Sustainability Flashcards

Question

What is stack ventilation?

Answer 1

Cooler outside air is drawn into buildings at a lower level, it is warmed by sources of heat within the building (such as people, equipment, heating and solar gain), and then rises through the building to vent out at a higher level.

Answer 2

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is the term given to localised higher temperatures that are experienced in urban environments compared with the temperatures of surrounding green spaces. It is estimated that pavements and roofs account for 60% of urban surfaces, roofs 20-25% and pavements approximately 40% (Akbari, Menon et al. 2009). Presently these surfaces have relatively low albedo values (the fraction of incoming radiation reflected by a body) and high thermal conductivities, typically absorbing and re-radiating around 90% of the total incident solar radiation (Wolf and Lundholm 2008). This contributes to an Urban Heat Island effect that can result in a rise in summer temperatures of 4-7°C (CIBSE 2007; Wolf and Lundholm 2008) in comparison with adjacent vegetated areas.

Answer 3

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are systems designed to efficiently manage the drainage of surface water in the urban environment.

Answer 4

-Reducing flooding. -Reducing the demand on existing drainage systems (potentially making a development viable in an area where it might otherwise not be viable). -Enhancing water quality. -Reducing pollution. -Providing habitats for wildlife. -Providing local amenity. -Recharging groundwater and watercourses resulting in a reduced risk of drought.

Answer 5

-Filter strips and drains. -Swales. -Permeable surfaces. -Basins and ponds. -Underground storage. -Wetlands. -Green roofs. -Rainwater harvesting.

Answer 6

A blue roof is a roof designed for the retention of rainwater above the waterproofing element of the roof. This is as opposed to more conventional roofs which allow for rainwater to drain from the roof. Blue roofs are typically flat, without any fall, with control devices regulate drainage outlets that enable water to be retained or drained.

Answer 7

Decreased surface water runoff -Decreased heating and cooling demands for the building -Increased local biodiversity -Increased durability and lifespan of the roof -Improved local air quality -Psychological benefits -Mitigation of the Urban Heat Island effect.

Answer 8

Increased capital costs. -Increased structural loads. -Specialist contractors required. -Maintenance requirements. -The lack of quantifiable data on the benefits of green roofs. -The lack of technical information about how to build them. -Lack of incentives.

Answer 9

The purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ensure that the environmental effects of a proposed development are properly considered. An EIA provides the local planning authority with better information about certain types of project, enabling them to make a more informed decision about whether permission should be granted and to allow imposition of more appropriate conditions and obligations to mitigate possible negative impacts.

Answer 10

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 sets out a requirement to carry out an EIA as part of the planning application process for certain projects (generally those which are large or environmentally complex).

Answer 11

-A description of the proposed development and its use. -An estimate of the likely residues and emissions resulting from the construction and operation of the development (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.). -An assessment of how the development complies with planning policy. -An assessment of environmental opportunities and constraints. -An assessment of appropriate alternatives. This may include an assessment of possible alternative sites, so it is important that this is done during the very early stages of a project - not as a process of post-rationalisation after the client has already selected a site. -An assessment of the likely impacts of the development.

Answer 12

The cost difference was the smaller substrate and lack of planting costs on brown roofs compared to the extensive green roof. This amounted to a cost of £50/m2 increase in extensive green roofs compared to brown.

Answer 13

A green extensive roof is planted for ecological and aesthetic purposes. Normally does not require as deep substrate as intensive. Requires less maintenance. A green intensive roof is where typically bigger plants are grown and there is paving or decked areas. This requires deeper substrate. A brown roof is where the planting is based on the original site had the building not been there. A blue roof is one that stores water, can include open water surfaces, storage within or beneath a porous media or modular surface or below a raised decking surface or cover.

Answer 14

1) Planting 2) sedum 3) Drainage 4) Membrane/Geotextile layer 5) Root Barrier 6) 2nd waterproofing 7) Roof deck/concrete

Answer 15

A chiller based on the absorption refrigeration process in which cooling is provided by the expansion of liquid ammonia into gas and absorption of the gas by water, the ammonia is reused after water evaporates.

