Sustainability Flashcards

Question

What buildings require an EPC?

Answer 1

For a building to fall within the requirement for an EPC it must have a roof and walls and use energy to condition the indoor climate. All commercial buildings over 50sqm: When it is newly built, sold or let for a term of more than 6 months WHen it is newly refurbished and heating/AC is altered

Answer 2

An EPC must be obtained before a building is marketed for sale or rent.

Answer 3

Listed buildings No heating Religious buildings Temporary buildings Due to be demolished Residential units not occupied for more than 4 months a year

Answer 4

Must be commissioned within 7 days of the commencement of marketing

Answer 5

An energy efficiency rating (A to G). Estimated energy costs. Recommendations for energy improvements. Environmental impact information. Property details and date of assessment. Assessor information. Certificate reference number. Graphs and charts for visualization. Contact information for inquiries.

Answer 6

EPC Register Online Ask seller of the landlord/agent

Answer 7

Local authorities trading standards teams enforce the regulations: Residential - £200 fixed penalty for non-display of EPC on marketing material Commercial - Max penalty is 12.5% of the RV of the building (Min £500, max £5,000)

Answer 8

Display Energy Certificate - required for public buildings over 250sq.m

Answer 9

required for public buildings over 250sq.m

Answer 10

The DEC must be accompanied by an Advisory Report containing cost-effective recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building.

Answer 11

£500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public £1,000 for failing to have possession of a valid advisory report.

Answer 12

Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders.

Answer 13

Buildings Research Establishment Assessment Method A voluntary assessment tool to rate new and refurbished buildings

Answer 14

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings

Answer 15

refers to buildings created to rigorous energy efficient design standards so that they maintain an almost constant temperature.

Answer 16

The Code for Sustainable Homes has now been withdrawn (aside from the management of legacy cases) and has been replaced by new national technical standards which comprise new additional optional Building Regulations regarding water and access as well as a new national space standard

Answer 17

A tax on energy delivered to non-domestic users in the UK. Introduced as an incentive to increase energy efficiency within businesses and so to reduce carbon emissions. Consumers are charged by the energy provider who forward it to the treasury

Answer 18

Approved Document L: Conservation of fuel and power, deals with energy efficiency requirements.

Answer 19

The bottom line of Part L is that all new homes must produce 31% fewer carbon emissions than previous Part L regulations stated.

Answer 20

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme - energy assessment scheme that is mandatory for large organisations in the UK (250+ employees, turnover more than £50m and an annual balance sheet of £43m+) Required to: Measure total energy consumption across building and activities Conduct energy audits Report compliance to the EA

Answer 21

Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme - scrapped in 2019 and replaced by the Climate Change Levy Scrapped following the govs Business Energy Taxation Review in 2015

Answer 22

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting - the government launched SECR so all large UK companies to report their carbon emissions and energy usage on an annual basis.

Answer 23

April 2019

Answer 24

The SECR framework applies to all UK incorporated, quoted companies and large UK private organisations and LLPs, regardless of their sector. A company is defined as "large" if it meets at least two of the following criteria in a financial year: Turnover of £36 million or more. Balance sheet total of £18 million or more

Answer 25

All SECR participants must provide a narrative commentary on energy efficiency action taken in the financial year. Quoted companies must continue to report on scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (direct greenhouse gas emissions from owned or controlled sources and indirect emissions generated by purchased energy).

Answer 26

Failing to comply can lead to fines of up to £40k or, in really exceptional cases, prison sentences for company directors

Answer 27

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a starting point of negotiations between multiple parties to signal the intent of doing business or coming to an agreement. It simplifies a legal contract by establishing the key objectives and goals.

Answer 28

Green leases contain a series of additional provisions that impose an obligation on the landlord and tenant to manage and reduce the environmental impact of a property by way of improvements

Answer 29

RICS SKA Rating scheme aims to be the standard measure of a building fit out's sustainability, with a gold, silver or bronze rating awarded

Answer 30

Guidance Note - RICS Guidance Note Sustainability and ESG Guidance in Commercial Property Guidance Note Environmental Risks and Global Real Estate (2018)

Answer 31

Better EPC - better value More attractive to residential purchases - lower bills Commercial occupiers - aligns with ESG and CSR responsibilities and so many occupiers are avoiding poorly performing buildings

Answer 32

BREAAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Answer 33

Solar panels Matching supply to demand Ethically sourced materials

Answer 34

Insulation Windows Heating system Energy efficient appliances

Answer 35

Offsite manufacturing (OSM) and modular construction are methods of building where components are made remotely, then delivered and assembled on site. Components may include wall, roof or floor panels or even complete rooms.

