Sustainability Flashcards
(81 cards)
1
Q
What is COP28?
A
- Conference of Parties, attended by countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
- signalled the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era to achieve net zero by 2050
- triple the world’s renewable energy capacity and double its energy efficiency by 2030
- emission reductions from road transport through net zero vehicles, public transport and safe cycling infrastructure
2
Q
What is sustainability?
A
Brundtland Report 1987 defines it as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
3
Q
What are they key principles of sustainability?
A
- social = building healthy communities with sufficient numbers and range of buildings
- economical = build strong, competitive economies ensuring sufficient land types
- environmental = protection and enhancement of our natural environment
4
Q
What are the core principles of planning and decision making around sustainability?
A
- secure development of high quality built assets
- support a climate-resilient and low carbon economy
- conserve heritage and enhance natural environment
- encourage use of brownfield sites
- maximise use of public transport, cycling and walking
5
Q
What are the most common environmental issues experienced on construction sites?
A
- risk of water pollution
- air and noise pollution
- high energy consumption and carbon emissions
- risk of land contamination
- damage to wild habitats
- high wastage production into landfill
- release of dangerous gases and chemicals
6
Q
What are the key pieces of legislation that affect sustainability in construction?
A
- Energy Act 2011 - tackling barriers to investment in energy efficiency; enhancing energy security; and facilitating investment in low carbon energy supplies
- Building Act 1984 - primary UK legislation that enables Building Regs to be enforced
- Clean Air Act 1993 - LAs in England to introduce measures in order to control air pollution
- Climate Change Act 2008 (as amended) - cut greenhouse emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 (net zero target)
7
Q
What are the key Building Regs that relate to sustainable construction?
A
- Part L - fuel and power - updated in 2022 requiring new homes to produce 31% less carbon emissions than under previous requirements.
Future Homes Standards increase this to require new domestic dwellings from 2025 to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than under existing standards.
- Energy performance of building regs
8
Q
What are the different forms of taxation relating to sustainability?
A
- Landfill Tax - environmental tax payable in addition to landfill rates charged by private companies to encourage alternative means of disposal
9
Q
What codes of practice measure sustainability?
A
- BREEAM - best practice standards, new and refurbished, domestic and non-domestic
- LEED - USA equivalent of BREEAM
- SKA - RICS environmental assessment for non-domestic fit-out
10
Q
What does BREEAM stand for?
A
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
11
Q
What does LEED stand for?
A
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
12
Q
What is a BREEAM assessment based on?
A
- energy
- land and ecology
- water
- health and wellbeing
- pollution
- materials
- waste management
13
Q
What does LEED review?
A
- embodied aspects of carbon emissions as well as life cycle assessment during construction and operation
14
Q
What does your firm implement to promote sustainability?
A
- recycling cardboard, paper and plastics
- use of energy efficient lighting
- cycle to work schemes
- reduce printing by using cloud-based systems
- sign up to green initiatives (office space with high EPC/BREEAM ratings)
15
Q
What are the 6 BREEAM ratings?
A
- Outstanding
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Pass
- Unclassified
16
Q
What is SKA?
A
- RICS environmental assessment method for non-domestic fit-outs such as office refurbishments
- scheme assesses fit out properties against a set of sustainability good practice criteria known as Good Practice Measures (GPM)
- acts as an alternative to BREEAM which have higher costs in comparison
17
Q
What is the latest version of BREEAM criteria?
A
- BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 pre-release focussing on recent scientific data on energy and Net Zero Carbon, focusing on whole life carbon.
18
Q
What are the BREEAM thresholds?
A
Outstanding = equal to or greater than 80% (BREEAM rating)
Excellent = equal to or greater than 70%
Very good = equal to or greater than 55%
Good = equal to or greater than 45%
Pass = equal to over over 30%
Unclassified = less than 30%
19
Q
What is the Paris Agreement?
A
- legally binding international treaty concerning climate change
- adopted by nearly every nation and came into effect 2016
- pledged to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, whilst targeting levels below 1.5 degrees Celsius when compared to pre-industrial levels
- creates a framework for the transparent monitoring and reporting of each country’s progress
20
Q
Name some sustainable building methods
A
- use of recycled materials such as reclaimed timber, recycled tiles and plastics
- ground source heat pumps
- solar panels
- wind turbines
- rainwater harvesting
- green roofs
- solar shading
21
Q
Why is sustainability important to construction?