Answer 16

A desire to carry out activities without depleting resources or having harmful impacts. Can fall under a environmental, social and economic category.

Answer 17

Typically 2-10% however this would depend on the features used.

Answer 18

- One of Mace's business strategies is be responsible. - Net carbon zero - Carbon offset procedures.

Answer 19

- More young people intro trades - Open to commonwealth - Prefab options

Answer 20

This was an agreement between developed nations to reduce their carbon emissions based on the levels at 1990. n the UK, the first commitment period target was to reduce emissions by 12.5% compared to 1990 levels. By 2012 emissions were estimated to be 26.7% below 1990 levels, but 24.9% below 1990 levels if emissions trading was taken into account

Answer 21

The Paris Agreement's long-term temperature goal is to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels; and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 °C, recognizing that this would substantially reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.

Answer 22

The cost would be the extra stata and planting of the green roofs which would be circa £50/m2 more than brown roofs.

Answer 23

- These were cost at £450/m2 as a composite rate for the panel and all connections.

Answer 24

RICS has published the futures report which details sustainability including: - established the RICS building carbon database - a free to use publicly available resource for building professionals to benchmark their designs and have access to more detailed comparative data on carbon emissions. - Launched a professional statement on whole life carbon assessment for the build environment which sets out specific mandatory principles and supporting guidance for the assessment of environmental performance.

Answer 25

From the 9 categories, each category has allocated % score which adds up to 100%. There is an extra 10% (a possible score of 110%) for Innovation. See ratings below: Energy (16%) Land use & ecology (13%) Water (7%) Health and Wellbeing (14%) Pollution (8%) Transport (10%) Materials (15%) Waste (6%) Management (11%) Innovation (10%) Each category has a weighting, which in a way sets out the ‘importance’ of each against the others. For example, the higher weighted categories include energy and materials, where as the lowest weighted categories include water and waste.

Answer 26

2018 Updates include a new category: -Health and wellbeing. - Electric cars added to transport.

Answer 27

An urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. The temperature difference is usually larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak.

Answer 28

The permeable paving required a geotextile layer and root protection zones. Marshalls (£45 PC sum)

Answer 29

Swales are shallow, broad and vegetated channels designed to store and/or convey runoff and remove pollutants. They may be used as conveyance structures to pass the runoff to the next stage of the treatment train and can be designed to promote infiltration where soil and groundwater conditions allow. Typically the cost is for the excavation and disposal and any planting necessary.

Answer 30

Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) schemes aim to encourage businesses to invest in efficient technologies. The scheme lets your business claim 100 per cent first-year allowances, ie tax relief, on investments in certain technologies and products.

Answer 31

The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is a form of tax relief for British businesses that is designated for the purchase of business equipment. The AIA allows a business to deduct the total amount of qualifying capital expenditure up to a certain limit from its taxable profits in a given tax year. This allowance is earmarked for the purchase of business equipment, primarily tools and machinery.

Answer 32

* Standard for buildings to be related on how they can optimise health anad mental well nbeign of occupants. * PLACE MAKING - british land. - making places where people want to spend time - montly food markets, events for particpants, artwork, outdoor cinema and showing wimbledon. * The standard is based on seven years of research in partnership with scientists, doctors and architects exploring the connection between the buildings where people spend their time, and the health and wellbeing impacts those buildings have on their occupants. * It is third-party certified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which administers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Answer 33

Looking at an element and calculating the full carbon footprint from production to disposal.

