Changes to SWMP

By Lachlan Fulton

From the 1 December 2013 there will be no legal requirment to prepare a site waste management plan (SWMP).

The repeal of the legislation was proposed in 2012 by Defra in response to the Government’s Red Tape Challenge (an initiative designed to remove the burden of ‘unnecessary’ legislation on business). 

A consultation followed and in August 2013 it was concluded that as the majority of respondents indicated they would continue to use a SWMP in some form, it made sense to remove the legislation for the few who found the process unwieldy.

Although not a legal requirement, a SWMP will however continue to be a tool that can be applied to any project to help identify both financial and environmental savings. The financial argument will grow with the increase in the Landfill Tax scheduled in April 2014. This increase will see the cost for disposing active waste* to landfill reach an unprecedented £80 per tonne and will not fall below this until at least 2020.

In addition to the escalating financial costs, it is worth noting that there are also no plans to remove the production of a SWMP as a measure in BREEAM or SKA.*Active waste (opposed to inert waste) includes wood, ductwork, piping and plastics.

Counting our carbon

By Lachlan Fulton

Despite the uncertainty over carbon policy in the UK, Rider Levett Bucknall has developed and launched its first Carbon Management Plan to steer the company to a low carbon future.

With questions over the future of ECO, the carbon floor price, the CRC, and the fourth carbon budget, it is clear that government is conflicted about the best strategy to rescue the economy whilst meeting our national carbon reduction targets. This debate rages against a backdrop of warnings from Nicholas Stern that his 2006 review 'The Economics of Climate Change' underestimated the cost of climate change and the IPCC's fifth report stating that they are now 95 per cent confident that people are the main cause of current global warming.

At Rider Levett Bucknall these warnings are enough to trigger action and we have set ourselves some ambitious targets to demonstrate our conviction. Reducing our absolute CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2014/15 (against 2010/11 base year) represents a significant challenge for us, especially considering the company's forecasted levels of growth. We are however confident that this target is achievable through the delivery of our carbon management projects.

For more information on what is included within our 20 per cent reduction target and how we will meet it, please access our Carbon Management Plan here.

Energy Act changes on way

By Paul Beeston

From April 2018, changes to the Energy Act 2011 mean that it will be unlawful to sell or let residential or business premises which do not reach a minimum energy efficiency standard.

The Energy Act 2011 deals with energy efficiency, security of energy supplies and measures for reducing carbon emissions.

The largest part of the Act introduced the coalition’s flagship ‘Green Deal’ policy to encourage and facilitate the retrofitting of existing properties. The new proposals aim to strengthen the Act’s focus and will be introduced following industry consultation to ensure effective timescales and practical workings.

In the meantime, investors and landlords need to assess how the new laws will impact on their own property portfolio. Effective energy efficient measures are already expected to part of a buildings’ specification and the revised Act is set to raise the bar even further. In the same way that BREEAM is now very much a given on all new office buildings, energy performance certificates (EPC) that identify the potential for energy efficiency in buildings, will gain similar credence for the existing stock.

Going forward, buildings graded with poor energy efficiency ratings are unlikely to be considered a viable proposition by savvy investors in the run up to 2018. As a result, it is anticipated that building owners will allocate budget towards specifically improving the EPC rating of older building stock as demand improves, and secondary space is refurbished to grade A space.

The investment case is pretty compelling, particularly for original commercial stock that is 20 to 30 years old whose energy efficiency measures will be well below current standards. Being diligent in energy efficiency has evident rewards alongside keeping within the law.

For landlords, not only does efficiency help to maintain the value of the asset and secure tenants, the introduction of green technology may be eligible for enhanced tax relief on the investment too. From the tenants’ perspective, an energy efficient building satisfies corporate responsibility requirements, but a more significant aspect is the saving to the bottom line; less energy consumption reduces the bills and saves money. It’s as simple as that.

