Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

APC 2023 > Sustainability - Level 1 > Flashcards

Sustainability - Level 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is sustainability?

A

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is sustainable development?

A

Finding a balance between economic, social and environmental considerations to ensure that the development is not only economically viable but also socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the triple bottom line principles?

A
  1. Social
  2. Environmental
  3. Financial
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

A

National Planning Policy Framework - sets out three core pillars of sustainable development:

  1. Economic - strong, healthy & just economy for present and future
  2. Social - healthy, inclusive and safe communities
  3. Environmental - protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?

A

Paris Agreement
Kyoto Protocol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?

A

EU = European Green Deal aims to make EU climate-neutral by 2050, with a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels

UK = net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the Paris Agreement?

A

International treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the Kyoto Protocol and what were it’s targets?

A

International treaty setting legally binding targets for industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Was in effect until 2020

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the 2020/2030/2050 EU targets?

A

2020:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% (compared to 1990 levels)
Increase share of renewal energy to at least 20%
Increase energy efficiency by at least 20%

2030:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% (compared to 1990 levels)
Increase share of renewal energy to at least 32%
Increase energy efficiency by at least 32.5%

2050:
Achieve a climate-neutral economy
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% (compared to 1990 levels)
Achieve a fully decarbonised power sector
Increase share of renewable energy to at least 80%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Explain your understanding of COP26

A

26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Focused on accelerating progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement with need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?

A

Established a legally binding target to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050

Amended in 2019 when UK government committed to net zero by 2050

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are carbon budgets?

A

Legally binding limits on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted in a country during a specific time period.

In the UK, carbon budgets are set under the Climate Change Act 2008.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?

A

Introduced a legislative framework for the government to set long-term targets for reducing greenhouse has emissions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the renewable heat incentive?

A

UK government scheme that provides financial incentives to encourage the use of renewable heat technologies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How can buildings impact upon the environment?

A
  1. Energy consumption
  2. Emissions from production
  3. Water usage
  4. Waste generation (construction waste particularly)
  5. Resource depletion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

A

Green roofs - reduce rainwater runoff, absorb CO2 and reduce heat absorbed by building

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

A

BREEAM - Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Assess sustainability performance based on a range of criteria e.g. energy/water use, materials and waste, pollution and ecology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards?

A

Regulations setting out the minimum EPC rating for all eligible properties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does MEES impact upon your role?

A

The increased awareness around MEES and sustainability including corporate sustainability goals has presented problems in respect of letting buildings with a low EPC rating.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the key dates for MEES?

A

1st April 2018 - no NEW lettings with below E rating

1st April 2023 - ALL tenancies must have E or above

1st April 2027 - PROPOSED that no lettings permitted below C

1st April 2030 - PROPOSED that ALL tenancies must have B or above

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Are there any exemptions from MEES?

A

Listed buildings
Places of worship
Buildings where LL can demonstrate the energy improvements would not pay for themselves through energy savings within 7 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES

A

Up to 6 months of non-compliance = financial penalty of up to 10% of the property’s rateable value (min £5k & max £50k)

More than 6 months = financial penalty up to 20% of the property’s rateable value (min £10k & max £150k)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is an EPC?

A

Energy Performance Certificate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

When is an EPC required?

A

Required for all commercial buildings over 50 sq m unless exempt

When it is newly built, sold or let for a term of more than 6 months

When it is newly refurbished and services have been altered

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

When do you need to display an EPC?

A

Within 7 days of the commencement of marketing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is included in an EPC?

A

Energy rating
Environmental impact rating
Information about the building’s construction
Recommendations for improvement
Date of issue and name and address of accredited energy assessor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How would you find an EPC?

A

EPC Register

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

When are the penalties for not having an EPC?

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is a DEC?

A

Display Energy Certificate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

When is a DEC required?

A

Mandatory certification required for public buildings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What must accompany a DEC?

A

Valid Advisory Report - recommendations for improving energy efficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What are the penalties for not having a DEC?

A

No DEC = £500 fine
No AR = £1k fine

33
Q

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

A

Self-regulating business model that helps companies be more socially accountable

CSR is a way for companies to give back to society and environment by implementing sustainable policies and practices in their operations.

34
Q

What is BREEAM/SKA rating/LEED/Passivhaus?

