Sustainability Flashcards
What does BREEAM Stand for and what is it?
- BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Environmental Assessment Method First launched in the UK in 1990.
- It sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings through design, specification, construction and operation.
What does BREAAM do?
BREEAM assessment evaluates the procurement, design, construction and operation of a development or refurbishment against a range of targets based on performance benchmarks.
It focuses on sustainable value across range of categories inc
- Energy
- Land use and ecology
- Water
- Health and wellbeing
- Pollution
- Transport
- Materials
- Waste
- Management
Why would you use BREAAM
- It allows clients, project teams and facilities managers to be certain that the required standard of environmental best practice is being adopted on their project. It can also be used as a marketing tool for potential purchasers or tenants.
- Some clients may require the use of BREEAM.
- local planning authorities may require BREEAM certification (or equivalent) either as part of a local plan, or as a planning condition imposed on developments. This kind of requirement is likely to become more common given the presumption in favour of sustainability in the National Planning Policy Framework.
How is the assessment carried out /what is the process for BREAMM?
- Two stages of assessment and certification are carried out:
- A design stage assessment resulting in an interim certificate being issued.
- A post-construction assessment resulting in a final certificate being issued and a rating awarded.
- There is also an optional pre-assessment assessment, which can help designers understand aspects of their proposals that need to be improved to achieve the desired rating. In addition, there is a BREEAM In-Use scheme which allows an action plan to be produced to improve the management and performance both of the building in use and of client activities within the completed building.
Can you name any other environmental impact assessment methods other than BREEAM?
- Ska Rating is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit outs.
- LEEDS - ; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (USA)
- GREENSTAR in australia
4.
What is SKA and why is it different to the other methods?
- Ska Rating is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit outs.
- The initial research project was started in 2005 by the fit out and refurbishment contractor Skansen (giving Ska it’s name) but was taken over by the RICS in 2009.
- It differs from other labelling systems in that it is:
- Project driven: it labels fit out projects irrespective of the base building.
- A free online tool to help organisations achieve more sustainable fit outs (businesses only pay if they want formal certification).
- Flexible scoping: the tool measures only what is within the specific project’s scope.
How does SKA Rating measure the project?
- scores the project only on the basis of those measures that are relevant to the project.
- Uses ‘measures in scope’.
- Typically, between 30 and 60 measures are likely to apply to most projects.
- The score is ranked in three thresholds: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
- These thresholds are reached by achieving 75%, 50% or 25%, respectively of the measures in scope, which must include GPM’s from a pool of gateway measures.
- To ensure that teams do not just target the easiest measures, the project has to achieve a number of the highest ranked measures in scope in order to score. These are known as gateway measures.
- You input the project scope and it comes up with the measures you could harness
Tell me how you used SKA ratings on your project and how did you find it?
- I used the SKA rating to review options from the design point of view for reducing energy on my fit outs. I went on the online checkist, in putted the project details and scope
- It provided me with 6 categories of measures I could use
- Reduce lighting energy in use
- Reduce small power in use
- Reduce water in use (This measure can only be assessed after a minimum of one year’s occupation as the waste generated has to be measured over a full calendar year)
- Reduce total waste in use (occupancy stage assessment only after 1 year use.)
- Increased recycling of waste in use This measure can only be assessed after a minimum of one year’s occupation (as the waste generated has to be measured over a full calendar year)
- I used it as more of a talking point with the contractors for the design and to include within EMployers requirements .
- Like that it was quite tailored to the project, and that small changes could result in a good in use measurement.
- Felt it could have provided a bit more technical advice and examples on how to achieve the measures but otherwise it was really good for getting us as a project team thinking about sustainability measures and how we could incorporate those.
- some of my suggestions were separated recycling bins to encourage the future tenant to recylce waste.
- Next time I would try a full asessment as this might have also helped to let the premises.
Can you tell me about the MEES key dates?
MEES key dates
- 2018 all new rental properties must achieve above an E rating on EPC.
- 2023 achieing the standards consultation exercise fiinshed likely to increase the minimum standard from E to C or B depending on outcome of the exercise.
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years.
What is BREEAM?
- • BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method
- is a voluntary tool for rating the sustainable performance of a building.
- A method of assessing, rating and certifying a building sustainability.
- Uses 9 weightings inc
- energy consumption
- water use
- transport links
- waste management
- health and well being
- The 5 Ratings are:
- Pass
- Good
- Very Good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
What is Part L and what does it entail?
