Sustainability

Question 1

What is BREEAM?

Answer 1

Building Research Establishment, Environmental Assessment Method

An independent third party that provides a certificate regarding the sustainability performance.

Question 2

What are the levels of assessment for BREEAM?

Answer 2

• Unclassified
• Pass
• Good
• Very Good
• Excellent
• Outstanding

These levels indicate the sustainability performance of a building.

Question 3

When would the assessment process for BREEAM take place?

Answer 3

• First assessment pre contract
• Final assessment following Practical Completion

It is good practice to regularly review as some credits can only be achieved pre contract.

Question 4

Can you name some of the BREEAM assessment categories?

Answer 4

• Management
• Health & Wellbeing
• Transport
• Water
• Energy
• Materials
• Waste
• Pollution
• Innovation

These categories evaluate different aspects of sustainability in building projects.

Question 5

Do developments need to achieve a BREEAM rating?

Answer 5

• Publicly funded projects need to achieve Excellent
• Private developers have no requirements, but conditions may be imposed by public authority

Question 6

Why would you want BREEAM certification?

Answer 6

• Demonstrates a level of achievement
• Can reduce operating costs
• Improves marketability
• Lowers environmental impact

Question 7

What other sustainable measuring systems are there?

Answer 7

• SKA - RICS own assessment tool for building fit outs (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
• LEED - American system

Question 8

As a QS, what is my role in terms of sustainability?

Answer 8

• Keep up to date on sustainable technologies and legislation
• Engineer or architect would advise on specs

Question 9

What is a U-Value?

Answer 9

Measures how effective a material is as an insulator

The lower the U-Value, the better the insulator.

Question 10

What is carbon neutral?

Answer 10

Offsetting the emissions used in construction so that they have no net impact on the atmosphere

Typically achieved by buying credits (planting of trees etc).

Question 11

What is Net Zero Carbon?

Answer 11

Not only offsetting emissions but also reducing emissions in the first place

This can involve installing PV panels or wind turbines or using locally sourced materials.

Question 12

What is the main sustainable regulation?

Answer 12

• Conservation of Heat and Power - Approved Document L
• Climate Change Act - comply with the Paris Agreement (between 1.5 and 2.5 degrees)

These regulations guide sustainable practices in construction.

Question 13

Can you define sustainable development?

Answer 13

Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

This concept is outlined in the Brundtland Report and includes three pillars: Social, Economic, Environmental.

Question 14

What are the Building Regulations and can you give a few examples?

Answer 14

• Set of minimum requirements and basic standards that need to be met before building can be occupied
• Examples include Approved Documents B (Fire Safety), L (Conservation of Fuel and Power), and M (Accessibility Requirements).

Question 15

What are the 3 principles of sustainability?

Answer 15

• Environmental
• Social
• Economic

Question 16

Name some sustainable technology?

Answer 16

• PV panels
• Wind turbines
• Ground source heat pumps

Question 16

What are the BREEAM rating thresholds?

Answer 16

• Outstanding 85% or above
• Excellent 70% - 85%
• Very good 55% - 70%
• Good 45% - 55%
• Pass 30% - 45%
• Unclassified 30% or below