Sustainability

Question 1

What is sustainability and what are its objectives?

Answer 1

• Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
• Objectives:
Environmental
Social
Economic

Question 2

What is the difference between CSR and ESG?

Answer 2

• Corporate Social Responsibility — accountability
• Environmental, Social and Governance — measurement
• Framework under RICS Professional Standard: Sustainability and ESG in Commercial Property Valuation and Strategy
• Assesses impact of sustainability and ethical practices on finance and operations

Question 3

What are the three pillars of ESG?

Answer 3

• Environmental — climate change, pollution
• Social — customer satisfaction, inclusion and diversity
• Governance — boards, executive pay, political contributions, recruitment best practice

Question 4

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Answer 4

• Sustainable Development Goals — global objectives for a better future
• GOALS:
Good health and well-being
Zero hunger and poverty
Affordable and clean energy
Life below water and on land
Sustainable cities and communities

Question 5

What does the RICS Sustainability Report say?

Answer 5

• Moderate rise in demand for climate-adapted real estate
• Green buildings attract rent and price premiums
• Climate resilience is a growing but uneven priority

Question 6

What other legislation is relevant?

Answer 6

• Climate Change Act 2008 — reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050
• Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme — mandatory energy audits for large organisations
• Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting — annual reporting of energy use and emissions

Question 7

What are common Western certifications used in sustainability assessment?

Answer 7

• EPC — Energy Performance Certificate
• DEC — Display Energy Certificate
• MEES — Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard
• BREEAM — Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
• Building Regulations Section 6 Energy

Question 8

What are EPCs?

Answer 8

• Introduced in 2008 — energy rating A to G
• Shows typical energy use costs and recommendations
• Free to prospective tenants or purchasers
• Must be displayed in non-domestic premises over 500m² visited by the public
• Not required if:
TURD P
• Temporary
• Under 50m²
• Residential use <4 months
• Demolished
• Property newly built or brought to market

Question 9

What is BREEAM?

Answer 9

• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
• Assesses impact across lifecycle
• Uses performance benchmarks — pollution, energy, transport, land use, ecology
• “Excellent” rating required in all public projects

Question 10

What are some planning considerations?

Answer 10

• National Planning Policy Framework — presumption in favour of sustainable development
• Biodiversity net gain
• Sustainable drainage solutions

Question 11

List some green designer material features

Answer 11

GREEN
• Green roofs
• Recycled materials
• Energy saving
• Environmental energy
• Natural light

Question 12

Describe some sustainability-related incentives

Answer 12

• Help to Heat — boiler upgrades
• Green Deal — loan scheme
• Non-Domestic RHI — Renewable Heat Incentive
• Smart Export Guarantee — payments for exported renewable energy