A
The built environment accounts for 36% of worldwide energy usage and 40% of carbon emissions
22
Q
What technology is available to meet Part L of the Building Regs?
A
- ground source heat pumps
- solar panels
- wind turbines
- rainwater harvesting
- green roofs
- solar shading
- increased insulation
- natural ventilation
23
Q
What is a U value?
A
It measures how efficient a material is as an insulator
24
Q
What are green roofs?
A
- roof covering which is covered with vegetation that is placed over a waterproof membrane
- the key components are vegetation, soil, a drainage layer, root barriers and irrigation system
- benefits = absorb rainwater, provide extra insulation, increase biodiversity, aesthetically pleasing and lower urban air temperatures
25
What are Photovoltaics?
- allow the conversion of sunlight into electricity
- sunlight contains energy known as photons and when photons hit solar molecules within the solar panels, they cause electrons to flow through the bottom layer
- the movement of electrons generate electricity that flows to an inverter
- the inverter converts DC electricity to AC to power the building
26
What is a Sokaway?
- offer a means of surface water drainage attenuation
- consist of large holes that receive surface water from a drainage pipe
- allows the collected surface water to gradually infiltrate through the soil
27
What is carbon neutral?
It is the balance between the carbon emitted and the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere in carbon sinks
28
What is solar gain?
- increase in temperature in a space, object or structure due to solar radiation
- a building can retain this solar gain by having a high thermal mass or can avoid it by using reflective materials and insulation
29
How can solar gain be managed in a building?
- limiting the size and area of openings such as doors and windows
- shading or orienting doors and windows from direct sunlight
- using reflective materials on the glass and building fabric
- insulating walls and roofs to prevent indirect solar gains
30
How does a ground source heat pump work?
- heat from the ground is absorbed at low temperatures into a fluid inside a loop of pipe buried underground
- fluid passed through a compressor that raises it to a higher temperature which can then heat water for heating and hot water circuits of the house
- cooled ground-loop fluid passes back into the ground where it absorbs further energy from the ground
31
What are SUDs?
- sustainable drainage systems
- slow down surface water run off by allowing it to infiltrate and soak into natural contours and landscapes
- environmentally friendly as does not rely on manufacture of plastic or clay as it utilises natural vegetation and material to absorb surface water
32
What are the benefits of a BREEAM certified building?
- helps clients benefit from lowering the running costs of their built assets and minimising the impact on the environment through consideration at planning, design, construction and operation phases
- greater marketability
- higher building value and positive PR message
33
What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?
- decreases demand for water
- reduced the need for importer water
- promotes both water and energy consumption
- improved BREEAM compliance achieved
- lower operational costs can be gained
34
What is an EPC?
- introduced in 2007 and is a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let or constructed
- valid for 10 years (unless altered, then a new one is required)
- energy efficiency of a building through ratings of A-G (with A being the most efficient buildings)
- shows the amount of CO2 emissions produced by a property in tonnes and advised the amount this could be reduced by
35
What properties are exempt from an EPC?
- listed buildings
- buildings with no heating
- religious buildings
- temporary buildings
- buildings due to be demolished/redeveloped
- residential units not occupied more than 4 months a year
36
What are the EPC requirements for marketing?
- must be commissioned within 7 days of the commencement of marketing
- agents are responsible for procuring EPCs
- only the actual energy rating is required to be displayed on property and adverts
- all online marketing materials must have a link to the EPC
37
What is included on the front page of an EPC?
- address and floor area
- EPC certificate and reference number
- technical info on the property's energy provision
- estimation of energy running costs
- energy performance rating from A+-G
- benchmarking info
38
What are the penalties for non-compliance with EPCs?
£5,000
39
What sustainability initiatives are being implemented by RICS?
- RICS recently completed a programme, titled "Greening Our Cities," challenged students (24 year 5s) to design and build sustainable urban environments using Minecraft Education.
- RICS SKA ratings encourage green codes of practice
- 'Value the Planet' campaign to implement UN's sustainable development goals
- RICS has launched a Responsible Business Report with solutions for companies to operate in a greener capacity - higher recycling rates and reduce energy
40
What RICS documents cover sustainability?
