Sustainability (Unit 33)

An APC Candidates Guide.

Unit 33 – Sustainability focuses on the role of quantity surveying professionals in addressing the social, environmental, and economic impacts of sustainability.

The aim is to ensure that sustainability innovations are incorporated into cost estimates and that tender documentation and contracts clearly define expectations for sustainability benefits.

While quantity surveying professionals may not be directly responsible for sustainability management, they must understand several key areas:

• Applicable approvals required.

• Planning constraints, such as working hours.

• The potential impact on the project schedule if planning milestones are not met.

• The risk of needing complex planning and similar approvals.

• The necessity of including sustainability initiatives in cost estimates.

• Ensuring procedures are in place to incorporate sustainability initiatives into the tender and contract.

• Understanding targets and compliance during the post-contract phase.

Practitioners are expected to have a thorough understanding of:

• Commonwealth, State, and other relevant planning approvals.

• Sustainability management.

• Sustainability innovations.

The elements and performance criteria for Unit 33 are as follows:

Planning Approval Strategy:

This involves understanding Commonwealth and State approvals, as well as specific requirements such as working on Commonwealth airport land.

Planning Approvals Program:

This includes understanding how sustainability legislation and regulations affect a project, the impact of the planning approvals program on the project timeline and budget, and the status of scheduled planning approval milestones.

Sustainability Management:

This encompasses understanding environmental and sustainability policy commitments, principles, project-wide sustainability objectives, targets and initiatives (including those for multiple delivery packages), contract requirements, sustainability management plans and client sustainability plans. It also includes considerations for construction and operational phase performance, compliance, and reporting.

Sustainability Innovations:

This involves understanding sustainability targets (such as green infrastructure), assessing the cost implications of sustainability innovations (including client-specific initiatives, recycling, reuse, non-potable water, and sustainable site facilities), participating in sustainable design workshops, and considering life cycle costs.

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Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified legal professional for any legal matters or concerns.