A

BREEAM = sustainability and environmental performance of a building

SKA = measure the sustainability of an interior fit-out project

LEED = environmental performance (water/energy efficiency etc)

Passivhaus = energy efficiency and design standards

35
Q

What is the Climate Change Levy?

A

Tax on energy delivered to non-domestic users in the UK. Introduced as an incentive to increase energy efficiency within buildings.

36
Q

What building regulations relate to energy efficiency?

A

e.g. Part L - conservation of fuel and power - covers insulation, heating and ventilation

37
Q

Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings

A

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 2015

38
Q

What is ESOS?

A

Energy assessment scheme that is mandatory for large organisations in the UK (more than 250 employees)

Requires them to:
- Measure total energy consumption across buildings
- Conduct energy audits
- Report compliance to the Environment Agency

39
Q

When was CRC abolished? What replaced it?

A

Following the Government’s Business Energy Taxation Review (2015)

40
Q

What is the SECR regime?

A

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting - UK government policy introduced in April 2019

Applies to firms that employ 250 or more people, have an annual turnover of £36million or more or have an annual balance sheet total if £18 million or more

41
Q

What is a Memorandum of Understanding?

A

Non-binding document that outlines the terms and details of an agreement between two or more parties

42
Q

What is a green lease?

A

Lease that includes clauses or provisions aimed at improving the environmental performance of a building. These may address issues such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation

43
Q

What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?

A

Guidance Note - Environmental risks and global real estate 2018

44
Q

How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?

A

High EPC rating = more energy efficient resulting in lower energy bills and operating cost making it more attractive to tenants an increasing value

If a building EPC does not meet requirements this will impact letability and therefore value

Increased demand for sustainability = increased value of building

45
Q

How do you assess a building’s sustainability characteristics?

A

BREEAM
LEED
SKA
Passivhaus

46
Q

Tell me about sustainable design.

A
  1. Energy efficient building systems
  2. Use of renewable energy sources
  3. Efficient water resources - rainwater harvesting
  4. Use of sustainable materials - such as recycled content and high embodied carbon
  5. Design for indoor air quality - good ventilation
47
Q

What improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types/ages?

A

Insulation
Lighting
Heating and cooling systems
Renewable energy
Water efficiency

48
Q

Tell me about how you would apply a sustainability matrix in your work?

A

Identify the relevant criteria and indicators for the specific project (energy/water/waste efficiency)
Collect data on each criteria
Assign scores to each criteria based on sustainability performance
Use the results to identify areas where improvements could be made

In an existing building I would be looking for opportunities to retrofit the building with energy efficient systems, implement water conservation measures and reduce waste through recycling

49
Q

What is Off Site Manufacture?

A

The process of designing, manufacturing and assembling building components and systems at a location away from the construction site.

50
Q

Tell me about tenant/lender/investor considerations in relation to sustainability

A

For tenants, sustainability features can improve employee satisfaction and productivity as well as enhancing the overall image of the organisation. Tenant are increasingly looking for buildings with ratings such as BREEAM

For lenders/investors, sustainability can impact the long-term value of a property. A building that is designed and constructed to high environmental standards are likely to be more resilient to future regulatory changes and potentially increase appeal to tenants or buyers.

51
Q

Explain your understanding of the Green Deal

A

UK government initiative launched in 2013 to encourage property owners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes and businesses.

52
Q

How can building conservation relate to sustainability?

A

Conservation of existing buildings can reduce the demand for new construction and in turn reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.

The restoration and conservation of historic buildings can improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.

53
Q

What features would you recommend in this context?

A
  • Improved insulation to prevent energy loss
  • Efficient heating and cooling systems
  • Renewable energy sources
  • Adaptive reuse to increase embodied carbon
54
Q

Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle costs

A

Guidance Note - Life cycle costing, April 2016

Explains that whole life costing can help to ensure that the most cost-effective solutions are identified and implemented, taking into account not only the initial capital cost but also the costs over the entire life of the building.

55
Q

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals? How many are there? What is the target achievement date?

A

17 goals introduced in 2015 that aim to address global challenges relating to poverty, inequality and climate change

56
Q

How are the RICS working towards the SDGs?

A

In 2018, RICS launched an ADG program aimed at promoting SDGs through the property profession.

  1. Embedding sustainability principles in RICS professional standards and guidance
  2. Training for RICS professionals
  3. Advocacy and thought leadership
57
Q

What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?