Ignoring the pending legislation is not an option, especially if current building stock has poor energy efficiency ratings. Any owner of a building should start taking stock now. It need not cost a fortune to ensure your asset remains competitive but it does need the right cost expertise to ensure it is achieved well.

Ska - the beat goes on

By Lachlan Fulton

Last August we posted an RM blog about the environmental assessment method for fit-outs and refurbishments titled Ska Rating. Twelve months on, it's time to take a look at where it's up to, what’s changed, and whether we are seeing a response from the industry to meet the requirements of this environmental rating technique.

The story so far

Ska Rating started its journey in 2009. Since then, 540 projects have been registered (82 retail, 418 office), 70 projects have been certified (22 Gold, 31 Silver, and 17 Bronze) and 200 assessors have become accredited*. 

What’s changed?

In April 2013, the Ska Rating scheme for offices was updated to version 1.2. Changes include:

• The addition of thirteen Good Practice Measures (GPM)
• The removal of seven GPMs
• Alterations to the GPMs which are in scope for all projects
• A reshuffle of the ranking of GPMs
• Amendments to the criteria of various GPMs to ensure they remain relevant and promote best practice

From the 1 August the cost associated with certifying a project with RICS increased from the original £50 (+VAT) to £295 (+VAT).

This increase is intended to cover the cost associated with project audits, which forms one of the main quality assurance mechanisms introduced by the RICS to drive Ska Rating forward in the market.

Industry response

At Rider Levett Bucknall we are increasingly finding that suppliers are approaching our team of Ska Assessors for consultation on how their products and services can better meet the requirements outlined in Ska.

From our prospective this is encouraging for two reasons:

1. Suppliers are actively looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of their products and services
2. Suppliers are recognising that achieving a Ska Rating is a growing demand in the market and that failing to act could see them lose revenue to those who do

*Data provided by RICS March 2013

A milestone passed

By Lachlan Fulton

Many will agree that increasing the concentration levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere by one part per million (ppm) is not likely to have an overwhelming effect on climate conditions.

However, people like round numbers and last week’s increase of CO2 from 399ppm to 400ppm represents a milestone in the amount of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

This figure of 400ppm is one which has not been recorded in over 800,000 years and moves us further away from the 350ppm which will need to be achieved if we are going to avoid dangerous global average temperature gains of more than two degrees.

The regrettable news of this milestone unfortunately follows the news that three leading energy officials have resigned from post in recent weeks – Ravi Gurumurthy, Jonathan Brearley (both prominent advisers at DECC) and Ben Moxham (key adviser to the prime minister on energy and climate change policies).

Although the reasons for their departure are unclear, with the Energy Bill still going through parliament, the changes have the potential to jeopardise a key piece of policy required to guide the decarbonisation of the national grid.

All this may sound a little bleak, but it does serve to reinforce the message that to lower the global atmospheric CO2 concentrations the construction industry must maintain its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through innovative design and effective carbon management.

With signs that the government could stumble, it will be up to industry professionals to lead the way.

Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 3)

By Anesh Chauhan

After all the free and low to medium cost measures have been explored there are other options for larger projects (see Part 1 and Part 2 for more information).  

Larger energy efficiency projects

These are more likely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent so they are dealt with in more depth below. Opportunities for larger projects to improve energy efficiency include installing more energy efficient windows, installing improved insulation and upgrading the efficiency of M&E equipment, such as boilers. 

Looking at windows in more detail as an example, there are a number of ways the energy efficiency can be improved; however, in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, these must take into account the impact of any improvements on the historic value of the building or area. The appearance of historic windows is important to their context. Replacement of original historic single glazed windows is unlikely to be permitted in Listed Buildings and will be restricted in Conservation Areas. 

Nevertheless there are a variety of measures which can improve the energy efficiency of windows, both where they can be replaced and where they are being retained. Where windows cannot be replaced, or budget constraints prohibit instalment of new windows, there are a range of simpler measures which can improve the energy efficiency of windows. 