Answer 34

Context • Issued in 2020 before COVID19 • A report issued by RICS that has lots of Sustainability articles • In 2015, RICS launched Futures project with the publication of the insight paper Our changing world: let’s be ready, which set out how our sector was likely to be shaped by a series of relentless global trends. These included urbanisation on an unprecedented scale, the dramatic way in which big data and technology was disrupting our sector and the climate crisis. India • A 50,000km highway has been constructed in India using waste plastic sprayed with aggregate which is heated to an exact temperature • RICS has set up 2 schools of the built environment in Noida and Mumbai enrolling 2500 students Data • Despite AI and Internet of Things, it has been estimated that 95% of construction data is wasted • To tackle this RICS is in the process of setting up an Innovation and Technology Hub to provide expertise on this Drone Technology • In May 2019 RICS issued a paper looking at drone compliance and also has online courses • Drones are being used to stop putting people in danger e.g. at heights. Also being used for insurance claims e.g. aftermath of fire or flood Protecting cities from climate change • Capital of Indonesia (Jakarta) will be relocated to a new greener space on the island of Borneo for 33billion because the city is sinking / 2/3 of the city is at sea level • Lagos is at risk of flooding • Tokyo is at risk of flooding, in 2006 they spent 4billion building the largest underground cistern of water to hold flood water The Global Picture • The world needs 331million new homes by 2025 • Cities account for 80% of the global green house emissions • 90% of urban growth will happen in Africa and Asia • The UN predicts that 6.5billion people will live in cities by 2050 Our Markets • Gives key information on GDP growth, construction sector output, investment for Americas/Australia & Newzealand/China/Europe/India/UK & Ireland • Opportunity for RICS to help join up businesses responses to AI Talent and Skill • Feedback that University degree construction courses are outdated and that people are leaning more towards being employed whilst studying (e.g. trainee route) • RICS must evaluate and review there RICS accredited degrees to make sure they are still relevant for the future • RICS reviewing CPD model • RICS need to devise new routes for membership to make sure the brightest/best people join from different backgrounds Sustainability • RICS has created the free Building Carbon Database which gives data on carbon emissions for designs • RICS launched a professional statement on whole life carbon assessment • RICS looking at the concept of a “Building Passport” – which will be a data platform that can host all building relating data e.g. design, planning, demo. • RICS established the World Built Environment Forum to convene experts from across the globe to share insights and research on topics such as urbanisation, population growth, resource scarcity, climate change etc. • RICS might add a mandatory requirement around sustainability for members

Answer 35

The RICS Building Carbon database is an evolution of the Wrap Embodied Carbon Database which was commissioned by WRAP and the UK Green Building Council to capture embodied carbon data for whole buildings. The aim is to provide a free and publicly available resource for building professionals to be able to benchmark their designs to a far greater extent and to more detailed comparative data than was previously available to any single company or individual.

Answer 36

The professional statement looks at the overall embodied carbon over the whole life of an asset. This constitutes the whole life approach of a building element. It sets out the detail of how to produce a whole life carbon report.

Answer 37

- Local planning authority requirement - Sustainable business - To save on life cycle/ whole life costing

Answer 38

- Potentially planning condition.

Answer 39

The earth's capacity is finite. Unsustainable land-use practices, buildings and construction coupled with an ever-growing population are responsible for the depletion of natural resources and loss of biodiversity and habitat. At global, national and local levels RICS and its members are committed to creating and maintaining a healthy environment not only for today but also for future generations by adhering to the following principles: protection of the environment through the preservation of natural capital; promotion of social equity by ensuring access to services for the benefit of all; and support of a healthy local economy, including high levels of employment.

Answer 40

Answers here will vary depending upon your pathway. Consider issues such as changing mindsets, the need for behavioural change, costs, obtaining buy-in from all parties, and the need to increase demand for higher levels of sustainability in order to influence supply.

Answer 41

Does your employer have an environmental policy? How is this managed? What are the key peformance indicators? What actions are you taking in your office? e.g. recycling, office policies, travel policies and incentives.

Answer 42

Combined heat and power (CHP) Biomass boilers Ground source heat pump Solar thermal water heating Photovoltaic cells Wind turbines (onsite) Rainwater harvesting

Answer 43

A site waste management plan (SWMP) should initially be prepared by the client before construction begins, although they may commission a member of the consultant team to do this on their behalf. It should describe how materials will be managed efficiently and disposed of legally during the construction of the works, explaining how the re-use and recycling of materials will be maximised. These were not compulsory from 2013 however planning authorities may require it or implement a form of plan.

