Sustainability Level 1

Question 1

What is the legislation in the UK that deal with the issue of sustainability in building construction?

Question 2

What is an EPC?

Answer 2

An Energy Performance Certificate. A document setting out the energy efficiency of a property on a traffic light system of A to G, A being most efficient.

It provide an indication of how much it will cost to heat & power a property

It includes recommendations of energy-efficient improvements, the cost of carrying them out & potential savings each could generate

Question 3

When would an EPC be required?

Answer 3

When a building or unit is being sold or let.

Question 4

What is the role of BRE?

Answer 4

The Building Research Establishment provides impartial research services to local and national government in the UK and internationally, and to businesses & other private sector organisations around the world.

Question 5

What steps do you take in your business activity to ensure that your company operates in a sustainable manner?

Question 5

How are the requirements of BREEAM, which itself is not legally binding document, enforced?

Answer 5

Through a contractual commitment to a tenant or occupier, a condition of funding or planning consent, or a standing policy commitment set by the developer or client.

Question 6

Can you give me an example of a method of sustainable construction?

Answer 6

Pre-fabrication

Question 7

How do you balance the economics, social and environmental impacts?

Question 8

Give an example of a sustainable product or technology that you have encountered?

Answer 8

Sedum roofs.

Question 9

Is the Code for Sustainable Homes still a requirement?

Answer 9

No. It is still operational, but it is voluntary.

Question 10

What are the levels for BREEAM? How are they achieved?

Answer 10

85%+ oustanding
70%+ excellent
55%+ very good
45%+ good
30%+ pass
less than 30% unclassified

By demonstrating sustainability credentials across a range of nine weighted categories.

Question 11

What Building Regulation Parts cover sustainability?

Answer 11

Part L - Conservation of Fuel & Power
Part O - Overheating

Question 12

What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to sustainability?

Question 13

BREEAM - what are the elements QS’s need to consider and how do these impact cost?