- RICS 'Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment' 2nd edition 2023
- RICS 'Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategic Advice' 3rd edition 2022
- Sustainability is embedded within Rule 5 of the Rules of Conduct
41
What do you implement to promote sustainability?
- printing only when necessary
- car sharing
- use of energy efficient equipment
- recycling
- use of cycle to work schemes
- minimise waste where possible
- avoid use of plastic bottles
- use of cloud-based storage systems
42
What legislation requires all buildings in Europe to be subject to energy labelling and energy use reduction?
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
- revised in 2023 to establish 'energy efficiency first' as a fundamental principle of EU energy policy giving it legal standing for the first time
43
Would a sustainable house be more valuable than an unsustainable one?
- depends on the purchaser
- in theory yes, but not all people view sustainability as a priority when purchasing a home
44
What are the key provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
- higher standards of energy conservation
- minimum requirements for energy performance of all buildings
- energy certification for all buildings when leased or sold
- mandatory inspection of boilers and A/C
45
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
- 1997 agreement between industrialised countries committed to internationally binding emissions reduction targets
- target was to reduce emissions 5.2 percent below 1990 levels
46
What is the Global Reporting Initiative?
- independent organisations that helps businesses take responsibility for their impacts
- helps them report on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of their business activities
47
Why is sustainability important to valuers?
- Rule 5 of the Rules of Conduct
- VPS 1, VPS 4 and VPS 6
- VPGA 8 - should be aware of sustainability features and the implications they have on property values in the short, medium and long-term. Particular care should be taken when commenting on ESG factors as valuers may not have the specialist knowledge and experience required
48
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
It 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. This ensures that proposals are understood properly before decisions are made.
49
What are Display Energy Certificates (DECs)?
- Show the energy performance of public buildings
- Scale of A-G with A being the most efficient
- Public authorities must have a DEC for a building if all the following are true:
- it’s at least partially occupied by a public authority (eg council, leisure centre, college, NHS trust)
- it has a total floor area of over 250 square metres
- it’s frequently visited by the public
- DECs last for 10 years if building is 250m2-1,000m2
- DECs last for 1 year for buildings of more than 1,000m2
- Penalty of £500
50
What are Green mortgages?
- A mortgage that rewards someone for buying or owning an energy efficient home by offering favourable terms than as standard
- this typically results in lower interest rates or receiving cashback when you take out the mortgage
51
What is Urban greening factors?
- it is a tool that evaluates and measures the amount of urban greening (vegetation cover and planning around buildings) to aid the appropriate planning of greening on future developments
- the aim is to increase the amount of green cover around buildings and support is consideration at the design and outset of developments
52
What is meant by the term 'embodied carbon'?
- refers to the carbon emissions generated as a result of energy consumption and chemical processes during the extraction, manufacture, transportation, assembly, replacement and deconstruction of construction materials or products
- the resultant emissions from all the activities involved in the creation and demolition of a building less the operational carbon impact
53
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
It takes the triple bottom line (environmental, social and economic) and aims to make businesses accountable for their actions.
54
What is ESG?
Environmental and Social Governance
Builds upon CSR. This provides specific criteria that businesses can use to measure their sustainability impact.
CSR = accountability
ESG = measurability
55
What is the circular economy?
A concept that focuses on sustainable consumption, minimising waste, reusing or recycling materials and extending the lifecycle of materials and products.
56
What are MEES?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
57
When is MEES not required?
- When a building is exempt from an EPC
- Golden rule - if the EPC rating cannot be improved to an E or above
- Devaluation - the required improvements would reduce the market value by 5%
- Third party consent is refused
Exemptions last for 5 years
58
Give the name of the RICS standard that assessors can use to estimate the amount of carbon emitted throughout the life cycle of a constructed asset?
Whole Life Carbon Assessment Standard PS 2nd edn 2023
59
Which part of the Building Regs relates to energy efficiency?
Approved Document L - Conservation of fuel and power
60
How many UN Sustainable Development Goals are there and what are they for?
17
Created with aim of peace and prosperity for people and the planet whilst tackling climate change
61
What is difference environmental aspects and impacts?
Aspects = cause or reason
Impact = effect or result
62
What is the waste hierarchy?
Top priority to waste prevention, then reusing materials to avoid waste, recycle, recovery and disposal
63
Which parts of the new RICS Red Book Global Standards refers to sustainability?
