Sustainability Flashcards
What is a CEMP
The purpose of a construction environmental management plan is to outline how a construction project will avoid, minimise or mitigate effects on the environment and surrounding area. The basic scope of a plan should consider the following subject areas, as applicable to the individual project; Air quality, Water quality and drainage, Noise and vibration, Geology and soils e.c.t.
What sections is a CEMP made up of
Introduction – General purpose, scope and structure of the document.
Scope of work and project description – Information about the development.
Consents, commitments and permissions – Appropriate environmental legislation, planning conditions and any other consents or licensing.
Management plans – Specific management plans such as; ecology, noise and vibration, and so on.
Communication – External and internal consultations.
What methods are used to access buildings
BREEAM Assessment
EPC
SAP caluclations
Enviromental impact ratings
What is a BREEAM Assessment
BREEAM, first published by the Building Research Establishment in 1990, is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. BREEAM is an assessment undertaken by independent licensed assessors using scientifically-based sustainability metrics and indices which cover a range of environmental issues.
What are the scoring catagories for a BREEAM Assessment
- Outstanding ≥ 85
- Excelent ≥ 70
- Very good ≥ 55
- Good ≥ 45
- Pass ≥ 30
- Unclassified ≥ 30
What are some of the issues assessed in a BREEAM Assessment
- Consultation plan
- Economic impact
- Demographic needs and priorities
- Flood risk assessment
- Noise pollution
- Energy strategy
- Existing buildings and infrastructure
- Water strategy
- Ecology strategy
- Land use
- Transport assessment
What are some criticisms of BREEAM
BREEAM has been criticised for being ‘tick-box’ in its applicability for example you get points for solar panels but it does not take into account if the solar panels are performing optimally e.g. poor orientation. The score given by BREEAM at the design phase cannot ensure good quality outcomes in the use phase. The outcomes of sustainability measures and low energy technologies could be turned out differently due to the role of the project endusers.
What is an EPC
Energy performance certificates (EPCs), set out the energy efficiency rating of buildings. They are required when buildings are built, sold or rented, if they have a roof and walls and use energy to condition an indoor climate.
What buildings do not require an EPC
EPCs are not required for the following types of building;Places of worship, Temporary buildings, Stand-alone buildings with a floor area of less than 50 square metres, Industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements, Listed buildings, Rented dwellings that continue to be occupied by the same tenant since before 1 October 2008, Buildings that are suitable for demolition.
What are some criticisms of an EPC
The ispection is not invasive only visial meaning the inspector cannot drill walls or ceilings to determine the state or even existence of any insulation.
Issues for listed buildings for example double glazing will not be accepted by english heritage.
What are some of the issues assessed in a EPC
The energy survey needed to produce an EPC is performed by an assessor who visits the property, examines key items such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing, and so on.
What is a SAP calculation
SAP Calculations are a Building Regulations requirement for all new residential developments, conversions and some extensions. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a measure of the energy efficiency of a property and is the calculation from which an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is generated. These are often called a predicted EPC.
What is a Enviromental impact ratings
The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment. This rating is based on the performance of the building and its fixed services (such as heating and lighting).
What are some National sustainability taxation and incentives.
Climate Change Levy Land Fill Tax Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme Aggregates Levy Renewable Heat Incentive Feed-in tariff
What is the Climate Change Levy
Buisnesses pay the CCL on the following sources; electricity, gas, LPG, solid fuels such as coal, lignite, coke and petroleum coke.