Answer 44

Display energy certificate - assesses the energy efficient of building. Display energy certificates (DEC's) show the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption

Answer 45

This is a methodology for the systematic economic consideration of all whole life costs and benefits over a period of analysis, as defined in the agreed scope. Another definition is “an economic assessment considering all agreed projected significant and relevant cost flows over a period of analysis expressed in monetary value. The projected costs are those needed to achieve defined levels of performance, including reliability, safety and availability”.

Answer 46

This is the cost of an asset, or its part throughout its cycle life, while fulfilling the performance requirements. Its UK supplement, ‘Standardised Method for Life Cycle Costing for Construction Procurement’ clarifies the definitions for the UK market and sets down in detail how companies should go about working out a life cycle cost plan. Broadly, life cycle costs are those associated directly with constructing and operating the building; while whole life costs include other costs such as land, income from the building and support costs associated with the activity within the building. The expertise of the construction industry is best placed to deliver life cycle costs, which its clients can then use to calculate whole life costs.

Answer 47

Broadly, life cycle costs are those associated directly with constructing and operating the building; while whole life costs include other costs such as land, income from the building and support costs associated with the activity within the building. The expertise of the construction industry is best placed to deliver life cycle costs, which its clients can then use to calculate whole life costs.

Answer 48

- Income - Non-construction costs - Externalities

Answer 49

- Construction - Maintenance - Operation - Occupancy - End of life

Answer 50

1. The RICS guidance note sustainability and the property lifecycle 2009 2. The future of policy and standards for low and carbon zero homes 2016 3. Guidance note on sustainability and comemrcial property valuation 4. Best practice Reno value integrating sustainability into valuation practice 5. SKA 6. BREEAM

Answer 51

RICS has a sustainability action agenda within its RICS futures report is committed to: 1. aligning the **commercial and public interests** in this area 2. **developing practical solutions** that enable our profession to help drive positive change. 3. **_BUILDING PASSPORT_** leading a project to develop a 'building passport' - a data platform to host all building-related data, from design and planning through to demolition 4. **_RICS Building Carbon Database_** We have established the RICS Building Carbon Database - a free-to-use, publicly available resource for building professionals to have access to more detailed comparative data on carbon emissions 5. We have launched a **professional statement on _whole-life carbon assessment_** for the built environment 6. We have introduced a **_training tool kit for property valuation professionals_** to factor sustainability costs into the valuation process, funded by the EU 7. We have established the **_World Built Environment Forum to gather experts_** from the sector and beyond, and share our own insights into managing urbanisation, population growth, climate change and other pivotal issues to create better space for future generations 8. Also the **SKA ratings** for offices.

Answer 52

* Cut carbon dioxide levels by 80% from 1990 levels in 2050 * Every 5 years a new carbon budget is set = increasingly strict regulations. * Climate Change ACt 2008 * The first global comittment was the UN kyoto protocol which helped to reduce levels of green house gases by 2012

Answer 53

* european legilslation - member states must ensure energy use reduction and energy labelling * Government adapted Part L to comply

Answer 54

1. higher standards of energy conervation for new and refurbished buildings 2. establishing a calculation methodology for the energy performance of all buildings 3. minimum requirements for the energy performance of all buildings 4. energy certification for all buildings when leased or sold 5. mandatory inspection of boilers and Ac systems in buildings.

Answer 55

1. Commercial buildings over 50 sqm 2. new build ,sold, or let, assinged or sublet (more than 6 months less than 99 years) 3. newly refurbished and heating ventilation or AC altered 4. or the building is subject to building regulations for construction 5. Sale/lease of resi buildings is also included 6.

Answer 56

1. Listed buildings 2. no heating 3. religious 4. temporary 5. due to be demolished/redeveloped 6. resi not occupied more than 4 months a year

Answer 57

1. within 7 days of commercial marketing 2. by agents 3. only actual energy rating need be displayed - not the graph. 4. Front page of the EPC must be shown

Answer 58

1. The address of the property 2. reference number 3. technical information on energy provision 4. Estimated running costs 5. RATING A-G 6. Benchmarking info 7. Rear pages also show how rating could be improved. 8. **VALID FOR 10 YEARS - available on the online register**

Answer 59

1. Trading standards enforce the regulataions 2. Resi - £200 fine 3. Commercial -12.5% of the rental value of the builidng maximum 5000 (min 500

Answer 60

The minimum energy efficiency standards 2015 require a minimum energy rating on EPC of level E from 1st April 2018 onwards for new resi and commecial leases and existing commercial leases from 1st April 2023 and 1st april 2020 this year for Residential.

