Sustainability – Level 1

Question 1

• What is the Climate Change Act 2008 about?

Answer 1

• Sets a legal framework to cut Greenhouse gases by 2050.

Question 2

• What is The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012?

Answer 2

• Requires EPC for all properties for sale and to rent.
• Requires display of EPC for public buildings.

Question 3

• Tell me about Energy Performance Certificates

Answer 3

• An EPC lasts for 10 years.
• MEES states that properties cannot be let if they have an F or G rating.
• Some dispensation is allowed. New owner within 6 months. A listed building.

Question 4

Tell me about The Futures Report 2020?

Answer 4

• In India some roads had been built of plastic. Plastic tar roads a double the strength of asphal
• It states the constructions industry generates the largest amount of data in any sector of which 95% is not used or wasted.
• RICS is providing a technology hub to enable the use and capture of data.
• Adapting to drone technology to be used in dangerous situations. Can also be used for mapping and building assessments
• Protecting cities from climate change and rising sea levels if temperatures rise.

Question 5

Tell me about the Retrofitting homes for energy efficiency?

Answer 5

• Steps towards a net zero carbon targets.
• The products are built in factories.
• A retrofit home must be 21 degrees C all year with 40 minutes of hot water a day.
• A Dutch firm has shown that on-site works can be completed in 10 – 15 days.
• A five-home pilot scheme has been carried out in Maldon.
• The local planning authority requires a street scene to be maintained.
• The pilot scheme showed that for the energy improvements it can be expensive to heat.
• The aim is for these types of homes to have an EPC rating of A.

Question 6

• What is MEES?

Answer 6

• MEES is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

Question 7

• How does MEES affect the rental market?

Answer 7

No properties should be let with a higher rating than E from 1st April 2018.

Question 8

• Define sustainability?

Answer 8

• The needs of today must be able to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Question 9

• Have you heard of the Brundtland Report? If so, what is it?

Answer 9

Yes.

The Brundtland report states that sustainability has to include:

• Economic growth
• Environmental protection
• Social equality.

Question 10

• What is BREEAM?

Answer 10

• BREEAM is a sustainability assessment method
• BREEAM is a cost-effective means of recognising sustainable development. It shows how to use resources more efficiently.

Question 11

• What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Sustainability?

Answer 11

The slowdown in economic growth has had a dramatic effect. The loss of jobs is still rising.

COVID has highlighted change such as:

1. Healthier Homes.
2. Touchless technologies.
3. Greener transport. (Riding, walking).
4. Sustainable offsite construction methods.