Matt - Sustainability - Level 1 Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is sustainability?
In basic terms, it’s the ability to maintain or support a process over time.
What is the definition of sustainability as contained within the 1987 Brundlandt Report?
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
What is BREEAM and what does it stand for?
It is a method of measuring the sustainability performance of buildings.
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology
What does MEES stand for?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
What is the purpose of MEES?
This is legislation designed to encourage the improvement of efficiency ratings in properties by restricting the granting of new tenancies where there is an EPC certificate rating lower than E.
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificate
What does an EPC show?
It shows the energy efficiency rating of a property and also has recommendations for how a property may improve its energy efficiency
What is the current Minimum Energy Efficient Standard Rating?
E and above
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
This is a measure to hold businesses accountable for their actions
What does ESG stand for?
Environmental, Social and Governance
What is ESG?
This is a metric follow Corporate Social Responsibility and is used by businesses to measure their impact on sustainability
Are you aware of any RICS guidance in relation to sustainability?
RICS Professional Standard of “Standard Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategy (3rd edition) 2023
How long are EPC certificates valid for?
10 years
When must EPC Certificates be produced?
To prospective purchasers and tenants at no cost within a maximum 28 day marketing period (7 days plus 21 days grace period)
Are EPC certificates always mandatory?
No, in the following circumstances they are not needed (there are more):
- Places of worship
- If the building is due to be demolished
- Listed building that is due to be significantly altered
What is the penalty for not publishing an EPC certificate?
£200 for a domestic property
12.5% of a non domestic properties rateable value (£500 minimum or £5,000 maximum)
Which part of the building regulations relate to sustainability?
Part L
What are some instances of when MEES compliance is not required?
- EPC certificate not required
- EPC rating cannot be improved above an E
- The required improvements would reduce the market value by over 5%
- The improvements cannot be carried out reasonably by a Landlord or third party consent is refused e.g. Tenant or Planning Authority
Are you aware of any U.K. legislation regarding sustainability?
Climate Change Act 2008 (as amended)
What can you tell me about the Climate Change Act 2008?
This is the legislation dealing with the UK’s approach towards climate change.
It was amended in 2019 where the U.K. became the first major economy to pass a net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
What does net zero mean?
A balance between the greenhouse gas emissions being released and then the measuring of methods of removal of the emissions.
What does carbon neutral mean?
This means that any CO2 released into the atmosphere from a firms activities is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed
What is the difference between net zero and carbon neutral?
The definitions at face value look similar, however the difference is:
You can be carbon neutral on paper, but that net zero focuses more on the methods used to remove emissions.
What does the RICS say about the definition of sustainability?
There is no universally globally adopted definition of sustainability, so the RICS states that members should exercise caution over the term without additional appropriate explanation.