• Part L Conservation of Fuel and Power. • It is broken down in 4 parts. o Part L1 A = Conservation of Fuel and Power in a new Dweling. o Part L1 B = Conservation of Fuel and Power in an Existing Dwelling. o Part L2 A = Conservation of Fuel and Power in a new non-domestic. o Part L2 B = Conservation of Fuel and Power in an existing non-domestic. • In 2013, the performance criterion for a Part L was increased by 6% for dwellings, and 9% for non-domestic buildings.
What can be done onsite to improve sustainability?
• Waste Management, i.e. the segregation of waste for recycling. • Just in time Deliveries. • Waste Management Plans.
How is a building rated under BREEAM?
• Against nine criteria: 1. Energy. 2. Land use. 3. Water. 4. Health and Wellbeing. 5. Pollution. 6. Transport. 7. Materials. 8. Waste. 9. Management.
What is the process of getting a BREEAM Rating?
- An assessment should be carried out at design stage to receive an interim certificate. 2. A second assessment should be carried out post construction to receive the final certificate.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
It gives a property a rating based on its energy efficiency, from A – G.
Can you name some of the building regulations?
• A = Structure. • B = Fire Safety. • C = Site Preparation. • D = Toxic Substances. • E = Resistance to Sound. • F = Ventilation. • G = Sanitisation and Hot Water. • H = Drainage and Waste Disposal. • J = Heat Producing Appliances. • K = Prevention from falling, collision or impact. • L = Conservation of Fuel and Power. • M = Accessibility. • N = Glazing. • P = Electrical Safety. • Q = Security. • R = High speed comms networks • 7 = Materials and workmanship
What renewable technologies do you know off?
Photo-voltaic panels Wind power Wave power Thermal power (ground sourced heat pump)
What is a Passivehaus?
• A Fabric first approach, whereby the materials used to insulate a building mitigate the requirement for space heating, whilst also creating good indoor quality. Achieved through Good insulation, air tightness and solar gains.
What rating service does the RICS provide with regards to assessing sustainability?
RICS Fit out Rating (SKA) which is an environmental assessment tool for sustainable fit outs. It can be used on any non-domestic fit out project, informally or by professionals, with similar criteria to BREEAM.
What Statutory Requirements do you know about relating to Sustainability?
• Climate Change Act 2008. • Energy Protection Act 2005. • COSHH. • Paris Agreement • Building Regs. • Energy Performance Certificates. • Control of Asbestos Regulations 2008.
What is the Carbon Trust?
An organisation aimed at helping other organisations reduce their carbon emissions, through improving their energy efficient and carbon management.
What is Embodied carbon?
• Embodied carbon is considering all the carbon the will be used in the creating of a product. From sourcing the materials, manufacture, delivery, construction, and disposal.
What is cross ventilation?
Cross ventilation occurs where there are pressure differences between one side of a building and the other. Typically, this is a wind-driven effect in which air is drawn into the building on the high pressure windward side and is drawn out of the building on the low pressure leeward side.
What is stack ventilation?
Cooler outside air is drawn into buildings at a lower level, it is warmed by sources of heat within the building (such as people, equipment, heating and solar gain), and then rises through the building to vent out at a higher level.
What is the urban heat island effect?
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is the term given to localised higher temperatures that are experienced in urban environments compared with the temperatures of surrounding green spaces. It is estimated that pavements and roofs account for 60% of urban surfaces, roofs 20-25% and pavements approximately 40% (Akbari, Menon et al. 2009). Presently these surfaces have relatively low albedo values (the fraction of incoming radiation reflected by a body) and high thermal conductivities, typically absorbing and re-radiating around 90% of the total incident solar radiation (Wolf and Lundholm 2008). This contributes to an Urban Heat Island effect that can result in a rise in summer temperatures of 4-7°C (CIBSE 2007; Wolf and Lundholm 2008) in comparison with adjacent vegetated areas.
What are SUDS?
Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are systems designed to efficiently manage the drainage of surface water in the urban environment.
What are the benefits of SUDS?
-Reducing flooding. -Reducing the demand on existing drainage systems (potentially making a development viable in an area where it might otherwise not be viable). -Enhancing water quality. -Reducing pollution. -Providing habitats for wildlife. -Providing local amenity. -Recharging groundwater and watercourses resulting in a reduced risk of drought.
What are SUDS techniques?
-Filter strips and drains. -Swales. -Permeable surfaces. -Basins and ponds. -Underground storage. -Wetlands. -Green roofs. -Rainwater harvesting.
What is a blue roof?
A blue roof is a roof designed for the retention of rainwater above the waterproofing element of the roof. This is as opposed to more conventional roofs which allow for rainwater to drain from the roof. Blue roofs are typically flat, without any fall, with control devices regulate drainage outlets that enable water to be retained or drained.