These include:

• Secondary glazing - adding a second sheet of glass or plastic to a window frame can improve sound-proofing as well as energy efficiency. If carefully designed, it can be unobtrusive and appropriate in a Conservation Area property or Listed Building

• Draught proofing - much of the heat lost through windows is actually through leaks
• Secondary protection - e.g. shutters or heavy curtains, although these are predominantly a night-time option 

Other measures to consider for larger projects include:

• External/ internal wall insulation - insulating walls can improve the ‘u’ value and minimise heat loss through walls. However external wall insulation is unlikely to be permitted in Listed Buildings and in Conservation Areas, but consulting the local planning office will clarify this

• Upgrading heating system - Upgrading the boiler to an ‘A’ rated system which is 90% efficient will aid in the reduction of carbon emissions. Replacement of boilers and radiators do not require Listed Building Consent, but new flues will need consent as these they must be carefully positioned to reduce the visual impact 

Further information can be found at …
http://www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk/live/saving_energy.aspx

Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 2)

By Anesh Chauhan
Part 2 of this blog describes some some simple measures which are free and low to medium cost which will improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings whilst being unlikely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent.
No cost measures – simple behavioural changes
• Draw curtains/blinds in the evening to conserve heat
• Check your central heating temperature and your hot water temperature
• Avoid leaving electrical equipment such as TVs, computers or stereos on standby - switch them off at the mains

Low cost measures

• Use energy efficient light bulbs - they can last over 10 times longer than standard bulbs
• Check you have a well-fitting hot water tank jacket and consider insulating hot water pipes
• Install draught proofing around doors, windows and letterboxes
Medium cost measures
Installing insulation in existing roof voids is in many cases practicable and can help significantly in improving a building’s energy performance. Where a building has a historic timber roof structure insulation can be installed between rafters, without any visual impact or damage to the historic building.  

Insulating floors is another medium cost option. Timber floors can be insulated by lifting the floorboards and laying mineral wool insulation supported by netting between the joists. Gaps and draughts around skirting boards and floors are simple to fix by sealing with suitable sealants.   

In the final part of this series, I will look into larger projects which may be applied after the above options have been exhausted.

 

Read Part 1 here: http://rlbrm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/mitigating-for-climate-change-whilst.html

Mitigating for Climate Change whilst preserving our Heritage (Part 1)

By Anesh Chauhan

One of our largest clients at Rider Levett Bucknall has a large portfolio of buildings which are either a Listed Building, within a Conservation Area or in some cases, both. As part of a sustainable approach when adapting their buildings, we continually aim to reduce carbon in any way we can.

While there may be cases when climate change objectives conflict with conservation of heritage assets, many opportunities exist for enhancing and improving energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and improved adaptation in historic buildings, without adversely impacting on their Conservation importance.

So what are Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings?

Conservation Areas are areas of special historical or architectural interest which have a character that it is desirable to preserve. In conservation areas the view of a building from the public realm is considered the main concern to ensure that the street appearance is preserved as well as the quality of the architecture. 

Listed Buildings are buildings which are included on the national register of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest; they are protected by law. As such, a Listed Building may not be extended or altered, internally or externally, in any way which may affect its special character, without Listed Building Consent being approved by the local planning authority.

Overall energy efficiency is the most cost effective approach to carbon reduction and minimising energy use. There are a variety of free and low to medium cost measures to improve energy efficiency which is unlikely to require planning permission or Listed Building Consent.

These simple measures will be described in Part 2 of this blog.

Gearing Up to Push Emissions Down

By Lachlan Fulton
There are some promising signs that the construction industry is really getting to grips with the responsibility of addressing the challenge of abating carbon emissions.