Answer 61

1. Buildings that dont required an EPC plasces of worship 2. industrial units with low energy demand (no heating or cooling) 3. unsecured tenancy less than 6 months 4. tenancy more than 99 years 5. if unfeasbile to improve EPC to E rating within 7 year payback(covers costs of the improvement) - (prove with 3 quotes!) 6. Landlord who spends the required £3,500 per property but cannot bring it up to E rating. 7. When improvements would devalue the property by more than 5% 8. If third part consent refused e.g tenant, landlord or planning

Answer 62

Related to time 1. breach less than 3 months 5000-50000 (10% of the rateable value) 2. longer than 3 months - up to £10,000 or 20% of the rateaable value which ever is greater up to £150,000 3. Policed by local authority

Answer 63

* Assessment of energy performance regs * These refer to buildings with GIA more than 1000m2 in SCOTLAND * New or for sale non domestic premises * Buildings constructed 2002 onwards exempt * AN action plan is to be prepared by an accredited advisor for buyers to see, * improved within 3.5 years from the plan or reported in an annal display energy certificate * Fines of 1000 for non compliance by local authority

Answer 64

1. **ESOS - energy savings opportunity scheme** 1. mandatory large organisations \>250 employees 50 mill turnover 2. meausre total energy consumption (allactivities) 3. Conduct energy audits 4. Report compliance - environmental agency 2. **Heat Network Regulations 2014** 1. Communal heating systems in multi occupation resi and commercial 2. Consumers must get accurate meter readings/bill info 3. **Climate change levy CCL** 1. ****Replaces the CRS energy efficiency scheme in 2019 2. tax energy supplied to non domestic users in uk 3. charged by energy providers 4. renewable energy is exempt 4. **Display energy Certficates** 1. buildings over 250Sq m 2. display actual energy used and CO2 emissions

Answer 65

1. LEEDS (USA) leadership in energy and desing 2. WELL Standard (international) 3. SKA RICS

Answer 66

* The climate change act 2008 requires the Uk to achieve net carbon zero by 2050 * Better buildings partnership (BBP) pledge undertaken by many property funds * The UK green building council has a framework for achieving this: 1. Establish scope for net zero carbon )whole life) 2. Reduce construction impact 3. Reduce operational energy use 4. Increase renewable energy supply 5. offset any remaining carbon 6.

Answer 67

1. landlrod and tenant share info on use of resources e,g, water 2. from the better building partnership pledge lease toolkit has model clauses 3. this also has toolkits for how to reduce energy consumption 4.

Answer 68

• A set of regulations and standard that all new buildings must be built to.

Answer 69

• A = Structure. • B = Fire Safety. • C = Site Preparation. • D = Toxic Substances. • E = Resistance to Sound. • F = Ventilation. • G = Sanitisation and Hot Water. • H = Drainage and Waste Disposal. • J = Heat Producing Appliances. • K = Prevention from falling, collision or impact. • L = Conservation of Fuel and Power. • M = Accessibility. • N = Glazing. • P = Electrical Safety. • Q = Security. • R = High speed comms networks • 7 = Materials and workmanship

Answer 70

• Part L Conservation of Fuel and Power. • It is broken down in 4 parts. o Part L1 A = Conservation of Fuel and Power in a new Dweling. o Part L1 B = Conservation of Fuel and Power in an Existing Dwelling. o Part L2 A = Conservation of Fuel and Power in a new non-domestic. o Part L2 B = Conservation of Fuel and Power in an existing non-domestic. • In 2013, the performance criterion for a Part L was increased by 6% for dwellings, and 9% for non-domestic buildings.

Answer 71

• BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method, is a way of rating the sustainable performance of a building.

Answer 72

• Unclassified. (below 30%) • Pass. (30% and over) • Good. (45% and over) • Very Good. (55% and over) • Excellent. (70% and over) • Outstanding. (85% and over)

Answer 73

• Waste Management, i.e. the segregation of waste for recycling. • Just in time Deliveries. • Waste Management Plans.

