Sustainabilty Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
What is sustainable development?
Balancing environmental, social, and economic factors to support long-term growth.
What are the triple bottom line principles?
- People (Social responsibility).
- Planet (Environmental sustainability).
- Profit (Economic viability).
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
Encourages economic, social, and environmental sustainability in planning.
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
Paris Agreement (2015) – Limit global warming to below 2°C.
Kyoto Protocol (1997) – Set legally binding carbon reduction targets.
What are the most recent EU/UK targets relating to sustainability?
UK Net Zero by 2050.
Reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels).
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were its targets?
A global agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions, targeting 5% reductions by 2012.
Explain your understanding of COP26.
Held in 2021 to strengthen global climate commitments and phase out coal power.
What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?
Set legally binding carbon reduction targets.
What is the UK’s current target for sustainability?
Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
What does Net Zero mean?
Balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal.
When does the UK need to achieve this by? How will it achieve this target?
By 2050 through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture.
What are carbon budgets?
Legally binding caps on UK emissions set every five years.
What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?
Requires carbon reduction reporting for infrastructure projects.
What is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)?
A government scheme supporting low-carbon heating solutions.
How can buildings impact upon the environment?
High energy consumption, carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation.
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
Green roofs, solar panels, passive ventilation.
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
Explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).
Prohibits leasing sub-standard buildings (EPC below ‘E’).
How does MEES impact your role?
Ensuring properties comply with EPC requirements before leasing or sale.
What are the key dates for MEES?
April 2018 – New leases require EPC E or above.
April 2023 – Applies to existing leases.
What falls outside of MEES?
Listed buildings, temporary buildings, small tenancies (<6 months), long leases (>99 years).
Are there any exemptions from MEES?
7-year payback test, devaluation exemption, third-party consent refusal.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Fines up to £150,000 depending on property value.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificate rating building energy efficiency.
What buildings require an EPC?
All new and existing lettings and sales (except exemptions).
When is an EPC required?
Before selling, leasing, or constructing a building.
What is a DEC?
Display Energy Certificate showing actual energy use.
When is a DEC required?
Public buildings >250m² frequently visited by the public.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
A business approach that considers social, environmental, and ethical impacts.
What are BREEAM, SKA rating, LEED, and Passivhaus?
BREEAM – UK’s most common building sustainability rating.
LEED – US-based sustainability certification.
Passivhaus – Energy-efficient building standard.
What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?
Replaced by Building Regulations Part L & BREEAM.
What Part of the Building Regulations relates to energy efficiency?
Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.
What is ESOS?
Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – Requires large companies to audit energy use.
What is a green lease?
A lease incorporating sustainability obligations for landlords/tenants.
How can an EPC impact the value or use of a building?
Higher EPC ratings can increase value, demand, and marketability.
What is Off-Site Manufacture (OSM)?
Prefabrication of building components off-site to reduce waste and carbon footprint.
What is SUDS?
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems – Managing flood risk and water pollution.
What is net biodiversity gain?
Developments must enhance biodiversity by at least 10% post-construction.
What do ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?
ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems.
ISO 50001 – Energy management systems.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
Evaluates potential environmental effects of a project before approval.
What are Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)?
Innovative construction techniques to improve sustainability (e.g., modular buildings).
What is PAS 2035?
UK retrofit standard for energy efficiency improvements.
What is NABERS?
Energy rating system for office buildings, measuring actual performance.
Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard.
From 2025, all new homes must be zero carbon-ready.
What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme?
Energy efficiency funding for low-income households.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
Pays households for exporting excess renewable energy to the grid.
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
17 global goals to address climate change, inequality, and sustainability.
What is the target achievement date?
2030.
What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?
Encourages surveyors to promote sustainable practices.
What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions?
Scope 1 – Direct emissions (e.g., fuel use).
Scope 2 – Indirect emissions (e.g., purchased electricity).
Scope 3 – Supply chain emissions.
What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?
A framework for net zero operational and embodied carbon in buildings.
What are the benefits of retrofitting for the building stock?
Improved energy efficiency, reduced operational carbon, and lower costs.
What is a challenge around retrofitting?
Cost, disruption, and heritage building restrictions.
