Sustainability Flashcards
(41 cards)
What are the key principles of sustainability
Environmental
- Renewable Energy/Low-Impact Materials
- Ecosystem Preservation
Economic
- Inclusive Growth (i.e local labour)
- Job Creation
Social
- Community Engagement
- Health & Wellbeing
What is Brutland’s definition of sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What is an EPC?
What other info is included?
EPC tells you how energy efficient your building is
- information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
- steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency and save money
What are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 2015 (MEES)?
Regulations designed to ensure that properties meet a minimum level of energy efficiency
What are the MEES for private and non-domestic?
Must have EPC of E for both residential and commercial
From April 2023, this threshold will also apply to existing leases for commercial buildings
The government’s goal is to have all non-domestic rented buildings achieve an EPC rating of “B” by 2030
Domestic rating of “C” by 2030
When may buildings be exempt from EPC?
What about MEES exempt?
- Place of worship
- Listed building (under certain circumstances)
- Temporary buildings (2 year)
Residential
—> ‘All improvements made’ i.e £3,500 fully spent, can apply for ‘all improvements made’ exemption
What is the Climate Change Act (2008)?
Every 5 years, UK has ‘carbon budget’ set with challenging targets and increasingly stronger regulations
What scale are EPCs rated on?
A to G
When is an EPC required and how long is it valid for?
An EPC is legally required when a property is built, sold, or rented (resi)
Legally required for commercial buildings when built, sold or let for more than 6 months and less than 99 years (+^50 sqm)
10 years, unless altered
MEES non-compliance penalties?
Policed by local authority
Commercial = where b reach longer than 3 months, greater of £10k or 20% ratable value with max. penalty of £150k
Residential = where breach longer than 3 months, £4000
What is the property industry doing to tackle carbon?
UK Green Building Council established a Net Zero Carbon Building Framework (2019) – ‘reduction first’ approach
1. Estalish net zero carbon scope
2. Reduce construction impact,
3. reduce operational energy use,
4. increase renewable energy supply
5. Offset any remaining carbon
6. (las tresort)
What is BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
Used to measure environmental performance of buildings, helping to ensure that they are
- sustainable,
- energy-efficient,
- and have minimal negative impact on the environment
In BREEAM assessments, you are scored according to a weighted system
What are the levels of BREEAM?
- Outstanding
- Excellent
- Very good
- Pass
- Unclassified
What are the key categories that BREEAM judges on?
- Energy
- Water
- Materials
- Waste
- Health & Wellbeing
- Management
- Innovation
Benefits of using BREEAM?
Not legal requirement, but can demonstrate ‘green premium’ value associated with a sustainable building (attract investors)
Can you list some MEP strategies
Heating:
- ASHP
- GSHP
- DHN
Cooling:
- Mechanical ventilation (Air conditioning)
- Manual venitlation (windows)
Renewables:
- PV and EV Charging
MVHR - system used to improve indoor air quality while minimising energy loss in buildings. Continuous fresh air while recovering heat from the outgoing stale air, making them an essential component for energy-efficient homes (particularly in highly insulated or airtight buildings). - GOOD FOR BREEAM!
How can MEP strategies impact energy standards?
Optimizing systems like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and insulation, MEP engineers can reduce energy demand, leading to a higher EPC rating
What is Approved Document O
what is the GLA guidance on Overheating & Cooling?
Covers overheating mitigation requirements
Major development proposals should reduce potential overheating and reliance on aircon systems consider following hierarchy:
- Preventing overheating through design measures (e.g., orientation, shading).
- Mitigating overheating with passive strategies (e.g., natural ventilation)
- Using active cooling systems (e.g. mechanical ventilation or air conditioning) only if necessary, and in an energy-efficient way.
What is Approved Document L?
Conservation on fuel and power
What info must be included on front page of EPC?
Address of property
EPC certificate ref number
Technical info on the property’s energy provision
Estimation of running costs
Rating from A+ to G
Benchmarking information
How would you go about getting an EPC?
Arrange a property assessment to get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
What are residential landlords obligated to do if AST granted on or since April 2019?
Spend up to £3,500 on improveing energy efficiency if property has F or G rating and tenant demands improvements
What is the ESOS (energy saving opportunity scheme)?
Mandatory for large UK companies
Must measure total energy consumption across buildings and conduct energy audits
What are DECs (display energy certificates)?
Required for public buildings over 250 sqm & provide service to public
Provide energy efficiency rating
penalty = £500 for not showing