What are the benefits of green roofs?
Decreased surface water runoff -Decreased heating and cooling demands for the building -Increased local biodiversity -Increased durability and lifespan of the roof -Improved local air quality -Psychological benefits -Mitigation of the Urban Heat Island effect.
What are the disadvantages of green roofs?
Increased capital costs. -Increased structural loads. -Specialist contractors required. -Maintenance requirements. -The lack of quantifiable data on the benefits of green roofs. -The lack of technical information about how to build them. -Lack of incentives.
What is an EIA?
The purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ensure that the environmental effects of a proposed development are properly considered. An EIA provides the local planning authority with better information about certain types of project, enabling them to make a more informed decision about whether permission should be granted and to allow imposition of more appropriate conditions and obligations to mitigate possible negative impacts.
When are EIAs necessary?
The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 sets out a requirement to carry out an EIA as part of the planning application process for certain projects (generally those which are large or environmentally complex).
What is within an EIA?
-A description of the proposed development and its use. -An estimate of the likely residues and emissions resulting from the construction and operation of the development (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.). -An assessment of how the development complies with planning policy. -An assessment of environmental opportunities and constraints. -An assessment of appropriate alternatives. This may include an assessment of possible alternative sites, so it is important that this is done during the very early stages of a project - not as a process of post-rationalisation after the client has already selected a site. -An assessment of the likely impacts of the development.
What was the cost difference between green roofs and brown roofs on Clapham Park?
The cost difference was the smaller substrate and lack of planting costs on brown roofs compared to the extensive green roof. This amounted to a cost of £50/m2 increase in extensive green roofs compared to brown.
What are the differences between green, blue and brown roofs?
A green extensive roof is planted for ecological and aesthetic purposes. Normally does not require as deep substrate as intensive. Requires less maintenance. A green intensive roof is where typically bigger plants are grown and there is paving or decked areas. This requires deeper substrate. A brown roof is where the planting is based on the original site had the building not been there. A blue roof is one that stores water, can include open water surfaces, storage within or beneath a porous media or modular surface or below a raised decking surface or cover.
What was the roof build up in green/brown roofs?
1) Planting 2) sedum 3) Drainage 4) Membrane/Geotextile layer 5) Root Barrier 6) 2nd waterproofing 7) Roof deck/concrete
What is absorption cooling?
A chiller based on the absorption refrigeration process in which cooling is provided by the expansion of liquid ammonia into gas and absorption of the gas by water, the ammonia is reused after water evaporates.
What is sustainability?
A desire to carry out activities without depleting resources or having harmful impacts. Can fall under a environmental, social and economic category.
What cost uplift is needed for introducing sustainable features?
Typically 2-10% however this would depend on the features used.
What did you learn at the sustainability 101 training?
- One of Mace’s business strategies is be responsible. - Net carbon zero - Carbon offset procedures.
What could be the effects of brexit on construction and what could be done to mitigate the impact?
- More young people intro trades - Open to commonwealth - Prefab options
What is the Kyoto protocol target?
This was an agreement between developed nations to reduce their carbon emissions based on the levels at 1990. n the UK, the first commitment period target was to reduce emissions by 12.5% compared to 1990 levels. By 2012 emissions were estimated to be 26.7% below 1990 levels, but 24.9% below 1990 levels if emissions trading was taken into account
What is the aim of the Paris agreement?
The Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature goal is to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels; and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 °C, recognizing that this would substantially reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
What were the cost differences between green and brown roofs?
The cost would be the extra stata and planting of the green roofs which would be circa £50/m2 more than brown roofs.
What were the costs of photovoltaic panels?
- These were cost at £450/m2 as a composite rate for the panel and all connections.
What is the RICS doing regarding sustainability?
RICS has published the futures report which details sustainability including: - established the RICS building carbon database - a free to use publicly available resource for building professionals to benchmark their designs and have access to more detailed comparative data on carbon emissions. - Launched a professional statement on whole life carbon assessment for the build environment which sets out specific mandatory principles and supporting guidance for the assessment of environmental performance.
How do BREEAM weightings stack up?
From the 9 categories, each category has allocated % score which adds up to 100%. There is an extra 10% (a possible score of 110%) for Innovation. See ratings below: Energy (16%) Land use & ecology (13%) Water (7%) Health and Wellbeing (14%) Pollution (8%) Transport (10%) Materials (15%) Waste (6%) Management (11%) Innovation (10%) Each category has a weighting, which in a way sets out the ‘importance’ of each against the others. For example, the higher weighted categories include energy and materials, where as the lowest weighted categories include water and waste.
