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APC Question Pack > Sustainability - Level 1 > Flashcards

Sustainability - Level 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is sustainability?

A

Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or improve certain essential processes without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

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2
Q

What is sustainable development?

A

Sustainable development is the organizing principle for meeting human development goals while simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depend.

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3
Q

What are the triple bottom line principles?

A

The triple bottom line principles are a framework that encourages businesses to focus on social, environmental, and economic impacts.

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4
Q

What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?

A

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in planning and decision-making.

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5
Q

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?

A

Some notable Climate Change Conventions include the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol.

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6
Q

What targets did one of these set?

A

The Paris Agreement set a target to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

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7
Q

What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability?

A

The most recent targets include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in the UK.

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8
Q

What is the Paris Agreement?

A

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

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9
Q

What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were its targets?

A

The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement that committed its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

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10
Q

Explain your understanding of COP26.

A

COP26 was the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, held in Glasgow, focusing on global climate action.

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11
Q

What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?

A

The UK Climate Change Act 2008 established a framework for the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set legally binding carbon budgets.

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12
Q

What is the UK’s current target for sustainability?

A

The UK’s current target is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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13
Q

What does Net Zero mean?

A

Net Zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere.

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14
Q

When does the UK need to achieve this by?

A

The UK needs to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

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15
Q

How will it achieve this target?

A

The UK will achieve this target through various measures, including reducing emissions across sectors and increasing carbon capture.

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16
Q

What are carbon budgets?

A

Carbon budgets are legally binding limits on the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit over a specified period.

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17
Q

What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?

A

The Infrastructure Act 2015 requires the government to consider climate change in infrastructure planning.

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18
Q

What is the renewable heat incentive?

A

The Renewable Heat Incentive is a government scheme to encourage the use of renewable heating technologies.

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19
Q

How can buildings impact upon the environment?

A

Buildings can impact the environment through energy consumption, resource use, and waste generation.

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20
Q

Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?

A

An example of a sustainable design feature is the use of solar panels to generate renewable energy.

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21
Q

Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?

A

An example of an environmental assessment method is BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

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22
Q

Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?

A

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for rental properties.

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23
Q

How does MEES impact upon your role?

A

MEES impacts my role by requiring compliance with energy efficiency standards in property management.

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24
Q

What are the key dates for MEES?

A

Key dates for MEES include the introduction of the regulations in 2018 and the requirement for all rented properties to meet minimum standards by 2028.