Answer 74

• It will outline how materials will be managed efficiently, and how waste will be disposed of legally. • It should explain how the re-use and recycling of materials will be maximised.

Answer 75

• Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Answer 76

• Climate Change Act 2008. • Energy Protection Act 2005. • COSHH. • Building Regs. • Energy Performance Certificates. • Control of Asbestos Regulations 2008.

Answer 77

• A Framework setup to create an economically viable path to reducing green house gas emissions. • Introduced as a result of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. • As a result of the Kyoto Protocol in 1992.

Answer 78

• The Carbon Reduction Targets: o 34% efficiency by 2020. o 50% efficiency by 2030. o 80% efficiency by 2050. o All in comparison to the 1990 emission levels.

Answer 79

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (U N F C C C)

Answer 80

• The Kyoto Protocl, which the UK signed up to an eventually influenced the introduction of the Climate Change Act 2008.

Answer 81

• A piece of legislation aimed at governing the use of energy and its markets.

Answer 82

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

Answer 83

• An EPC is a rating system for rating the sustainability of a building.

Answer 84

• A piece of legislations which imposed obligations on Employers to: o Manage exposure to asbestos within the workplace. o Undertake Risk Assessments before commencing work around asbestos. o Create a detailed plan (Method Statement) of how the works will be carried out around the asbestos. o Prevent and reduce exposure.

Answer 85

• White = Chrysotile. • Brown = Amostie. • Blue = Chrosidolite.

Answer 86

• Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method.

Answer 87

• A method of assessing, rating and certifying a building sustainability.

Answer 88

• Against nine criteria: 1. Energy. 2. Land use. 3. Water. 4. Health and Wellbeing. 5. Pollution. 6. Transport. 7. Materials. 8. Waste. 9. Management.

Answer 89

1. An assessment should be carried out at design stage to receive an interim certificate. 2. A second assessment should be carried out post construction to receive the final certificate.

Answer 90

• It gives a property a rating based on its energy efficiency, from A – G.

Answer 91

• Wind = Wind Farms (Wind Turbines). • Hydro Electric = Water from dams. • Solar = Poly voltaic Panels and solar panels. • Ground = Ground Source heat pumps.

Answer 92

• A Fabric first approach, whereby the materials used to insulate a building mitigate the requirement for space heating, whilst also creating good indoor quality. Achieved through Good insulation, air tightness and solar gains.

Answer 93

• Brownfield land refers to land that has been previously used for industrial purposes, or commercial usage and is now being redeveloped.

Answer 94

• Sites or land that is not constrained by any existing buildings or structures. It is the opposite of Brownfield land.

Answer 95

• Yes, in 2014 the RICS suggested that a new classification, called amberfield land be introduced, to highlight land that was/could be developed.

Answer 96

• RICS Fit out Rating (SKA)

Answer 97

• A environmental assessment tool for sustainable fit outs.

Answer 98

• It can be used on any non-domestic fit out project, informally or by professionals, with similar criteria to BREEAM.

Answer 99

• Environmental Agency.q

Answer 100

• Is in charge of protecting and enhancing the environment of England.q

Answer 101

• Waste and Resources Action Programme.

Answer 102

• A registered charity, aimed a reducing waste on projects and products.

Answer 103

• An organisation aimed at helping other organisations reduce their carbon emissions, through improving their energy efficient and carbon management.

Answer 104

• Embodied carbon is considering all the carbon the will be used in the creating of a product. From sourcing the materials, manufacture, delivery, construction, and disposal.

Answer 105

• Any land which appears to be in a condition that could cause harm to a Human, or the environment.

Answer 106

• First undertake a desktop study, to review historical data on the land use. • Take invasive samples and test the quality of the land. • Remediate the area.

Answer 107

• In the first instance it should be the person who contaminated the land. • If they are not available, then it should be the current owner. • If no owner, then the Local Authority or Environmental Agency will remdiate.

