Sustainability (Level 2)

Question 1

How have you carried out capital cost and value engineering exercises to determine the impact of sustainability issues on design and construction processes?

Answer 1

• Undertaken at design stage
• Set out a list of sustainability options to help meet the sustainability targets of the project
• Priorities the most impactful features or the ‘non-negotiables’
• Assess the cost within the construction cost plan
  Improve and amend as needed

Question 2

How have you carried out life cycle cost exercises which take account of sustainability issues?

Answer 2

• Set out a lifecycle plan for each development
• Mixture of preventative maintenance to ensure the building operates as it should throughput its’ life
• Capex projects
• Prioritise costs that are required to maintina/improve the building’s sustainable performance

Question 3

Various - What were your key sustainability success metrics?

Answer 3

Varied from project to project

E.g BREEAM aspirations, net zero in operation or bio-diversity net gain

Question 4

Various - How did you ensure the sustainability metrics could be met?

Answer 4

• Implemented any sustainability targets into the brief
• Used KPIs to ensure they would be met
• Set out clear actions and responsibilities for those targets within the sustainability action plan

Question 5

Various - Did you consider any sustainability certifications for this client?

Answer 5

Canning Town = BREEAM Excellent
Essex = BREEAM Very Good

Question 6

Various - What forms of sustainable energy were relevant?

Answer 6

Solar power – PVs on the roof
District heat network

Question 7

Birmingham- Is there any risk to the building owner if the occupier doesn’t obtain an EPC?

Answer 7

If the building is being offered for sale, it is the responsibility of the seller to provide the EPC to the potential buyer. If it is being rented, then it is the responsibility of the landlord to provide the EPC to the potential tenant

A breach of MEES regulations lasting longer than 3 months can trigger a fine of the higher of £10,000 or 20% of the rateable value of the property, up to £150,000.

Question 8

Birmingham - What level of performance is currently required?

Answer 8

Commercial Properties = minimum rating of E

Question 9

Birmingham - How did you ensure that the requirement on the tenant was
enforceable?

Answer 9

Clause in the lease