Sustainabilty

Question 1

What does MEES stand for and what are they?

Answer 1

Minimum energy efficiency standards

• The MEES rating is E and above.
• This has been the case for all buildings since 1 April 2023

Question 1

What is the difference between embodied & operational carbon?

Answer 1

Embodied is carbon expended/released in the construction of the building
Operaional is the carbon used during the buildings operational life

Question 2

What does NABERS stand for?

Answer 2

National Australian Built Environment Rating System

Question 3

What does NABERS do?

Answer 3

Star rated sustainable rating system. Provies a 1-6 star rating for efficiency across the following cateristics:
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Indoor Environment

Question 4

How long are NABERS ratings valid?

Answer 4

12 months and therefor provides a updated and relevant representation of a buildings operational performance.

Question 5

What legislation was amended to provide the goal for achieving net zero by 2050?

Answer 5

The Climate Change Act 2008

Question 6

When do EPCs need to be renewed?

Answer 6

Every 10 years unless altered or change in lease or freeholder ownership.

Question 7

Which buildings are exempt from EPCS?

Answer 7

Listed buildings
Religious buildings
temporary buildings

Question 8

What are the 5 key provisions of the EPC regime?

Answer 8

1. Higher standards of energy conservation for new and refurbished buildings
2. Establishing a calculation methodology for the energy performance of all buildings
3. Minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings
4. Energy calculation for all buildings when built modified in certain areas or when leased or sold.
5. Mandatory inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings.

Question 9

What are the penalties for breaching MEES
commercial properties regs?

Answer 9

Max is $10k or 20% of Rateable Value whichever greater upto a max of £150k - needs to be breach of ,ore than 3 months

Question 10

What are the changes coming to the MEES regs?

Answer 10

2027 is predicted to increase to an EPC C
2030 is predicted to increase to an EPC B

Previous targets are being reviewed and new dates are likely to be issued due to wanting the market to catch up.

Question 11

What is a SKA rating?

Answer 11

Environmental assessment method
- Used for non-domestic fit outs
- Assesses fit outs against the GPMs ( Good Practice Measures.
- Provided a more bespoke option for fit-outs in exisitng buildings where BREEAM and LEED fell short
- Certify a fit out project, irrespective of building

Question 12

What are the two types of NABERS assessment?

Answer 12

In UK currently, there are two available product offerings:

• NABERS Energy - how energy efficient exisitng buildings are
• Design for Performance - implemented in the design stage

Question 13

What is an exemption from the MEES regulations?

Answer 13

• property devaluation exemption - if improvements reduce property value by more than 5%
• All improvements made exemption