Mandatory ESG content at VPS1, VPS 4 and VPS6 and ESG guidance in relation to real property interests at VPGA 8.
VPS 4 - requires the valuer to consider any sustainability and ESG factors that could affect the valuation
VPS 6 - sustainability and ESG factors must form an integral part of the valuation approach and reasoning
VPGA 8 - provides high level guidance on reflecting sustainability and ESG considerations
64
What is COP29?
- Conference of Parties, attended by countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
- Agreement was reached on a new climate finance goal of at least $300 billion per year from the developed world by 2035
- Urgent and substantial steps are required to contribute towards meeting the Paris Agreement temperature goal – notably to transition away from fossil fuels.
65
How long is an EPC valid for when one must be displayed?
10 years
66
What is the difference between net zero and carbon neutral?
Net zero = A balance between the carbon and greenhouse gas emissions produced and the impact of measures to remove the emissions.
Carbon neutral = Any CO2 released into the atmosphere from a company's activities are balanced by an equivalent amount being removed
67
What is the purpose of MEES?
Legislation to improve the efficiency of buildings
68
How does the RICS define ESG and Sustainability?
ESG is the assessment tool and framework for establishing the impact), whereas sustainability is the goal and/or outcome (carrying out activities without depleting resources or having harmful impacts.)
69
What is a carbon budget?
The UK’s Climate Change Act (2008) sets the framework for domestic action to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Act requires the Government to propose regular, legally binding milestones on the way to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions, known as carbon budgets.
70
Key takeaways from recent carbon budget?
Issued Feb 2025 - Electrification and low-carbon electricity supply make up the largest share of emissions reductions in our pathway, 60% by 2040.
71
What is sustainable development in the built environment?
It aims to achieve efficiency in resource and energy use while at the same time promoting reduced emissions to the environment and enhancing well-being of the people
72
What is a green premium?
It refers to the additional costs of a sustainable strategy compared to the use of standard tools that are not sustainable
73
What are the considerations in Part L of the Building Regs?
- Limiting heat gains and losses
- Air permeability
- Hot water storage
- Air ventilation and conditioning
74
What is an EPC?
Theoretical measure of how efficient your building could be if operated in a standardised way. Allows comparisons between buildings.
75
Name an infrastructure project that have achieved an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating?
Angel Square in Manchester
100 Liverpool Street, London
76
Key takeaways from the RICS Sustainability Report 2024?
- increased demand for green real estate with premiums applied, but high costs are the biggest obstacle
- lack of focus on impact on biodiversity
- limited progress of measuring carbon emissions
77
What are the new changes to MEES?
Government proposing amendments to:
* Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regs 2015; and
* Energy Act 2011
* Minimum EPC rating of C by 2030 for private rented properties (new tenancies require C by 2028)
* Increasing fines of non-compliance from £5,000 per property to £30,000
* Increase in amount landlords required to invest to meet the standard from £3,500 to £15,000
* Introducing new metrics – Home Energy Model – to improve assessment of energy performance
Future Homes Standard
* This standard proposes that all new buildings need to be zero carbon ready to meet net zero targets
* Home Energy Model will ensure these properties meet the net zero carbon target by accurately understanding their energy use and efficiency as current model is no longer fit for purpose.
* Consultation ends May 2025 – hoping to implement by 2026
78
What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES?
- If the breach has been ongoing for less than three months, the financial penalty cannot exceed the greater of £5,000 or 10% of the rateable value of the property, subject to a cap of £50,000.
- If the breach has been ongoing for three months or more, the financial penalty cannot exceed the greater of £10,000 or 20% of the rateable value of the property, subject to a cap of £150,000.
79
Key parts of the Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice?
Currently being reviewed in line with Red Book 2025
Covers ESG and sustainability and the role of the value.
The role of sustainability throughout the purpose, ToE, inspection, basis of value, reporting, comparables and valuation methods.
Key environmental risks: flooding, energy efficiency, climate, design, accessibility
80
Why were MEES introduced?
To improve the energy efficiency and quality of privately rented homes and buildings in England and Wales, aligning with the UK's targets for decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gas emission
81
What are some new changes to EPC reform?
- Multiple metrics (not just one rating)
- Reducing validity period from 10 years to 2 years
- New trigger points for obtaining EPC in private rented properties where current EPC expires
- Listed buildings to have an EPC
- Restrictions on marketing
