SKA (operated by RICS, an environmental assessment tool for sustainable fit outs)
CEEQUAL - civil engineering, infrastructure and landscaping
Can you tell me a little bit about BREEAM?
Stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology.
An international scheme that provides independent third-party certification of the assessment of the sustainability performance of individual buildings and infrastructure projects.
Assessment and certification takes place at several stages in the build environment life cycle, from design and construction through to operation and refurbishment.
What is the latest version of BREEAM’s assessment criteria?
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6 (UK NC V6) was released on Aug-22 following the updates to the building regulations that came into force on June-22.
