Sustainability

Question 1

What is Sustainability?

Answer 1

‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations’

Brundtlands definition

Question 2

What is Sustainable Development?

Answer 2

Economic development that is conducted without the depletion of natural resources

Question 3

What are the 3 pillars of Sustainability?

Answer 3

-Economic
-Social
-Environmental

A balance of these 3 make for sustainability

Question 4

Can you tell me about any Climate Change Legislation and Policies that you are aware of?

Answer 4

• International:

Paris Agreement 2015
Kyoto Protocol
UN Sustainable Development Goals

• National:

Climate Change Act 2008
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019
NPF4

• Taxations:

Climate Change Levy (CCL)
Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Question 5

Give examples of targets set for net zero emissions?

Answer 5

• Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019: 2045
• Climate Change Act 2008: 2050

Question 6

What is the Paris Agreement?

Answer 6

• The UN creation of a global agreement to keep global warming below 2oc above pre-industrial levels.
• Came into force in 2016
• This has since changed to 1.5oc

There are 194 members

Question 7

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Answer 7

Implemented the objective of the UN to reduce the onset of global warming by reducing greenhouse gases in the air

• UK agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5%

Question 8

What is MEES and its implications?

Answer 8

• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

-Introduced in 2015 and came into affect 2018

-Currently can not let below an E rating

• Will require an EPC of C by 2027 and an EPC of B by 2030 for properties being let

-Fines for landlords who do not comply

Question 9

What did the Climate Change Act 2008 do?

Answer 9

• Sets net zero target of 2050
• Provided carbon budgeting
• Established the committee on climate change
• Established the National Adaption Programme
• The Act was reviewed in 2018

Question 10

What is BREEAM?

Answer 10

-Building
-Research
-Establishment
-Environmental
-Assessment
-Method

It is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

• New Haymarket office development is Excellent

Question 11

What is the SKA rating?

Answer 11

Is the RICS Environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard used for non-domestic fit-outs

Question 12

What is an EPC?

Answer 12

-Energy Performance Certificate

• A rating scheme to summarise the energy efficiency of building (Domestic and non-domestic)

-Ratings of A-G

-Introduced 2008

-Valid for 10 years

Question 13

When is an EPC required?

Answer 13

• Mandatory for all commercial buildings larger than 50 sqm if let or sold
• Should be carried out within 7 days of Marketing property

Question 14

When is an EPC not required?

Answer 14

-Listed Buildings
-Places of Worship
-Temporary Structures

Question 15

When must you display an EPC?

Answer 15

Commercial property over 500sqm frequently visited by the public.

Question 16

What is LEED?

Answer 16

-Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

-A green building rating system

-Ranging from certified to platinum by points

Question 17

Give examples of sustainably technology within construction/buildings?

Answer 17

-Biomass Boilers
-Wind Turbines
-PV Panels
-District Heating (water source heat and heat pumps)

Question 18

What are the benefits of retrofitting?

Answer 18

• Will help to achieve net zero targets as the greenest building is one that already exists ie no new builds

-Improving of EPC ratings

• Protect built heritage

-Regeneration of areas

• Retrofitting will help to achieve the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard which will require EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 2030 for properties being let

Question 19

What renewable energy sources are there?

Answer 19

-Solar Panels
-Solar Thermal Hot Water
-Wind Turbines
-Rainwater Harvesting

Question 20

Give examples of sustainable materials used within construction?

Answer 20

-Wood
-Recycled materials
-Sustainable Concrete (made from recycled plastics)
-Straw Bales

Question 21

What is SUD’s?

Answer 21

Sustainable Drainage Systems

-natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments

Question 22

What does ESG mean?

Answer 22

-Environmental Social Governance

-An approach to helps stakeholders understand how an organisation manages risks and opportunities around sustainability issues

Question 23

What RICS guidance relates to sustainability?

Global Professional Statement

Answer 23

• RICS Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice, 3rd Edition 2023
• ESG and Sustainability should be given relevance in valuation approach

Question 24

What does NPF4 say about sustainable development?

Answer 24

-NPF4 plays a key role in supporting the delivery of Scotland’s national outcomes and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

-Themes to achieve sustainable development include:

1. Sustainable Places: where we reduce
   emissions, restore and better connect
   biodiversity
2. Liveable Places: where we can all live better,
   healthier lives
3. Productive Places: where we have a greener,
   fairer and more inclusive wellbeing economy

Question 25

What are UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Answer 25

-Adopted by UN in 2015 as the universal call to action to: 1. End poverty 2.Protect the planet 3. Ensure by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity

Question 26

What is Net Zero?

Answer 26

-Greenhouse Gas emissions are balanced by their removal from the atmosphere. -UK target 2050 and Scotland 2045

Question 27

Are you aware of any changes to minimum energy efficient standards for EPC's?

Answer 27

- Yes in Scotland rating of C or above by 2025 for renting of private properties

Question 28

What is Embodied Carbon?

Answer 28

Carbon emissions generated from energy consumption and chemical processes during the replacement, destruction, transportation and manufacturing of construction materials/products

Question 29

How does NPF4 incorporate sustainability?

Answer 29

- Through a variety of Policies to mitigate and reduce emissions, reduce waste and the reusing of buildings, including: - Policy 1 - Policy 2 - Policy 9 - Policy 12

Question 30

Can you Give me an example of a project you have been involved in that incorporated the principles of sustainability?

Answer 30

- -

Question 31

Tell me what Policy 1 of NPF4 relates to and how you have incorporated this into a project?

Answer 31

- Policy 1: Tackling the Climate and Nature Crisis Limefield West Lothian - I used this policy when assessing the redevelopment of a steading to form homes as all developments should give weight to the climate crisis - Re-using of a building rather than demolishing

Question 32

What level of Carbon reduction would Local Authorities require as part of a new build scheme?

Answer 32

- 20%

Question 33

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

Answer 33

- EIA identifies significant impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated - The report on the EIA is known as an Environmental Statement.

Question 34

When would you carry out an EIA?

Answer 34

When location, scale or nature, is likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Question 35

What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)?

Answer 35

- Highlights any significant effects that a plan, policy or strategy might have on the environment - All development plans must be subject to SEA - Requires public consultation and environmental issues must be highlighted prior to adopted plan

Question 36

Give an example of environmental Impacts you have had to consider on a project?

Answer 36

- When carrying out planning position reports I consider 1. Flood Risk 2. Ecology including habitats and trees

Question 37

What is a Section 63 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009?

Answer 37

- All non domestic buildings over 1,000 sqm require an action plan - This plan details actions to be followed to improve energy efficiency of the building and reduce emissions - Works should be carried out in 42 months

Question 38

Other can an EPC what is another form of an energy rating certificate?

Answer 38

- BREEAM - LEED - SKA Rating

Question 39

You mention the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019:

Answer 39

- Amendment to Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 - Net Zero Target 2045

Question 40

What is the fine for not having an EPC when required?

Answer 40

- 12.5% of rateable value - Min £500 - Max £5,000