What is sustainability
meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What is sustainable development?
is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need
What are the triple bottom line principles?
Is a sustainability framework that measures a company’s success using three metrics: People (social responsibility), Planet (environmental stewardship), and Profit (economic viability).
What does the NPPF say about sustainable development?
Section 2 - Planning system has three overarching objectives.
The purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, including the provision of homes, commercial development and supporting infrastructure in a sustainable manner
Economic, social and environmental
Can you tell me about any Climate Change Conventions or Protocols you are aware of?
(UNFCCC) - 1992 = To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
What are the most recent EU / UK targets relating to sustainability
The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050
What is the Paris Agreement?
Purpose: Adopted at COP21 in 2015, this legally binding treaty involves all nations in combating climate change.
Goals: Aims to keep the global average temperature increase well below 2°C, and ideally limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
What was the Kyoto Protocol and what were its targets
The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty under the UNFCCC that legally bound industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
To reduce overall emissions of six greenhouse gases by an average of 5% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period (2008–2012).
Explain your understanding of COP26.
COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow
1.5°C goal within reach by asking countries to “ratchet up” their 2030 emission reduction targets
What did the UK Climate Change Act 2008 do?
The UK Climate Change Act 2008 established a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making the UK the first country to set such long-term statutory targets. Originally requiring an 80% reduction by 2050 (vs. 1990 levels), it was amended in 2019 to mandate a net-zero emissions target by 2050
What is the UK’s current target for sustainability?
net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
What does NET ZERO mean
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere
How will the UK achieve net zero?
Transport: Promoting electric vehicle adoption.
Heating/Industry: Increasing investment in renewable liquid gases and supporting heat pump adoption.
What are carbon budgets?
legal, time-bound limits on the total amount of greenhouse gases a country (specifically the UK) can emit over a set period of time, typically five years
What did the Infrastructure Act 2015 say about climate change?
Carbon Abatement: It enabled building regulations to provide for off-site carbon abatement measures.
Renewable Energy: It provided legal frameworks for members of local communities to buy a stake in local renewable electricity generation facilities
What is the renewable heat incentive? How can buildings impact upon the environment?
is a UK government financial support scheme, launched in phases between 2011, designed to encourage households, businesses, and organizations to switch from fossil fuel heating systems to renewable and low-carbon alternatives.
The domestic RHI closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022 and was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) supports the decarbonisation of heat in buildings. It provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps
Can you give me an example of a sustainable design feature?
Improved insulation and increased BHG
Can you give me an example of an environmental assessment method for buildings?
BREEAM
Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) to me?
Residential and commercial rental properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or higher
How does MEES impact upon your role?
Not greatly as new builds typically achieve a B rating or higher due to building reg requirements.
What are the key dates for MEES?
April 2023 (all leases must be E+), April 2027 (proposed C+), and April 2030 (proposed B+)
What falls outside of MEES?
only to properties that are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate
Are there any exemptions from MEES?
Listed buildings
Temporary buildings used for less than two years.
Detached buildings under 50 square meters.
Industrial or agricultural buildings with low energy use.
Places of worship.
- What are the penalties for non-compliance of MEES?
Breaches < 3 months: Up to £5,000 or 10% of the rateable value (whichever is greater), capped at £50,000.
Breaches
3 months: Up to £10,000 or 20% of the rateable value (whichever is greater), capped at £150,000.
-
ETHICS131
-
FC RICS questions45
-
Inclusive Environments20
-
Client Care33
-
Communication and Negotiation26
-
Health and Safety31
-
Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking24
-
Sustainability49
-
Business Planning14
-
Conflict Resolution39
-
DATA30
-
Accounting46
-
Planning50
-
Masterplanning30
-
Measurement20
-
Mapping18
-
Legal20
-
Risk20
-
Project Finance16
-
Briefs32
-
Valuation38
-
Appraisal32