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25
What falls outside of MEES?
Certain properties, such as listed buildings and some temporary structures, may fall outside of MEES.
26
Are there any exemptions from MEES?
Yes, exemptions include properties where improvements would require excessive costs or where the landlord cannot obtain consent.
27
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties for non-compliance with MEES can include fines and restrictions on renting the property.
28
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information on the energy efficiency of a property.
29
What buildings require an EPC?
Most residential and commercial buildings require an EPC when they are built, sold, or rented.
30
When is an EPC required?
An EPC is required at the point of sale or rental of a property.
31
Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
Buildings exempt from having an EPC include places of worship and temporary structures.
32
When do you need to display an EPC?
An EPC must be displayed in commercial properties to inform potential tenants or buyers.
33
What is included in an EPC?
An EPC includes information on the property's energy use, efficiency rating, and recommendations for improvement.
34
How would you find an EPC?
An EPC can be found through the government’s EPC register or by contacting the property owner.
35
When are the penalties for not having an EPC?
Penalties for not having an EPC can occur at the time of sale or rental if the certificate is not provided.
36
What did Rishi Sunak announce in September 2023 regarding the UK’s Net Zero target?
Rishi Sunak announced a review of the UK's Net Zero target, considering the economic impacts.
37
What is a DEC?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) shows the energy performance of public buildings.
38
When is a DEC required?
A DEC is required for public buildings over 250 square meters that are frequently visited by the public.
39
What must accompany a DEC?
A DEC must be accompanied by an advisory report that provides recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
40
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
Penalties for not having a DEC can include fines and enforcement actions.
41
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's commitment to conducting business ethically and contributing to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce, their families, and the community.
42
What is BREEAM/SKArating/LEED/Passivhaus?
These are certification systems that assess the sustainability of buildings based on various environmental performance criteria.
43
What happened to the Code for Sustainable Homes?
The Code for Sustainable Homes was abolished in 2015, but its principles continue to influence building regulations.
44
What is the Climate Change Levy?
The Climate Change Levy is a tax on energy use by businesses to encourage energy efficiency.
45
What Part of the Building Regulations relates to energy efficiency?
Part L of the Building Regulations relates to the conservation of fuel and power.
46
Name one example of Government policy on energy efficiency for buildings?
One example is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which mandates energy suppliers to help improve energy efficiency.
47
What is ESOS?
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is a mandatory energy assessment scheme for large organizations in the UK.
48
When was CRC abolished?
The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) was abolished in 2019.
49
What replaced it?
The CRC was replaced by the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework.
50
How did CCL rates change?
Climate Change Levy (CCL) rates have been adjusted to incentivize energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
51
What is the SECR regime?
The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regime requires large companies to report on their energy use and carbon emissions.
52
When was it introduced?
The SECR regime was introduced in April 2019.
53
For what type of company?
The SECR regime applies to large companies and limited liability partnerships.
54
Who is exempt?
Small companies and those that do not meet the reporting thresholds are exempt from SECR.
55
What are the requirements?
Companies under SECR must report their energy use, carbon emissions, and energy efficiency measures.
56
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties for non-compliance with SECR can include fines and enforcement actions.
57
What is a Memorandum of Understanding?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is an agreement between parties outlining mutual goals and intentions.
58
What is a green lease?
A green lease is a lease agreement that includes sustainability commitments and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants.
59
What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?
RICS provides guidance on sustainability practices in property management and development.
60
How can an EPC impact upon value or use of a building?
An EPC can impact a building's value by influencing buyer and tenant perceptions regarding energy efficiency.
61
How do you assess a building’s sustainability characteristics?
Assessing a building's sustainability characteristics involves evaluating energy efficiency, resource use, and environmental impact.
62
Tell me about sustainable design / construction considerations/materials.
Sustainable design considers materials that are renewable, recyclable, and have a low environmental impact.
63
What improvable features would you be looking for and how do these relate to different property types/ages?
Improvable features include insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems, varying by property type and age.
64
Tell me about how you would apply a sustainability matrix in your work.
A sustainability matrix can be used to evaluate projects based on environmental, social, and economic criteria.
65
What is Off Site Manufacture (OSM)?
Off Site Manufacture (OSM) refers to the practice of constructing building components in a factory setting before transporting them to the site.
66
Tell me about tenant/lender/investor considerations in relation to sustainability.
Considerations include energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the long-term value of sustainable properties.
67
Explain your understanding of the Green Deal to me.
The Green Deal was a government initiative to help homeowners make energy-saving improvements to their properties.
68
How can building conservation relate to sustainability?
Building conservation can enhance sustainability by preserving resources and reducing waste through adaptive reuse.
69
What features would you recommend in this context?
Recommended features include energy-efficient upgrades, sustainable materials, and preservation of historic elements.
70
Tell me about RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs.
RICS guidance on Life Cycle Costs emphasizes the importance of considering long-term costs and benefits in building projects.
71
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals aimed at addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges.
72
How many are there?
There are 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
73
What is the target achievement date?
The target achievement date for the UN Sustainable Development Goals is 2030.
74
How are RICS working towards the SDGs?
RICS is working towards the SDGs by promoting sustainable practices in the built environment.
75
What is the RICS Value the Planet campaign?