Recently this has been demonstrated through the publication of two documents:
· The CRC Performance League Table 2011/12, and
· The Launch of the Low Carbon Routemap

Construction Firms Top the CRC Performance League Table

It was late to be published, but the CRC Performance League Table 2011/12 places Bam Group, Skanska and Carillion in top positions on the table. From these firms, it is Bam Group which has made the largest leap, moving from 230^th last year to 1^st.  Skanska and Carillion move from 93^rd and 203^rd to 2^nd and 7^th respectively.

Collectively these firms have reduced their emissions by nearly 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ in the last 12 months. This represents over a £7million reduction in tax liability.

From the complete list of CRC participants (2,097) it is claimed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change that there was a total reduction in carbon emissions of 4.64 million tonnes.

 

Although the CRC is unpopular, this provides some evidence that it is proving to be an effective means of encouraging better carbon management.

The Low Carbon Routemap

Released early March, the UK's Green Construction Board's Low Carbon Routemap looks at the policy, actions and key decisions required if the built environment is going to be able to deliver the UK Government target of 80% reduction in CO₂ by 2050.

 

GCB co-chair and business minister Michael Fallon claims the “Routemap will help shape our industrial strategy for construction as we plan for the long term”.

The Routmap suggests the following carbon reduction targets for 2017 based on 2010 figures:

· 35% from Retail 22%
· 22% from Commercial   
· 16% from Hotel and Catering 25% from Warehouse
· 25% from Warehouse 
· 18% from Government
· 13% from Education
· 19% from Health
· 28% from Sport and Leisure

For more detail the visual Routemap and GCB’s Low Carbon Routmap report is available at:

http://www.greenconstructionboard.org/index.php/resources/routemap

Corporate Responsibility set to receive a boost

By Lachlan Fulton

India could be the first country in the world to make Corporate Responsibility a mandatory requirement for companies operating across the region worth over $9 million.

The Indian Companies Bill 2012 is on track to become an Act and proposes that these companies will be required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, or report on the reasons why they have not.

The UPA II government’s intention is “to protect the interests of employees and small investors while encouraging firms to undertake social welfare voluntary”. The hope is to make India a more “attractive and safe investment destination” (Sachin Pilot, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, 2012).

Forum for the Future however correctly raise the question “what exactly does the Indian Government mean by CSR?”

In the UK it is common to drop the ‘S’ and adopt ‘CR’ as an indication that it is the wider sustainability agenda which is being referred to. This naturally incorporates both social activities and environmental factors.

Whether the Indian Government will follow a traditional philanthropic approach or view the opportunity more holistically is not currently clear. What is clear however is that companies are increasingly turning to frameworks such as that established by the Global Reporting Initiative to support with this issue.

Rider Levett Bucknall UK is no exception - read our latest CR Report here: http://rlb.com/rlb.com/pdf/capability/RLB_UK_CR_Report_2012.pdf 

Looking forward to 2013: Waste

By Lachlan Fulton

In the final blog looking at changes in environmental policy in 2013, I look at waste. The other two parts are available here:

 

Part 1 - Energy

Part 2 - Carbon

Site Waste Management Plans
The removal of Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 is targeted for October 2013. This is on the grounds that the industry consensus is that businesses would meet the general requirements of the regulations regardless of their existence. The removal is therefore hoped to deliver similar results minus the associated administrative burden. Consultation on this proposal concluded in December 2012 and confirmation on whether the legislation will be removed is expected shortly.

Looking forward to 2013 - Part 2: Carbon

By Lachlan Fulton

 

Looking across three environmental areas; Energy, Carbon and Waste, it looks like 2013 is going to be a busy year. In part two of three, I will provide a brief overview of the key changes - this time with Carbon.

 

Mandatory GHG Emission Reporting
It has been confirmed that all UK registered companies on the London Stock Exchange will have to report their GHG emissions for company reporting years ending on or after 1 October 2013. This means companies are already well into the first reporting period.

The report will need to include GHG emissions from Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 sources (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat or steam) which are within a boundary consistent with the financial report.

