Sustainability (L1M) Flashcards
What is sustainable development?
Development that meets the needs of the present generation, without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Economic
- Social
Environmental
What does an EPC do?
- Summarises a building’s energy efficiency and provides advice on how to improve its energy efficiency (with indicative costs).
- Ranks buildings from A to G with ‘current and potential ratings’
- Valid for 10 years
- Cost up to £120
How could the EPC of a building be improved?
- Insulation for your floor, roof, loft or walls
- Double glazing
- Solar panels (produce cheaper, greener energy).
- Low-energy lighting (LED lighting)
- Improve heating system
What are the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards?
- Came into force in 2018
- All properties being let or sold in England or Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of E or above
- Policed by Local Authority
- Some exemptions (small, listed, religious, temporary or to be demolished
- Fines for non-compliance
Are there plans to change EPC rules?
EPCs for commercial buildings to be C and above by 2027 and B and above by 2030.
Resi must be EPC C and above for new lettings by 2025, existing lettings by 2028 and sales by 2035. If can demonstrate spent £10k on resi, should be okay.
All properties to be zero carbon by 2050.
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method:
- International scheme
- 3rd party certificates by impartial experts
- Range from acceptable to outstanding (pass, good, v good, excellent, outstanding)
- Has a tool which focuses on neighbourhood development
- Energy use, water use, transport links, well-being (more holistic)
- Voluntary and for commercial buildings in UK
What legislation in the UK is aimed at tackling climate change?
- Climate Change Act 2008:
- Original act, passed in 2008, committed the UK to an 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
- In 2019, the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 was passed which increased the UK’s commitment to a 100% reduction in emissions by 2050
- Energy Act 2011 - paved the way for a stp change in the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses. Was the precursor to MEES.
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 2015 - makes it unlawful for landlords to grant new lease of properties that have an EPC rating below E.
What is COP26?
Conference of the Parties 26:
- Will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
- To involve countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (a treaty that came into force in 1994)
- Glasgow: 31 Oct - 12 Nov
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
Kyoto Protocol 1997:
- International treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on the scientific consensus that global warming is occurring and that human-made CO₂ emissions are driving it.
- Binding GHG emissions reduction targets
What is the Paris Agreement?
Paris Agreement 2016:
- Aims to keep global average temperature under 2 degrees celcius above pre-industrial levels (1.5 degrees C if possible)
- Improve ability to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change
- Sets ambitious targets to contribute to mitigation
- USA withdrew in 2017, rejoined in 2021
- International treaty which covers mitigation, adaptation and finance.
What is the difference between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement?
The Kyoto Protocol required only developed countries to reduce emissions, while the Paris Agreement recognised that climate change is a shared problem and called on all countries to set emissions targets.
What was the outcome of the G7 summit in June 2021?
The G7 summit (Carbis Bay, Cornwall):
- Broadly exemplified the resilience of the G7 forum, and demonstrated a renewed commitment by democratic nations to come together to reinvigorate the liberal world order, in the face of existential threats.
Key takeaways:
- Pledged to deliver A billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine
- Phase out coal-fired power generation at home and to end funding for new coal-burning power plants in the developing world.
- US back on the table
- Tech giants and tax havens targeted
What is the G7?
The Group of Seven (G7) is an inter-governmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States
What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Minimising printing
- Using green methods of transport as much as possible
What is on the front page of an EPC?
- Address
- Floor area
- EPC reference number
- Technical information on energy performance
- Estimated running costs
- Energy performance rating (A to G)
- Benchmarking information
What types of buildings are exempt from EPCs?
- Listed buildings & buildings in conservation areas have a qualified exemption (listed building does not require where requirements to meet standards would substantially alter property - apply for exemption - can’t put double glazing windows in as it would alter…)
- Religious buildings
- Buildings to be demolished are also exempt
- Standalone buildings with less than 50sqm floorspace
What is the penalty for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or letting non-dwellings?
Fixed, in most cases, at 12.5 per cent of the rateable value of the building, with a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied.