A

Initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and combating climate change in the built environment.

Encourages RICS professionals and the wider industry to adopt sustainable practices and to implement strategies to reduce carbon footprint.

58
Q

How can the private sector work towards SDGs?

A
  1. By adopting CSR strategies
  2. Sustainable supply chain management
  3. Partnership and collaboration
59
Q

What is SUDS?

A

Sustainable Drainage Systems - manage rainfall and surface water in a sustainable way, helping to reduce flood risk and improve water quality

60
Q

What is net biodiversity gain?

A

Involves ensuring that development result in a net increase in biodiversity, rather than decrease.

This can include habitat creation, restoration or enhancement as well as other measures such as planting wild flowers.

61
Q

What do each of ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?

A

ISO 14001 = international standard that provides a framework for an Environmental Management System

ISO 50001 = international standard that provides a framework for an Energy Management System

62
Q

What is an Environmental Management System?

A

Framework designed to help firms manage their environmental impacts and improve their sustainability performance.

63
Q

What is sustainable procurement?

A

Process of purchasing goods or services with a focus on minimising negative environmental, social and economic impacts while maximising positive ones.

64
Q

What is social value?

A

The wider economic, social and environmental benefits created by an organisation or project, beyond just financial profit or return

65
Q

What does the term whole life carbon mean?

A

The total amount of carbon emissions associated with a building over its entire lifecycle, from construction to demolition.

It takes into operational carbon as well as emissions from construction

66
Q

How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?

A

Life cycle costs = total cost of a building over its entire life cycle

Whole life carbon = carbon emissions associated with construction and operation of a building

67
Q

What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?

A

Design - recycled steel or timber

Operation - LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems and renewable energy

Maintenance and refurbishment - continuation of efficient operation

Retain (as much of the) existing structure as possible

68
Q

What is a post-occupancy evaluation?

A

Process that assesses how a building performs after it has been occupied and in use for some time.

The aim is to identify areas where the building can be improved, both in terms of environmental sustainability and the comfort of the occupants

69
Q

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment and when would one be carried out?

A

Systematic process to identify and evaluate the potential environmental impact of a proposed project.

Typically carried out in the planning stages and are required by law

Purpose it to identify potential environmental impacts and propose measures to mitigate them

70
Q

What methods of construction are more sustainable?

A

Modular/prefabricated construction - manufacturing offsite in a controlled environment which can reduce construction waste and minimise environmental impact (less transporting of materials etc)

Green roofs - improve solar gain and rainwater runoff

71
Q

What are modern methods of construction?

A

Processes developed using the latest technology and materials available. Often involve the use of prefabricated or modular components which has benefits such as reduced construction time, improved quality, reduced waste and improved sustainability.

72
Q

What is PAS 2035?

A

Publicly available specification developed by British Standards Institution that sets out a framework for the retrofitting of buildings

73
Q

When and why was the Green Grant scrapped?

A

Scrapped in March 2021 following criticism of its slow rollout, admin problems and lack of adequate funding

74
Q

Explain your understanding of NABERS

A

Performance based rating system that assesses the environmental impact of a building, specifically energy and water usage, waste management and indoor environment quality.

The rating is based against a benchmark, which takes into account factors such as the building type, location and occupancy.

75
Q

Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper. What changes are likely to be made to MEES under this?

A

Key proposal = to introduce a new energy efficiency target for privately rented non-domestic buildings, with he aim of improving energy performance and reducing carbon emissions

Proposed change = EPC to minimum of B for all tenancies

76
Q

Explain the proposed changes under current Government consultation to MEES for non-domestic properties

A

2027 - no lettings will be permitted with an EPC below C

2030 - all tenancies must have a B or above

77
Q

Explain your understanding of the B Corp certification

A

For companies that meet certain standards of social and environmental performance. It is designed to help consumers/clients identify companies that are committed to sustainability and social responsibility.

An example of which is Coutts

78
Q

Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021

A
  1. Setting long-term targets for environmental improvements - e.g. increasing biodiversity
  2. Ensuring that government policy takes environmental considerations into account
  3. Improving air quality
  4. Formed the Office for Environmental Protection
79
Q

What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection?

A

Responsible for enforcing environmental law, investigating complaints and holding public authorities to account

APC 2023 (37 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions