Sustainability - Level 1

Question 1

What is sustainability

Answer 1

Sustainability is meeting the needs of todays generation without impacting the needs of future generations.

Question 2

What is the difference between embodied carbon and operational carbon?

Answer 2

Embodied Carbon - all carbon emissions not in relation to the operation of a building.

1. Material extraction
2. Manufacturing
3. Transportation
4. Demolition and disposal.

Operational Carbon - carbon emitted in the operation of a building.

1. Lighting
2. Heating and cooling
3. Ventilation

Question 3

What impact does the construction industry have on global carbon emissions?

Answer 3

37% of global carbon emissions are from the construction industry.

9% - Embodied Carbon
27% - Operational Carbon

Question 4

What are the sustainable development goals?

Answer 4

17 sustainability goals agreed with the UN to be achieved by 2030. Covering areas such as:

• Zero Poverty
• Zero Hunger
• Climate Action
• Gender Equality
• Quality Education

Question 5

What does the Climate Change Act 2008 set out?

Answer 5

• Legally binding targets for Net Zero
• Carbon Budgets
• Establishment of the Climate Change Committee
• Positions the UK as global leaders

Question 6

What does the Environment Act 2021 set out?

Answer 6

• Air and water quality improvement targets.
• Reduction in waste and improved recycling.
• Prevent deforestation.
• Ban export of waste to developing countries.
• Halt decline in any species by 2030

Question 7

Are you aware of any Approved Documents in relation to sustainability?

Answer 7

Apporved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power.

Question 8

What is Bio-diversity net gain?

Answer 8

Requirement under the Environment Act that all developments must contribute a net 10% bio-diversity gain.

Question 9

What is the Paris Agreement?

Answer 9

International treaty adopted by 196 parties at COP21 in 2015.

Keep global warming to below 2 degrees of pre-industry levels with an aim of 1.5 degrees.

Developed countries to provide finanacial support to developing countries.

Question 10

What are some Network Rail initiatives for biodiversity?

Answer 10

Target of not biodiversity loss on NR land by 2024.

Net biodiversity gain by 2035.

Increase tree planting.

Change in apporach to lineside vegetation management.

Question 11

What were the outcomes of COP28?

Answer 11

• Agreement on the need to transition away from fossil fuels.
• Over 100 countries committed to increasing renewable energy capacity.
• Loss and damage fund to support developing countries from the impact of climate change.