Answer 108

Advice is needed by all types of owners, occupiers, lenders, investors, and public and private bodies as to: • their environmental duties and liabilities; • how to determine and quantify liability; • the implications for asset management arising from any actual or potential liabilities; • who to look to for advice and how advisors should be appointed; • the steps to take to minimise or eliminate liability; and • the likelihood of ongoing, new or potential liability

Answer 109

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. RICS Guidance Note - Sustainability improving performance in existing buildings (1st 2013) Clients may have an existing environmental policy or Environmental Management System that sets out an overall sustainability vision, as well as detailed objectives and targets.

Answer 110

The earth's capacity is finite. Unsustainable land-use practices, buildings and construction coupled with an ever-growing population are responsible for the depletion of natural resources and loss of biodiversity and habitat. At global, national and local levels RICS and its members are committed to creating and maintaining a healthy environment not only for today but also for future generations by adhering to the following principles: • protection of the environment through the preservation of natural capital; • promotion of social equity by ensuring access to services for the benefit of all; and • support of a healthy local economy, including high levels of employment.

Answer 111

Government legalisation setting targets for the reduction in carbon emissions setting a 2030 target range, including measures for electricity market reform.

Answer 112

A mechanism for funding energy efficiency improvements Instead of paying up-front to have energy efficiency measures installed in a property, the cost is funded by long-term savings on electricity bills. The green deal launched in autumn 2012, but financing did not become available until January 2013. A green deal assessor is require to inspect the property and specify energy efficiency measures to be installed, in domestic properties these are limited to a value of up to £10K (there is no limit on non-domestic properties). ‘Green Deal Providers’ finance the upfront costs and are paid back through savings in utility bills. Accredited installers install the measures. The pay-back period for domestic properties must not exceed the length of time the improvements last. For non-domestic properties, the pay-back period may be shorter, to allow payback within the lease period. Energy efficient measures for installation could include: • Double glazing • Solar thermal • PV panels

Answer 113

• Target for all new buildings in the EU to be ‘Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings’ from 2020 (all new public buildings from 2018) • Requirement for EPCs and DECs • From April 2018, it will be unlawful to rent out residential or business premises with an EPC rating of F or G

Answer 114

Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings A building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) • Buildings are rated from A to G on EPC's, with A representing a very efficient building and G a very inefficient building. • EPCs are required for all commercial buildings over 50m2 when they are built, sold, let, refurbished. • EPCs are valid for 10 years and must be made available free of charge to tenants. • Obtaining an EPC is the responsibility of the party undertaking the construction works. Display Energy Certificate (DEC) • Show the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption. • Rated from A to G. • Required on public buildings. • On buildings less than 1000m2 DECs are valid for 10 years. • On all other buildings they are valid for 1 year and must be updated annually.

Answer 115

The 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive establishes a set of binding measures to help the EU reach its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020. Under the Directive, all EU countries are required to use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy chain from its production to its final consumption.

Answer 116

To reduce emissions by at least 80% in 2050 from 1990 levels.

Answer 117

An international treaty, which extends the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, based on the premise that • global warming exists • man-made CO2 emissions have caused it. Requires an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, based on 1990 levels.

Answer 118

Benifits/Advantages Increase asset value; Reduce operating costs; Planning policy / requirement; Client corporate social responsibility; and PR.

Answer 119

The code for sustainable homes is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The code provides 9 measures of sustainable design: • Energy/CO2 • Water • Materials • Surface water runoff (flooding and flood prevention) • Waste • Pollution • Health and well-being • Management • Ecology

Answer 120

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The most recognised green building certification worldwide and is used throughout North America and internationally. Best suited to: • New build developments; • Major refurbishments; • Existing buildings in operation. Least suited to: • Existing building minor refurbishments. Buildings are rated on a scale of: • Certified; • Pass; • Silver; • Gold; • Platinum

Answer 121

Founded by Skansen as a result of research by the RICS and AECOM. • SKA Rating is an environmental assessment method for sustainable fit-outs in the UK.

Answer 122

Ground Source Heat Pumps Photovoltaic Panels Solar Thermal Panels Wind District Heating Biomass

Sustainability Flashcards

(148 cards)