Sustainabilty

Question 1

What is sustainability?

Answer 1

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

Question 2

What is sustainable development?

Answer 2

Balancing environmental, social, and economic factors to support long-term growth.

Question 3

What are the triple bottom line principles?

Answer 3

1. People (Social responsibility).
2. Planet (Environmental sustainability).
3. Profit (Economic viability).

Question 4

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

Answer 4

Encourages economic, social, and environmental sustainability in planning.

Question 5

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?

Answer 5

Paris Agreement (2015) – Limit global warming to below 2°C.
Kyoto Protocol (1997) – Set legally binding carbon reduction targets.

Question 6

What are the most recent EU/UK targets relating to sustainability?

Answer 6

UK Net Zero by 2050.
Reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels).

Question 7

What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were its targets?

Answer 7

A global agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions, targeting 5% reductions by 2012.

Question 8

Explain your understanding of COP26.

Answer 8

Held in 2021 to strengthen global climate commitments and phase out coal power.

Question 9

What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?

Answer 9

Set legally binding carbon reduction targets.

Question 10

What is the UK’s current target for sustainability?

Answer 10

Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Question 11

What does Net Zero mean?

Answer 11

Balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal.

Question 12

When does the UK need to achieve this by? How will it achieve this target?

Answer 12

By 2050 through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture.

Question 13

What are carbon budgets?

Answer 13

Legally binding caps on UK emissions set every five years.

Question 14

What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?

Answer 14

Requires carbon reduction reporting for infrastructure projects.

Question 15

What is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)?

Answer 15

A government scheme supporting low-carbon heating solutions.

Question 16

How can buildings impact upon the environment?

Answer 16

High energy consumption, carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation.

Question 17

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

Answer 17

Green roofs, solar panels, passive ventilation.

Question 18

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

Answer 18

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

Question 19

Explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).

Answer 19

Prohibits leasing sub-standard buildings (EPC below ‘E’).

Question 20

How does MEES impact your role?

Answer 20

Ensuring properties comply with EPC requirements before leasing or sale.

Question 21

What are the key dates for MEES?

Answer 21

April 2018 – New leases require EPC E or above.
April 2023 – Applies to existing leases.

Question 22

What falls outside of MEES?

Answer 22

Listed buildings, temporary buildings, small tenancies (<6 months), long leases (>99 years).

Question 23

Are there any exemptions from MEES?

Answer 23

7-year payback test, devaluation exemption, third-party consent refusal.

Question 24

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Answer 24

Fines up to £150,000 depending on property value.

Question 25

What is an EPC?

Answer 25

Energy Performance Certificate rating building energy efficiency.

Question 26

What buildings require an EPC?

Answer 26

All new and existing lettings and sales (except exemptions).

Question 27

When is an EPC required?

Answer 27

Before selling, leasing, or constructing a building.

Question 28

What is a DEC?

Answer 28

Display Energy Certificate showing actual energy use.

Question 29

When is a DEC required?

Answer 29

Public buildings >250m² frequently visited by the public.

Question 30

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Answer 30

A business approach that considers social, environmental, and ethical impacts.

Question 31

What are BREEAM, SKA rating, LEED, and Passivhaus?

Answer 31

BREEAM – UK’s most common building sustainability rating. LEED – US-based sustainability certification. Passivhaus – Energy-efficient building standard.

Question 32

What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Answer 32

Replaced by Building Regulations Part L & BREEAM.

Question 33

What Part of the Building Regulations relates to energy efficiency?

Answer 33

Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Question 34

What is ESOS?

Answer 34

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme – Requires large companies to audit energy use.

Question 35

What is a green lease?

Answer 35

A lease incorporating sustainability obligations for landlords/tenants.

Question 36

How can an EPC impact the value or use of a building?

Answer 36

Higher EPC ratings can increase value, demand, and marketability.

Question 37

What is Off-Site Manufacture (OSM)?

Answer 37

Prefabrication of building components off-site to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

Question 38

What is SUDS?

Answer 38

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems – Managing flood risk and water pollution.

Question 39

What is net biodiversity gain?

Answer 39

Developments must enhance biodiversity by at least 10% post-construction.

Question 40

What do ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?

Answer 40

ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems. ISO 50001 – Energy management systems.

Question 41

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

Answer 41

Evaluates potential environmental effects of a project before approval.

Question 42

What are Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)?

Answer 42

Innovative construction techniques to improve sustainability (e.g., modular buildings).

Question 43

What is PAS 2035?

Answer 43

UK retrofit standard for energy efficiency improvements.

Question 44

What is NABERS?

Answer 44

Energy rating system for office buildings, measuring actual performance.

Question 45

Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard.

Answer 45

From 2025, all new homes must be zero carbon-ready.

Question 46

What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme?

Answer 46

Energy efficiency funding for low-income households.

Question 47

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

Answer 47

Pays households for exporting excess renewable energy to the grid.

Question 48

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Answer 48

17 global goals to address climate change, inequality, and sustainability.

Question 49

What is the target achievement date?

Answer 49

2030.

Question 50

What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?

Answer 50

Encourages surveyors to promote sustainable practices.

Question 51

What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions?

Answer 51

Scope 1 – Direct emissions (e.g., fuel use). Scope 2 – Indirect emissions (e.g., purchased electricity). Scope 3 – Supply chain emissions.

Question 52

What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?

Answer 52

A framework for net zero operational and embodied carbon in buildings.

Question 53

What are the benefits of retrofitting for the building stock?

Answer 53

Improved energy efficiency, reduced operational carbon, and lower costs.

Question 54

What is a challenge around retrofitting?

Answer 54

Cost, disruption, and heritage building restrictions.