What is the latest BREEAM?
2018 Updates include a new category: -Health and wellbeing. - Electric cars added to transport.
What is the urban heat island effect?
An urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. The temperature difference is usually larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak.
What is the cost uplift of permeable paving on Clapham Park and what is the build up?
The permeable paving required a geotextile layer and root protection zones. Marshalls (£45 PC sum)
What are swales and how much do these cost?
Swales are shallow, broad and vegetated channels designed to store and/or convey runoff and remove pollutants. They may be used as conveyance structures to pass the runoff to the next stage of the treatment train and can be designed to promote infiltration where soil and groundwater conditions allow. Typically the cost is for the excavation and disposal and any planting necessary.
What are enhanced capital allowances?
Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) schemes aim to encourage businesses to invest in efficient technologies. The scheme lets your business claim 100 per cent first-year allowances, ie tax relief, on investments in certain technologies and products.
What is the annual investment allowance?
The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is a form of tax relief for British businesses that is designated for the purchase of business equipment. The AIA allows a business to deduct the total amount of qualifying capital expenditure up to a certain limit from its taxable profits in a given tax year. This allowance is earmarked for the purchase of business equipment, primarily tools and machinery.
What is WELL certification?
- Standard for buildings to be related on how they can optimise health anad mental well nbeign of occupants.
- PLACE MAKING - british land. - making places where people want to spend time - montly food markets, events for particpants, artwork, outdoor cinema and showing wimbledon.
- The standard is based on seven years of research in partnership with scientists, doctors and architects exploring the connection between the buildings where people spend their time, and the health and wellbeing impacts those buildings have on their occupants.
- It is third-party certified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which administers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
What is carbon estimating?
Looking at an element and calculating the full carbon footprint from production to disposal.
What is RICS developing future about?
Context • Issued in 2020 before COVID19 • A report issued by RICS that has lots of Sustainability articles • In 2015, RICS launched Futures project with the publication of the insight paper Our changing world: let’s be ready, which set out how our sector was likely to be shaped by a series of relentless global trends. These included urbanisation on an unprecedented scale, the dramatic way in which big data and technology was disrupting our sector and the climate crisis. India • A 50,000km highway has been constructed in India using waste plastic sprayed with aggregate which is heated to an exact temperature • RICS has set up 2 schools of the built environment in Noida and Mumbai enrolling 2500 students Data • Despite AI and Internet of Things, it has been estimated that 95% of construction data is wasted • To tackle this RICS is in the process of setting up an Innovation and Technology Hub to provide expertise on this Drone Technology • In May 2019 RICS issued a paper looking at drone compliance and also has online courses • Drones are being used to stop putting people in danger e.g. at heights. Also being used for insurance claims e.g. aftermath of fire or flood Protecting cities from climate change • Capital of Indonesia (Jakarta) will be relocated to a new greener space on the island of Borneo for 33billion because the city is sinking / 2/3 of the city is at sea level • Lagos is at risk of flooding • Tokyo is at risk of flooding, in 2006 they spent 4billion building the largest underground cistern of water to hold flood water The Global Picture • The world needs 331million new homes by 2025 • Cities account for 80% of the global green house emissions • 90% of urban growth will happen in Africa and Asia • The UN predicts that 6.5billion people will live in cities by 2050 Our Markets • Gives key information on GDP growth, construction sector output, investment for Americas/Australia & Newzealand/China/Europe/India/UK & Ireland • Opportunity for RICS to help join up businesses responses to AI Talent and Skill • Feedback that University degree construction courses are outdated and that people are leaning more towards being employed whilst studying (e.g. trainee route) • RICS must evaluate and review there RICS accredited degrees to make sure they are still relevant for the future • RICS reviewing CPD model • RICS need to devise new routes for membership to make sure the brightest/best people join from different backgrounds Sustainability • RICS has created the free Building Carbon Database which gives data on carbon emissions for designs • RICS launched a professional statement on whole life carbon assessment • RICS looking at the concept of a “Building Passport” – which will be a data platform that can host all building relating data e.g. design, planning, demo. • RICS established the World Built Environment Forum to convene experts from across the globe to share insights and research on topics such as urbanisation, population growth, resource scarcity, climate change etc. • RICS might add a mandatory requirement around sustainability for members
What is the RICS building carbon database?
The RICS Building Carbon database is an evolution of the Wrap Embodied Carbon Database which was commissioned by WRAP and the UK Green Building Council to capture embodied carbon data for whole buildings. The aim is to provide a free and publicly available resource for building professionals to be able to benchmark their designs to a far greater extent and to more detailed comparative data than was previously available to any single company or individual.
