Hot Topics Flashcards

Question

What is ACM cladding?

Answer 1

-aluminum composite material -consists of two skins of aluminum to provide insulating properties. -In grenfell, the material between the skins was thought to contain combustible materials that contributed towards the spread of fire across the external elevation of the building. • So UK government has now banned the use of combustible materials on the external walls of new buildings above 18m. • Local authorities also need to undertake remediation works to replace dangerous ACM cladding on existing buildings.

Answer 2

-Incorporating the Levitt Report Recommendations: be more open/transparent about decision making/finances, more effective whistleblowing, -Financial: minimise increase in subscription, pay back furlough monies -Corporate Objectives: increase demand for RICS qualifications, ensure members stay engaged -Geographic Priorities: focus on China as a strategic market

Answer 3

-A report about changes across the profession -First one In 2015 highlighted key trends eg urbanisation, the big data/technology on the sector, climate crisis -aims to ensure that the surveying profession is ready to act in the publics interests in addressing global challenges. -RICS have analysed these and in the 2020 report reported on findings: o Construction produces the second largest amounts of data behind financial services and 95% of is wasted, so RICS setting up an innovation and technology hub to improve data use o The rapid urbanisation in China, resulting in polluted, congested and expensive areas. RICS encourages members in these regions to adopt a more sustainable approach o rapid increase in the use of drones highlighted a challenge in compliance with legislation.. RICS has developed online courses to ensure being utilised efficiently, safely and legally.

Answer 4

Election of the Labour government may have the following impacts:- -Labour pledged to build 1.5 million homes over term, reinstating mandatory housing targets and updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). •Significant funding planned for public infrastructure eg HS2 construction practices through regulations such as MEES. •Address the construction sector's skill shortages through youth training initiatives and improved working conditions which banning zero-hour contracts to create a more skilled and stable workforce

Answer 5

-international system that allows the buying and selling of carbon emissions, allowances or credits. -designed to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon to incentivise countries/companies to invest in cleaner technologies

Answer 6

-Held in Baku, Azerbaijan -$300 billion goal to support developing countries -global carbon market (carbon trading)

Answer 7

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Regulations in the UK that set minimum energy performance requirements for buildings, specifically for privately rented properties. Must meet a minimum ‘E’ rating on their EPC to be legally rented out

Answer 8

-UK property market in 2024 has been dampened by high interest rates which aim to combat rising inflation. -Bank of England look set to keep them higher which will impact buyer affordability -Has resulted in large scale developments being postponed due to increased borrowing cost -For 2025 I am cautiously optimistic that rates can be cut due to falling inflation

Answer 9

-UK construction industry experienced a slowdown in 2024 due to rising material/labour costs with high inflation and interest rates keeping prices high. -Due to falling inflation and small interest rate cuts towards the back end of 2024, material prices eg steel, and plastic piping are now softening. -These market shifts should result in further reductions entering into 2025 and hopefully mobilise postponed projects -Another challenge is persistent skills shortage exacerbated by Brexit.. and a high rate of workforce retirement. This is pushing up costs, making it vital to invest in apprenticeships and training programs. • Environmental sustainability a key priority for labour government and so a preference for sustainable building methods. These are more expensive so will see a trade off between affordability and sustainability

Answer 10

-a dedicated, ring-fenced bank account used in construction projects to manage payments securely and transparently. -designed to ensure that all parties eg contractor/subcontractor receive payments directly/promptly from the account, minimising the risk of late or non-payment. •employer deposits funds into the PBA for work completed with payments then made to all parties listed in the PBA agreement based on pre-agreed terms…. bypasses the traditional hierarchical payment flows from Client to Contractor down to supply chain

Answer 11

1. Stop all payments to the contractor. 2. Secure the site. 3. Take possession of any offsite materials. 4. Value the works completed and prepare a notional final account 5. Inform the bondsman, if required 6. Terminate the contract. 7. Begin the process of appointing another contractor to complete the works. ————— -Ensure all insolvency contractual procedures are followed, especially regarding termination rights/obligations. -Make records on: payments made, work progress, materials on site. -The site should be secured to prevent further damage/unauthorised access….may also be necessary to inform subcontractors to remove materials or to secure their assets -May need to prepare a valuation statement (reflecting the current state of the project) or a NOTIONAL FINAL ACCOUNT eg on: completed works, retention sums -Engagement of alternative contractors may be required with either a new tender process OR novation -If contract includes provision for step-in rights through the collateral warranties.. a lender or developer may take over the project.

Answer 12

-Construction industry typically lags behind on DEI -Within the RICS Policy Document 'Diversity, Equity & Inclusion', RICS sets out action plans for firms to support with attracting and retaining talent regardless of gender, socio-economic, disability, race, age or religious backgrounds, eg: -Making offices accessible for visiting personnel. -Ensuring speaking panels at events are diverse. -Consideration of where and how jobs are advertised. -Removing bias from recruitment. -Providing training for staff on policies and inclusive practices. -Rule 4 of RICS Rules of Conduct

Answer 13

-a change to the maximum uninsured excess of Professional indemnity insurance -means that for larger companies with a turnover in excess of £10m, there is no maximum limit of uninsured excess.

Answer 14

clarified that for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, "sex" refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This means that a trans person's Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), which legally recognizes their acquired gender, does not change their "sex" as defined by the Act . The ruling has implications for various areas, including single-sex spaces, competitive sports, and the interpretation of "man" and "woman" in the Act. So may have implications on single sex areas eg changing rooms and bathrooms Also possibly on equal pay act,

Answer 15

Most recent is **Environment act 2021**- establishes new binding environmental targets for: waste reduction, halt biodiversity loss, water quality, air quality …. Also creates the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to monitor and hold the government accountable for compliance **Flood and Water Management Act 2010**- improve flood risk management by promoting sustainable drainage, and creates Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) to oversee regional flood risk management. **Agricultural Land Act** - land to be acquired for use as woodlands or to support agricultural activities. **Climate Change Act 2008** - tackle climate change - cut greenhouse emissions compared 80% by 2050, achieve net zero of 1990 levels by 2050 **Building Act - Part L and Part F** **Clean Air Act** - measures in order to control air pollution.

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