Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Focussing on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
What is the RICS’ commitment to sustainability (2)
Focussing on enabling change to address the role the built and natural environment play in emitting carbon emissions
E.g. Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategic Advice, 3rd Edition
What are the current EPC rules?
- An EPC is required for all commercial buildings with a total useful area of 50sqm or more
What buildings have an EPC exemption? (5)
- Building less than 50 sqm
- Listed buildings
- Religious buildings
- Temporary buildings
- Buildings due to be demolished
What are the exemptions for MEES compliance? (4)
- If the building doesn’t need an EPC
- If the building doesn’t meet the 7-year payback test
- Where improvements would devalue a property by more than 5%
- When third-party consent cannot be reasonably met
How long do the MEES exemptions last and how do you get an exemption? (2)
- For 5 years
- Must be pre-registered on a register with the Local Authority
What are the EPC requirements for marketing? (4)
- Must be commissioned within 7 days of the commencement of marketing
- Agents are responsible for procuring EPCs
- Only the energy rating is required to be displayed on advertisements
- Online marketing material must have a link to the EPC
What must an EPC certificate include? (6)
- Address of the property
- Floor area
- EPC certificate reference number
- Estimation of energy running costs
- An energy performance rating from A+ to G
- Benchmarking information
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years unless the building is altered
What are the penalties for non-compliance with EPC regulations?
12.5% of the rateable value of a building subject to a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000 fine
What is ESG and how does it differ from sustainability? (2)
- ESG focuses on evaluating the performance of companies based on Environmental, Social and Governance matters
- Sustainability is a broader principle that covers a wider range of topics including biodiversity, supply chain issues etc.
What is BREEAM?
A voluntary environmental assessment to rate new, refurbished, and operational buildings
What are the BREEAM ratings? (5)
- Outstanding
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Pass
What factors are taken into consideration for BREEAM? (5)
- Energy consumption
- Water use
- Transport links
- Waste management
- Health & wellbeing
What do you do personally to reduce your environmental impact? (3)
- Commute to work either by tube or by cycling
- Recycle
- Have monthly meetings with our sustainability team in order to work towards my clients net-zero by 2030 aim