Answer 36

Tenant - want lower operating costs, and to ensure they attract talent by occupying sustainable buildings Lenders - evaluate risk, assess regulatory compliance and offer favourable terms for sustainable projects to mitigate risk Investors - Seek long term value, so will want to invest in sustainable projects that will comply with emerging policy/legislation

Answer 37

The European Union’s (EU) Green Deal is the EU’s main new growth strategy to transition the EU economy to a sustainable economic model Presented in December 2019, the overarching objective of the EU Green Deal is for the EU to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050, resulting in a cleaner environment, more affordable energy, smarter transport, new jobs and an overall better quality of life. There are a number of funding mechanisms in place to facilitate the EU Green Deal, totalling over €1 trillion. This investment will fund the delivery of the policy reform needed for the EU’s economic growth and climate neutrality.

Answer 38

RICS Guidance Note Life Cycle Costing (2016) This guidance note summarises what is meant by a lifecycle costing and whole life costing service for both new construction works and for the refurbishment of existing assets. This guidance is effective from 1 July 2016. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis is a financial technique used to evaluate the total cost of owning, operating, and maintaining a built asset over its entire lifespan. This analysis goes beyond initial construction costs and considers costs associated with ongoing maintenance, energy consumption, and other factors over the asset's life.

Answer 39

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Answer 40

17 No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt biodiversity loss. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Answer 41

Advancing Responsible Business in Land, Construction and Real Estate Use and Investment – Making the Sustainable Development Goals a Reality (2018) In collaboration with sector stakeholders and members, RICS translated the Global Compact's ten principles into direct actions that RICS members can take to implement the Sustainable Development Goals

Answer 42

Value the Planet campaign promotes the preservation of the planet through the implementation of the UN's sustainable development goals. We encourage our professionals to implement the SDGs. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have produced this ‘Value the Planet’ hub full of resources, insights and guidance, including: Sustainable business checklist RICS net zero policy position paper Guidance on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Guidance on how RICS can support you to act on climate change

Answer 43

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems They provide an alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of pipes and sewers to nearby watercourses.

Answer 44

What is biodiversity net gain? Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

Answer 45

ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Standard - sets out the criteria for implementing an Environmental Management System that is aimed at helping businesses to manage their environmental responsibilities ISO 50001 - Energy Management Standard - sets out the criteria for implementing an Energy Management System that aims to improve energy performance and reducing its use

Answer 46

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency.

Answer 47

A system by which materials used in construction are sourced from suppliers that are verified to procure their materials sustainability Sustainable procurement encourages the usage of products, materials and equipment that have a lower environmental impact. This can include options with reduced carbon emissions, water usage and waste generation

Answer 48

Social value is often associated with the idea of creating positive social and environmental change, and it encompasses a wide range of non-monetary and intangible benefits. Social value refers to the positive impact that an organization or project has on society, beyond its financial and economic considerations.

Answer 49

Carbon emissions resulting from the materials, construction and the use of a building over its entire life, including its demolition and disposal. A Whole Life Cycle Carbon assessment provides a true picture of a building's carbon impact on the environment.

Answer 50

Broadly, life cycle costs are those associated directly with constructing and operating the building; Whole life costs include other costs such as land, income from the building and support costs associated with the activity within the building

Answer 51

Design - energy efficient design involving passivhaus Construction - MMOC, green construction practices. Energy Use - Efficient applications and smart building systems Maintenance and Retrofit End of life - material reuse Occupant Behaviour

Answer 52

POE is the process of obtaining feedback on a building's performance in use after it has been built and occupied.

Answer 53

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. EIAs make sure that project decision makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects An EIA may be necessary for any planning application whose location, scale or nature are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Answer 54

Modern Method of Construction

Answer 55

modular construction, where parts of the building are pre-fabricated and constructed offsite, before being assembled onsite

Answer 56

PAS 2035 is a specification for what is called 'whole-house' or 'whole building' retrofit. This is an approach to the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) which takes into account the requirement of the entire building, both from a technical standpoint and considering factors like occupancy comfort.

Answer 57

In 2025 requirement for the EPC rating to be C or higher for any new lettings, and in 2028 it will also apply to any continuing tenancies.

