Sustainability (Level 1)

Question 1

What is the legislation in the UK that deals with the issue of sustainability in building construction?

Answer 1

• Building regulations.
• Climate change act 2008.
• Environment Act 2021.

Question 2

When would an EPC be required?

Answer 2

When selling or renting out a property.

Question 3

What is an EPC?

Answer 3

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a **legally valid document **which provides an energy efficiency rating in relation to a property’s running costs.

Question 4

What is the role of the BRE?

Answer 4

Building research development.

Delivers innovative products, services, standards and qualifications to make buildings better for people and the environment.

PSSQ

Question 5

How are the requirements BREEAM, which itself is not a legally binding document, enforced?

Answer 5

• Developers and building owners VOLUNTARILY pursue BREEAM certification
• BREEAM assessments are conducted by accreditors assessors.

Question 6

Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?

Answer 6

DFMA

1. Reduced waste
2. Energy efficiency
3. Faster construction

Question 7

How do you balance the economic, social and environmental impacts?

Answer 7

• Integrated decision making at all levels of design, implementation and operation.
• Triple bottom line analysis (evaluate profit, people and the planet)

Question 8

Give an example of a sustainable product or technology that you have encountered?

Answer 8

DFMA products such as concrete and steel structures and welfare buildings.

Question 9

Is the Code for Sustainable Homes still a requirement?

Answer 9

It has been replaced by newer building regulations, but **existing planning conditions **must still be honoured

Question 10

What are the levels for BREEAM? How are they achieved?

Answer 10

1. Outstanding
2. Excellent
3. Very Good
4. Good
5. Pass
6. Unclassified

Weighting system for Environmental Sections (Water, Management, Energy, Transport)

Question 11

What Building Regulations parts cover sustainability?

Answer 11

Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Question 12

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Answer 12

Environmental, social & economic

Question 13

What is LEED?

Answer 13

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the world’s most widely used green building rating system

Question 14

Compare BREEAM to LEED.

Answer 14

LEED is widely used in US and internationally vs BREEAM is UK and Europe.
LEED focuses on energy and water efficiency vs BREEAM is environmental management and ecological impact.
Both have different scoring systems.

Question 15

What factors are in BREEAM scoring?

Answer 15

Management, Health and Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste

Question 16

Describe some ways to make a home more energy efficient.

Answer 16

Solar panelling - renewable energy source via sunlight
Double or triple glazed windows - better insulation and reducing heat transfer
Insulating walls - reduces heat loss in winter and cooler in summer

Question 17

What is life cycle costing?

Answer 17

1. Initial Costs
2. Operating Costs
3. Maintenance Costs
4. End of life Costs
5. External Costs