Sustainability (Level 1) Flashcards
Please explain your understanding of what happened at COP29?
COP29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024 and focused on addressing
the climate finance gap through the loss and damage fund, designed to support
vulnerable nations.
Some progress was made on working towards a global carbon market where the
buying and selling of carbon emissions is facilitated to help reduce global emissions.
This market would incentivise lower global emissions for companies, countries and
other entities.
By putting a price on carbon, it incentivises industries to innovate and invest in
cleaner technologies, helping to reduce the global carbon footprint.
Progress was made on the NCQG or New Climate Finance Goal to replace the
previous $100bn Goal. This is intended to ensure that sufficient financial resources
are mobilised to support developing countries to address the impacts of loss and
damage from climate-related disasters. A consensus on the amount and scope of the
funds required was discussed at COP29.
What is meant by the term Global Carbon Market?
This refers to an international system that allows the buying and selling of carbon
emissions, allowances or credits.
It is designed to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on
carbon to incentivise countries, companies, and other entities to innovate and invest
in cleaner technologies and help to reduce the global carbon footprint.
Please provide a high-level overview of the RICS Sustainability Report?
The RICS Sustainability Report 2024 provides a detailed analysis of the current state
of sustainability within the built environment sector. The key findings include:-
Identification of an increase in market demand for green buildings however
the adoption of sustainable practices remains limited.
High upfront costs and insufficient government incentives form significant
barriers to widespread implementation of greener building methods.
The report highlighted a need for consistent sustainability measurement
across projects. Tools like the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA)
standard aim to address this issue by providing a unified framework for
assessing and reducing carbon emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle.
The RICS emphasises that the level of commitment and action needs to
increase substantially to achieve 2050 net-zero targets.
RICS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainability policies and
standards globally. Its involvement in initiatives like the UN’s Buildings
Breakthrough highlights the importance of harmonising sustainability
standards worldwide.
Please explain your understanding of the acronym MEES?
MEES stands for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
These are regulations in the UK that set minimum energy performance requirements for buildings, specifically for privately rented properties.
Under MEES, properties in the private rental sector must meet at least an E rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be legally rented out. If a building is rated lower than an E, landlords are required to improve the energy efficiency of the property before renting it out, unless specific exemptions apply.
The MEES regulations are part of the UK government’s broader environmental and sustainability agenda, aiming to ensure that properties are energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Carbon Life Cycle’?
Carbon life cycle is a holistic view of the carbon footprint of a building. This considers the carbon impact from:
- Material extraction.
- Manufacturing.
- Transportation.
- Construction works.
- Maintenance.
- Repairs or replacement of materials.
- Consumption of energy.
- Carbon use at the end of the buildings life.
The represents a shift in simply selecting low carbon building products and encourages a
longer term view during the building design process.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Negative Carbon’?
The reduction of an entity’s carbon footprint to less than neutral. This results in a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding it.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Carbon Offsetting’?
Carbon offsetting results in a reduction of Green House Gas emissions or an increase in carbon storage. This is usually achieved through land restoration or the planting of trees that can compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Carbon Life Cycle’?
Carbon life cycle is a holistic view of the carbon footprint of a building.
This considers the carbon impact from:
- Material extraction.
- Manufacturing.
- Transportation.
- Construction works.
- Maintenance.
- Repairs or replacement of materials.
- Consumption of energy.
- Carbon use at the end of the buildings life.
The represents a shift in simply selecting low carbon building products and
encourages a longer term view during the building design process.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Negative Carbon’?
The reduction of an entity’s carbon footprint to less than neutral.
This results in a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather
than adding it.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Carbon Offsetting’?
Carbon offsetting results in a reduction of Green House Gas emissions or an
increase in carbon storage.
This is usually achieved through land restoration or the planting of trees that can
compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Placemaking’?
Placemaking is a wholistic approach to the development of public spaces that
considers planning, design, implementation and management.
This aims to deliver public spaces that offer unique value to their occupants such as:
- A greater sense of belonging.
- Increased security.
- A unique atmosphere.
- Inspiration and experience.
- A sense of pride in community.
The concept is thought to result in an improved quality of life to occupants, greater
happiness, better work productivity and a possible increase in property values.