Answer 58

NABERS is a performance-based rating system that assesses the actual performance of a building over a 12-month period. The system uses a standardised rating scale of one to six stars, with six stars indicating a building's exceptional environmental performance

Answer 59

The UK commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. his means that the UK aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, effectively eliminating its contribution to climate change. This is proposed through a transistion to clean energy instead of fossil fuelds and more nuclear energy

Answer 60

Raise the MEES for privately rented non-domestic buildings to EPC B or above by 2030

Answer 61

Raise the MEES for privately rented non-domestic buildings to EPC B or above by 2030

Answer 62

We have amended the estimated costings on the EPC to provide costs over 1 year instead of 3 years (Action C10). We will be identifying information sources on the government website highlighting non-financial benefits of energy efficiency improvements that could be linked to and noted on the Regist

Answer 63

In 2025, compliance with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will become mandatory. Its aim is to ensure that new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes built under the current Building Regulations. The FHS aims to decarbonise new homes by focusing on improving heating, hot water systems, and reducing heat waste. Future Buildings Standard - New Approved Document L, F, O

Answer 64

The Strategy includes promising new proposals including: specific deadlines for when gas and oil boilers should be phased out, new long-term policies for low-carbon heat, and new funding for heat networks, public buildings and the fuel poor.

Answer 65

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme was set up in April 2013. The scheme aims to help eligible customers make their homes more energy-efficient by installing free energy-saving measures and heating improvements.

Answer 66

It is part of the government's efforts to address fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in homes. This includes grants for insultation and heating system upgrades, boiler replacements.

Answer 67

Client, investor and stakeholder demand is cited as the number one driving force behind the recent growth in ESG investments. The perceived reputational boost attached to ESG activity also scores highly, while profit motives are cited by fewer than one-fifth of respondents. Together, this could be taken as evidence that market priorities are shifting

Answer 68

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) encourages people who generate surplus renewable energy to get paid for electricity they export back to the National Grid. For example, households with solar panels may produce more energy than they use so rather than letting this go to waste, the extra energy gets exported instead.

Answer 69

The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) imposes mandatory ESG disclosure obligations for asset managers and other financial markets participants with substantive provisions of the regulation effective from 10 March 2021.

Answer 70

The Taxonomy Regulation establishes a classification system (or taxonomy) which provides businesses with a common language to identify whether or not a given economic activity should be considered "environmentally sustainable".

Answer 71

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Answer 72

Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) was developed to address concerns and perceived risks associated with innovative construction. Consequently, BOPAS is recognised by mortgage lenders as providing the necessary assurance that properties that are innovatively constructed or constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC) will be readily mortgageable for a minimum of 60 years.

Answer 73

At Budget 2020, the government announced that it would remove the entitlement to use rebated diesel and biofuels from most sectors from April 2022 to help meet its climate change and air quality targets.

Answer 74

This means that the UK’s construction sites will have to use the more expensive white diesel, or find alternative ways of generating power and fuelling site vehicles.

Answer 75

The Act requires the Sectary of State to set at least one long term target in each of the four key priority areas: air quality; biodiversity; water; and waste. This will be achieved by a set of measures targeted at UK businesses and supply chains. The Act also targets four key areas for the recovery of habitats. Further, it empowers ministers to set legally binding long-term targets, the progress of which they are required to report to Parliament.

Answer 76

The OEP is independent from government and is, essentially, an environmental watchdog charged with monitoring and reporting on the compliance of government, its agencies and other public bodies in relation to environment laws

Answer 77

Definitions of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions Essentially, scope 1 are those direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company, whereas scope 2 and 3 indirect emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.

Answer 78

The energy efficiency and consumption of property (conservation of fuel and power)

Answer 79

Part O - Overheating Part L- Conservation of Fuel and Power Part F - Ventilation Part S (Infrastructure for charging electrical vehicles)

Answer 80

infrastructure for charging electrical vehicles

Answer 81

EVs, unlike fuel cars, produce none or fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Carbon emissions are harmful because they contribute to the "greenhouse gas" effect which traps heat into the earth and has a big effect on global warming and climate change

Answer 82

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

Answer 83

The World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the Commitment) challenges companies, cities, states and regions to reach net zero building emissions in their portfolios by 2030 and to advocate for a net zero carbon built environment by 2050.

Answer 84

Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice (Effective Jan 22) outlining best practice for valuers to follow when approaching ESG considerations within valuation exercises

Sustainability Flashcards

(110 cards)