The introduction of this legislation is expected to affect a total of 1,100 companies. A further 24,000 companies could also affected if the decision is made to expanded the legislation to all large companies in 2016.

CRC Simplification

Following on from the chancellor’s Autumn Statement, DECC have published its response to its consultation on the simplification of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

From the 1 June 2013:

• The number of fuels on which you must report will be reduced from 29 to 2 – electricity and gas
• The scheme will only regulate gas supply for the purpose of heating generation
• A 2% de minimis exclusion threshold will be applied to gas (for heating) consumption
• The sale window for CRC allowance surrender will be extended from July to the end of October during each compliance year, effective from September 2013 onwards
• The restriction of the circumstances in which Electricity Generating Credits can be claimed
• The Performance League Table will not be published from next year, however the Environment Agency will continue to publicly disclose participants’ aggregated energy use and emissions data

Price allowances will continue at £12 per tonne of CO₂ in 2013-14 and increase to £16/tCO₂ in 2014-15. From 2015-16 onwards the price will follow the Retail Price Index.

Looking forward to 2013 - Part 1: Energy

By Lachlan Fulton

Looking across three environmental areas; Energy, Carbon and Waste, it looks like 2013 is going to be a busy year. Over three blog posts, I will provide a brief overview of the key changes, starting with Energy.

Alterations to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Effective from the 9 January 2013, changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2012 will require:

·         Commercial premises larger than 500m² to display an Energy Performance Certificate where one has been previously issued, and;

·         Public buildings above 500m² to have a Display Energy Certificate visible to all visitors. Unlike buildings above 1,000m², requirements will allow these DECs to be valid for 10 years

For more information, guidance documents have been updated to reflect the changes to the EPBD and are available through the link provided: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-the-energy-efficiency-of-our-buildings

Green Deal Launch

Last week the Green Deal was formally launched and represents the Coalition Government’s flagship policy for transforming the energy efficiency of our aging housing stock. There are currently 45 different types of improvements available and the added incentive of up to £1,000 cashback for households in England and Wales who decide to take early advantage of the scheme.

Plans are still in place to expand the Green Deal for commercial properties. However, it is not yet clear whether the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has managed to overcome the added complexities presented by this in order to launch the commercial scheme shortly after the domestic scheme as intended.

We will keep you posted.

 

Green Sky Thinking

By Emma Nicholson

I'm currently in the process of organising a panel discussion for the upcoming Green Sky Thinking event. It is a key opportunity for people interested in sustainability to get together, and share best practice and the latest thinking. Here are some details about the event...

What is it?
Green Sky Thinking is an independent platform created by Open-City to promote and support sustainable product solutions and innovation. It’s not a conference or seminar – but site-based by taking people out of the seminar room to look at best practice through live examples. Last year there were over 50 activities from talks, tours and walks to roundtable discussions and debates held over a week’s period.

Green Sky Thinking is a business-focused event for built environment and property professionals. It answers the need in this challenging economic climate for a new way for built environment practitioners to showcase their ideas and thinking, as well as their practice.

Being informal as well as informative, it offers more direct engagement with new networks, contacts and potential clients than would otherwise be possible through the traditional routes of advertising, conferences and trade shows. It's also spread over one week to maximise these opportunities for networking, marketing and knowledge-sharing.

Who will be coming to Green Sky Thinking?
Green Sky Thinking is a business-focused event. The aim is to open up discussions around sustainability issues in a more accessible and immediate way to industry professionals and clients – including property sector, consultants, developers, local authorities, housing associations, and many others with a professional interest in hearing more about sustainable solutions across the built environment.

This includes decision makers (local authority councillors, planners, policy makers), to industry professionals (architects, designers, engineers, construction professionals) to end-users (clients, developers, asset managers, housing associations, neighbourhood groups).

Event Date and Location:

15 – 19 April 2013 in various locations in London (locations to be confirmed on Green Sky Thinking's programme)

http://www.greenskythinking.org.uk