Sustainability Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is a B corporation?
A company that has been verified by B Lab, a global non-profit, to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
B Corps demonstrate a commitment to positive social and environmental impact, going beyond traditional shareholder-focused business models.
They are transparent about their actions and are held accountable.
What sort of improvements can a tenant make to improve their EPC rating?
Upgrading lighting to LED, insulating walls and roofs, and investing in double or triple glazing. Improving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), and incorporating renewable energy sources.
You mention all EPC regulations which may come into effect? Are you aware of any potential changes?
Yes, there was recently a consultation where the government announced that by 2030, UK private residential landlords will be required to ensure their rental properties meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above.
What are the U.K.’s net zero targets?
The climate change act of 2008 was amended in 2019 to require the UK to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 with an interim target of reducing emissions by 78% in 2030
What has the UK Green building Council provided to address this issue of achieving net zero carbon?
A framework which outlines the necessary actions:
Established net zero carbon scope across the whole life of a building.
Reduce construction impacts
Reduce operational energy use
Increased renewable energy supply
Offset any remaining carbon - planting trees.
Is an EPC required for subletting or an assignment?
Yes
Who is responsible for procuring EPCs during marketing?
Agents
What is BREAAM?
a widely used sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure. It provides a framework for evaluating and improving the environmental performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle, from design and construction to use and refurbishment
What are the five breaam ratings?
Pass, good , very good, excellent , outstanding
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon in construction refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with all phases of a building’s lifecycle, from the extraction and production of materials to their eventual disposal
For my example : all the CO2 emitted in producing materials. It’s estimated from the energy used to extract and transport raw materials as well as emissions from manufacturing processes.
How to improve energy efficiency during construction?
Insulation, design, maximise natural light
What stage were you at in your example on Oxford Street?
Pre planning
What did the part demolition incur?
Demolishing one wing, but keeping elements of the facade and retrofitting areas of the building.
What does BREEAM measure?
Management
Water
Energy
Transport
Health & wellbeing
Resources
Resilience
Land use & ecology
Pollution
Materials
Waste
Innovation
What are the benefits of using BREEAM?
enables reduced life cycle costs and increases in asset value, building user experience and health, corporate image and CSR requirements, and risk mitigation
What other ways are there to improve sustainability for a landlord at their property
Incorporate Green Lease clauses with tenants. Landlords and tenants must share information about the use of energy water and waste arising in the building. The better buildings partnership has a toolkit which offer advice on Green leases.
Use renewable materials and technologies such as solar, wind biomass and heat pumps to achieve low carbon emissions.
What is the energy savings opportunity scheme?
Mandatory for large organisations in the UK with over 250 employees who turned over more than 50 million. They are required to measure their total energy consumption across buildings, transport and industrial activities. Report compliance to the environment agency.
What is the climate change levy?
A tax on energy delivered to non-domestic used in the United Kingdom. Energy generated from renewable sources is exempt. Consumers are charged by their energy providers who forwarded the money to the UK treasury. Estimated to bring in circa 1.9 billion per year.
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building or infrastructure.
How does energy efficiency relate to your example on Oxford Street?
Energy efficiency in construction involves designing and building structures that use less energy to operate, reducing waste and environmental impact. Key considerations for us was design and orientation to maximise natural light + reduce ventilation. Use electric for cooking and not gas!
What is the SKA rating system?
It aims to be the standard measure of a building fit out sustainability, with a gold silver or bronze rating awarded. The RICS is no longer associated with this rating scheme.
In accordance with the environment act 2021, how much do you Building projects have to improve the biodiversity of the site?
Minimum 10 %
Who provides a green lease toolkit?
The better Buildings partnership.
What is included in an EPC?
Address of the property and floor area.
Certificate reference number.
Technical information on the energy provision
Estimation of energy running costs
Rating from A+ to G
Benchmark information
