Sustainability Level 1 Flashcards
What is the legislation in the UK that deal with the issue of sustainability in building construction?
The Building Regulations Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate. A document setting out the energy efficiency of a property on a traffic light system of A to G, A being most efficient.
It provide an indication of how much it will cost to heat & power a property
It includes recommendations of energy-efficient improvements, the cost of carrying them out & potential savings each could generate
When would an EPC be required?
When a building or unit is being sold or let.
What is the role of BRE?
The Building Research Establishment provides impartial research services to local and national government in the UK and internationally, and to businesses & other private sector organisations around the world.
What steps do you take in your business activity to ensure that your company operates in a sustainable manner?
I ensure I comply with my companies Environmental Manual, under the Environmental Management ISO.
This includes:
- utilising public transport where possible to travel to the office and to meetings
- ensuring IT equipment is set to power save mode
- minimising paper use and printing
- utilising office recycling facilities
How are the requirements of BREEAM, which itself is not legally binding document, enforced?
Through a contractual commitment to a tenant or occupier, a condition of funding or planning consent, or a standing policy commitment set by the developer or client.
Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?
Pre-fabrication
How do you balance the economics, social and environmental impacts?
Balance is achieved through ensuring that all are considered
Give an example of a sustainable product or technology that you have encountered?
Sedum roofs.
Is the Code for Sustainable Homes still a requirement?
No. It is still operational, but it is voluntary.
What are the levels for BREEAM? How are they achieved?
85%+ oustanding
70%+ excellent
55%+ very good
45%+ good
30%+ pass
less than 30% unclassified
By demonstrating sustainability credentials across a range of nine weighted categories.
What Building Regulation Parts cover sustainability?
Part L - Conservation of Fuel & Power
Part O - Overheating
What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to sustainability?
- Supply chain shortages
- Labour shortages
- Increased costs (rising energy prices and material costs)
- Regulatory changes (post brexit regulatory divergence)
- Focus shift (immediate economic recovery efforts may deprioritise long term sustainability)
BREEAM - what are the elements QS’s need to consider and how do these impact cost?
I would say that on a BREEAM project, as a QS, I need to consider all elements as they will all have an impact on cost.
For example, XYZ
You say you have read the RICS Sustainability Report 2022. What about the 2023 version, can you tell me about it?
Yes, I have.
RICS President Tina Paillet summarises the findings as a wake up call to our industry, with progress being made but not enough to reach net zero by 2050.
The president urges the adoption of global standards such as the Whole Life Carbon Assessment.
