What are the most common environmental issues experienced on construction sites?
- Risk of land degradation
- Risk of water pollution
- Air pollution
- Land contamination
- High energy usage and emissions of co2
- Release of dangerous gases and materials
What is the definition of sustainability as defined in the Brundtland Report?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Tell me about the RICS’ commitment to sustainability?
- Evidence based research
- Guidance, e.g sustainability and commercial property valuation
- RICS Building Carbon database – free to use info on carbon emissions
- RICS offer training on sustainability.
What are the current EPC rules?
- EPCS are required for all commercial buildings over 50 sqm
- Required when it is built, sold or let for a term over 6 months or less than 99 years
An EPC is also required for sub lets or assignment
What buildings are exempt from having an EPC?
- Religious buildings
- Listed buildings
- Buildings which have no heating
- Temporary buildings
- Buildings due to be demolished/redeveloped
What does an EPC contain?
- Address of the property and floor area
- EPC certificate ref no.
- Estimation of energy running costs
- The energy performance rating (A-G)
- Benchmarking information
How long is an EPC valid for?
10 years unless the building is altered
Tell me about MEES
MEES is the minimum energy efficiency standards (2015)
- New leases form 1 April 2018 must have a minimum rating of E
- All leases from 1 April 2023 must have a minimum rating of E
Tell me about MEES
Part of the Energy Act 2011
MEES is the minimum energy efficiency standards (2015)
-New leases form 1 April 2018 must have a minimum rating of E
-All leases from 1 April 2023 must have a minimum rating of E
What is the climate change levey (CCL)
CCL is a tax on energetic delivered to non domestic users in the UK
- Aimed to encourage increase in energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions
- Renewable sources of energy are exempt from the tax
What are the UK governments goals to reducing carbon emissions?
In 2019 the Government amended the Climate Change Act to commit the UK to achieving net zero by 2050, compared to the previous target of an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050.
In 2021 the Government announced it will reduce emission by 78% by 2035 compared to the 1990 levels and net zero by 2050.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability is a huge topic at the moment what with climate change, the need to protect fossil fuels from running out, reducing carbon emissions. It’s a broad topic but important because we need to meet the needs of today but not compromise the needs of the future.
How does solar paneling minimise the carbon footprint? How does it increase the life span of a
building?
Because solar paneling produces clean, renewable power from the sun and is an alternative to the use of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas which reduces greenhouse gases
Increases the life span of the building because there is less pressure on the other services
What improvements can improve EPC rating?
Lighting Heating Air condition o Light bulbs - LED o Heating cooling system o Remove unnecessary services
How can an EPC affect value?
- Obsolescence
- Marketability, occupiers become more environmentally responsibly
- Running costs i.e poorly insulated
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a mechanism for businesses to assess the impact they have on society and consider putting responsible, ethical policies in place to support individuals, the local community and the environment.
What procedures does your firm do to implement promotion of sustainability?
- Recycling
- Energy efficient lighting
- Energy efficient equipment
- Reduce in printing
- Electrical cars
What is the paris agreement?
- The Paris agreement is a legally binding international treaty concerning climate change
- It was adopted by nearly every nation and came into affect in 2016
- The goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degree c, targeting levels to 1.5 degree c
- Counties commit to cut their climate pollution
- Monitors countries progress.
What do you know about the term carbon neutral?
A balance between the carbon emitted and carbon absorbed.
What is BREEAM?
Building research establishment environmental assessment method.
It is voluntary assessment tool
Rates Pass to excellent
What is COP26?
Conference of the Parties.
Countries that signed the United Nations Framework
- limit global warming to 1.5%
- limit use of fossil fuels
What are the penaliteis for not complying with MEES?
Min £500 max £5,000
What is the climate change levy (CIL)
Tax charged on energy to non domestic buildings. Incentive to increase energy efficiency.
When marketing whats the timescales of an EPC?
Must be instructed prior to marketing and commissioned within 7 days of marketing
