Sustainability - Level 1

Question 1

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

Answer 1

The Environment Act 2021 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom aims to improve air and water quality, protect wildlife, increase recycling and reduce plastic waste. The act is part of a new legal framework for environmental protection, given the UK no longer comes under EU law post-Brexit.

Question 2

What is an EPC?

Answer 2

An Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ) rates how energy efficient your building is using grades from A to G (with ‘A’ the most efficient grade).

Question 3

When would such a document be required?

Answer 3

You must have an EPC if:
* you rent out or sell the premises
* a building under construction is finished
* there are changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation and these changes involve providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems

Question 4

What is the role of the BRE?

Answer 4

BRE was established by Government a century ago as the expert organization on improving the building stock. BRE’s ambition is to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

BREEAM assessments are carried out by trained assessors based on a scoring system with nine criteria:
* Energy.
* Land use and ecology.
* Water.
* Health and wellbeing.
* Pollution.
* Transport.
* Materials.
* Waste.

Question 6

What steps are you taking in business activity to ensure that your company operates in a sustainable manner?

Answer 6

I try to implement material resource efficiency within the supply chain by ensuring that the quantity of materials required is ordered so that waste is minimized, by undertaking accurate takeoffs.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

The use of cross-laminated timber can be a highly sustainable material, provided that it comes from a certified (preferably local) source and the glue is non-toxic.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

By engaging stakeholders and fostering partnerships which help in achieving the balance between environmental and social impact and business goals.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Cross laminated timber was used as the floor structure on a new mezzanine level that was installed on the ground floor of the Manchester project.

Question 10

Is the Code for Sustainable Homes still a requirement?

Answer 10

The Government scrapped the Code for Sustainable Homes and the national net zero carbon homes standard in 2015 but this did not reduce standards in London.

Question 11

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

Answer 11

The BREEAM ratings range from:

• Unclassified – less than 30%
• Pass – More than 30%
• Good – more than 45%
• Very Good – more than 55%
• Excellent - more than 70%
• Outstanding – more than 85%

And it is reflected in a series of stars on the BREEAM certificate

Question 12

What Building Regulations parts cover sustainability?

Answer 12

With Part L of the building regulations in mind, properties should be conceived and constructed with the principles of sustainable design at the forefront. These initiatives not only concern the way properties are built, but also ensure that they’re built to last.

Question 13

What are Brundtland’s three levels of sustainability?

Answer 13

• Social
• Environmental
• Economic