The RICS Value the Planet campaign aims to raise awareness and drive action on sustainability in the property sector.
76
How can the private sector work towards the SDGs?
The private sector can work towards the SDGs by adopting sustainable business practices and investing in green technologies.
77
What is SUDS?
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are designed to manage surface water runoff sustainably.
78
What is net biodiversity gain?
Net biodiversity gain refers to ensuring that development results in an overall increase in biodiversity.
79
What do each of ISO 14001 and 50001 relate to?
ISO 14001 relates to environmental management systems, while ISO 50001 relates to energy management systems.
80
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a framework for managing an organization's environmental responsibilities.
81
What is sustainable procurement?
Sustainable procurement is the process of purchasing goods and services that have a reduced impact on the environment.
82
What is social value?
Social value refers to the broader social, economic, and environmental benefits generated by an organization.
83
What does the term whole life carbon mean?
Whole life carbon refers to the total carbon emissions associated with a building throughout its entire lifecycle.
84
How does whole life carbon differ from life cycle costs?
Whole life carbon focuses on carbon emissions, while life cycle costs consider the total economic costs over the building's lifecycle.
85
What opportunities to decarbonise exist in the building life cycle?
Opportunities to decarbonise include improving energy efficiency, using renewable energy, and optimizing materials.
86
What is a post-occupancy evaluation?
A post-occupancy evaluation assesses a building's performance after it has been occupied to inform future projects.
87
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment and when would one be carried out?
An Environmental Impact Assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed project and is required for certain developments.
88
What methods of construction are more sustainable?
More sustainable methods of construction include modular building, using recycled materials, and minimizing waste.
89
What are Modern Methods of Construction?
Modern Methods of Construction refer to innovative techniques that improve efficiency and sustainability in building.
90
What is PAS 2035?
PAS 2035 is a specification for the energy retrofit of domestic buildings, focusing on a whole-house approach.
91
When and why was the Green Grant scrapped?
The Green Grant was scrapped in 2021 due to budget constraints and a shift in policy focus.
92
Explain your understanding of NABERS.
NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) measures the environmental performance of buildings.
93
Explain a key proposal of the Energy White Paper.
A key proposal of the Energy White Paper is to transition to a low-carbon energy system while ensuring energy security.
94
Explain the proposals under the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard.
The Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard propose new regulations to improve energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
95
Explain the proposals under the Government's Net Zero Strategy and Heat & Buildings Strategy.
The Net Zero Strategy and Heat & Buildings Strategy outline plans to decarbonize heating and improve building energy performance.
96
What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and what will it fund?
The ECO scheme funds energy efficiency improvements for low-income households.
97
Explain your understanding of the Help to Heat scheme.
The Help to Heat scheme provides financial support for energy efficiency improvements in homes.
98
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires energy suppliers to pay small-scale renewable energy generators for the energy they export.
99
What is the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)?
The SFDR is a regulation aimed at increasing transparency in the sustainability of financial products.
100
What are the Taxonomy Regulations?
The Taxonomy Regulations provide a framework for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable.
101
Explain your understanding of the B Corp certification.
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance.
102
What is BOPAS?
BOPAS (Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme) is a certification scheme for offsite construction.
103
What changes is the Government making to the use of rebated diesel and biofuels?
The Government is tightening regulations on the use of rebated diesel and biofuels to reduce carbon emissions.
104
How will this affect the construction industry?
These changes may increase costs for construction companies that rely on rebated fuels.
105
Explain the key objectives of the Environment Act 2021.
The Environment Act 2021 aims to improve air quality, protect biodiversity, and promote resource efficiency.
106
What is the role of the Office for Environmental Protection?
The Office for Environmental Protection monitors and enforces environmental laws in England.
107
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions?
Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 are indirect emissions from purchased electricity, and Scope 3 are all other indirect emissions.
108
What does Approved Document L relate to?
Approved Document L relates to the conservation of fuel and power in buildings.
109
What recent changes to the Building Regulations have been made to work towards the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025?
Recent changes include stricter energy efficiency requirements for new homes and buildings.
110
What does Approved Document S relate to?
Approved Document S relates to the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging points.
111
Why is the Government encouraging the use of electric vehicles?
The Government is encouraging electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
112
What is the UN Race to Zero?
The UN Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, and regions for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery.
113
What is the World GBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment?
The World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment is a global initiative to ensure that buildings operate at net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
114
Tell me about the RICS Future Foundations strategy.
The RICS Future Foundations strategy focuses on promoting sustainability and resilience in the built environment.
115
What is the 30by30 target?
The 30by30 target aims for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
116
What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard sets out the criteria for buildings to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
117
What is a key theme discussed in the latest RICS Sustainability Report?
A key theme is the importance of integrating sustainability into all aspects of the built environment.
118
What RICS guidance relates to retrofitting?
RICS provides guidance on best practices for retrofitting buildings to improve energy efficiency.
119
What are the benefits of retrofitting for the building stock?
Benefits of retrofitting include improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced property value.
120
What is a challenge around retrofitting?
A challenge around retrofitting is balancing the preservation of historic features with modern energy efficiency requirements.

APC Question Pack (28 decks)

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