Sustainability Flashcards
Sources of renewable energy
Biomass. geothermal, solar power, hydroelectric, wave power, wind turbine
What is Biomass
the use of living or recently living plant and animal material as a fuel that is burnt to generate energy, typically in the form of wood chips. The energy generated from this can be used to power steam generators to create electricity, or the heat can be tapped and used for the heating of buildings.
What is geothermal energy
energy that is obtained by tapping reservoirs of heat that are stored naturally below the earth’s surface. Hot water emerges from these reservoirs in the form of steam. This is then used to drive turbines which in turn generate power.
What is hydroelectric energy
the use of free falling or flowing water to power turbines within a generator. These generators in turn create energy.
What is solar energy
solar photovoltaic devices use the power of the sun to free electrons from semi-conductive materials (generally silicone) stored in a flat panel. These generators in turn create energy.
What is wave power
this is another form of hydroelectric power that uses the motion of waves to power turbines
What is wind power
the use of air flow over wind turbines to mechanically power electricity generators
3 pillars of sustainability and how construction/ my work links to these
Social (people)- we must have a functioning social system which adequately meets the needs of those within it and allows for harmonious living indefinitely. Responsible procurement delivers social value e.g. number of apprentices a company will offer
Economic (profit)- functioning economy that supports a certain level of economic production for an indefinite period of time. Use of local suppliers to improve profit within local economy.
Environmental (planet)- ability of the environment to maintain an adequate level of quality for the foreseeable future and maintain the availability of natural resources, without compromising our needs or the needs of future generations. E.g. recycle, alternative transportation of waste such as barges.
How sustainability is measured in finished buildings
BREEAM- a globally recognised standard used to assess the sustainability of buildings and is mainly used in the UK. It sets a benchmark for buildings and looks at the whole lifecycle of a building and it’s environmental, social and economic sustainability performance.
LEED- another globally recognised standard used to assess the sustainability of buildings looking at the whole lifecycle. LEED certified buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people.
BREEAM & LEED both have a number of similarities, mainly being the objective of both is to set a benchmark for buildings and encourage sustainability. They both assess buildings using a very similar criteria, however the main differences is how they are certified. BREEAM uses licenced assessors whilst LEED uses a design panel.
Legislation relevant to sustainability
The Environmental Act 2021- Its objective is to transition us to a more circular economy, incentivising people to recycle more, encouraging businesses to create sustainable packaging, making household recycling easier and stopping the export of polluting plastic waste to developing countries. These changes will be driven by new legally binding environmental targets.
The Climate Change Act- published back in 2008 with updates since to change the 80% to net zero by 2050. This has set targets for those within the construction industry with the Construction 2025 strategy, published in 2013, set a target of a 50% reduction in GHG emissions in the built environment, by 2025.
Building Regulation Part L- Controls the insulation values of buildings elements, sets requirements of energy meters and carbon index ratings.
RICS sustainability report 2022
The report finds that occupier demand for sustainable buildings is still moderate in many countries.
There is still slow progress in reducing carbon footprint across the built environment with contributing factors stated as;
- slow adoption of digital tools to measure sustainability
- lack of standardised approaches for reporting embodied carbon
- lack of tools, databases, benchmarks and guidance
- gaps in knowledge and skills shortages
Considerations of sustainability when building the Burj Khalifa
Exterior cladding is silver coated to improve insulation
The use of solar panels were installed to heat up to 140,000 litres of water each day
It is technologically advanced and exceptionally crafted to aid the longevity of the building
Benefits of refurbishing existing buildings instead of demolishing and building new
Keeping existing buildings reduces our carbon emissions and other negative impacts.
By reusing an old product, we don’t need to manufacture a new one. The term for this is avoided impacts.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
BREEAM Rating
Acceptable
Pass
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Outstanding
