In today’s construction industry, creating sustainable and environmentally-responsible buildings is no longer optional. It’s a necessity driven by both regulatory requirements and growing consumer demand. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading global standard for evaluating the sustainability performance of buildings.
Understanding the BREEAM assessment criteria is essential for designing and constructing projects that achieve high sustainability ratings and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
What is BREEAM?
A Holistic Framework
BREEAM goes beyond being a simple checklist approach to sustainability. It provides a comprehensive framework that encompasses a wide range of environmental impacts throughout a building’s entire lifecycle, from the initial design and construction to its ongoing operation and eventual decommissioning. This holistic view ensures that sustainability considerations are integrated into every stage of a building’s existence.
Credit-Based System
BREEAM awards credits within each category based on the level of sustainability achieved. The total number of credits determines a project’s final BREEAM rating. The available ratings are Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. The higher the rating, the more rigorous the sustainability standards met by the project.
Widely Recognized Standard
BREEAM has been adopted internationally and is frequently referenced in planning regulations and sustainability policies. This widespread recognition makes a BREEAM certification a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainable building practices. It is a mark of quality that resonates with environmentally-conscious investors, tenants, buyers, and the wider community.
Benefits Beyond Certification
While obtaining a BREEAM rating is a valuable goal, the true benefits extend far beyond the certification itself. The BREEAM assessment process encourages innovative thinking and the exploration of solutions that enhance a project’s overall sustainability. It can inspire teams to push boundaries, discover new efficiencies, and create buildings that truly minimise their environmental impact.
Regular Updates
BREEAM is not a static system. It regularly evolves to reflect the latest research, technological advancements, and changing sustainability priorities. This continuous improvement ensures the methodology remains relevant and drives the construction industry towards ever-higher standards of environmental performance.
Varied Applications
The BREEAM framework is adaptable to a range of building types and projects, including:
- New Construction: BREEAM offers comprehensive assessment schemes tailored to new builds of various scales and sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).
- Refurbishments and Retrofits: BREEAM provides frameworks for evaluating the sustainability improvements of refurbishment projects and the enhancement of existing buildings.
- Infrastructure: There are BREEAM assessment schemes specifically designed for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and energy networks.
- Communities: BREEAM masterplanning assessments evaluate the sustainability of entire new communities or large-scale regeneration projects.
Key Categories Within the BREEAM Assessment Criteria
BREEAM assessment criteria are organised into several key categories, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability:
- Energy: Assesses energy efficiency measures, low-carbon technologies, and strategies for reducing energy demand throughout the building’s lifecycle.
- Water: Evaluates water conservation strategies, efficient fixtures, and systems to minimise water consumption.
- Materials: Examines the environmental impact of building materials, responsible sourcing, and life-cycle assessment.
- Waste: Focuses on practices for reducing construction waste, effective waste management, and designing for adaptability and reuse.
- Land Use and Ecology: Encourages the use of previously developed sites, protection of biodiversity, and strategies for enhancing ecological value.
- Pollution: Addresses measures to reduce air, water, and noise pollution, along with minimising refrigerant emissions.
- Health and Wellbeing: Prioritises good indoor air quality, natural light, acoustic comfort, and access to green spaces for occupant well-being.
- Transport: Promotes sustainable transportation options, accessibility by public transport, cycling, and walking.
- Management: Emphasises responsible construction practices, effective building management, and the provision of comprehensive user information.
How BREEAM Assessments Benefit Your Projects
- Environmental Responsibility: BREEAM provides a roadmap for minimising a building’s environmental footprint, reducing resource consumption, and mitigating its impact on the environment.
- Enhanced Occupant Experience: BREEAM-guided design prioritises healthy and comfortable indoor environments, leading to improved occupant well-being, satisfaction, and potentially increased productivity.
- Cost Savings: While there may be an upfront cost associated with sustainable design features, BREEAM-certified buildings often have lower operational costs due to energy and water efficiency measures.
- Risk Mitigation: Addressing sustainability factors proactively helps avoid potential future regulatory changes or market shifts that could impact non-compliant buildings.
- Marketing and Reputation: A BREEAM certification serves as a tangible symbol of your dedication to sustainability, enhancing your reputation and attracting like-minded clients, tenants, and investors.
The Role of a BREEAM Assessor
A qualified BREEAM assessor plays a crucial role in guiding your project towards achieving its desired sustainability goals. Their expertise and insights can make the difference between a standard project and one that truly excels in terms of environmental performance. Here’s a deeper look at their key responsibilities:
Analyze Project Plans
Assessors begin by meticulously reviewing your architectural drawings, technical specifications, and site plans. They analyse these details to understand the project’s overall design intent, materials selection, proposed building systems, and the unique characteristics of the site. This initial analysis gives them a baseline understanding of the project’s sustainability potential.
Assess Against Criteria
With a firm grasp of your project, the assessor conducts a detailed evaluation against the relevant BREEAM assessment criteria. They scrutinise every aspect, from energy modelling and water efficiency calculations to the life-cycle impact of materials and strategies for enhancing biodiversity.
Provide Recommendations
A skilled BREEAM assessor goes beyond simply identifying gaps. They offer tailored recommendations on how to improve sustainability performance across different categories. These recommendations might include optimising building orientation for passive solar gains, specifying materials with high recycled content, integrating rainwater harvesting systems, or incorporating green roofs or living walls. Their insights allow you to make informed design decisions that maximise your BREEAM score.
Prepare for Certification
BREEAM certification involves specific documentation and submission processes. Your assessor ensures that all the necessary evidence is gathered, organised, and presented in a clear and comprehensive manner, in line with BREEAM requirements. Their expertise in the certification process streamlines the journey and minimises the potential for delays or issues.
Collaboration is Key
The best BREEAM assessments are collaborative efforts. Your assessor works closely with your architects, engineers, construction teams, and other stakeholders. This open communication ensures that sustainability goals are integrated into all aspects of the project and translates the assessor’s recommendations into actionable strategies on the ground.
Finding the Right Assessor
Partnering with a qualified and experienced BREEAM assessor is essential for a successful and beneficial assessment process. Consider the following when making your selection:
- Accreditation: Ensure the assessor holds appropriate BREEAM accreditation, demonstrating their competence and qualifications.
- Experience: Seek assessors with a proven track record in projects similar to yours in terms of type, scale, and sustainability ambitions.
- Communication and Collaboration Style: A clear communicator and team player is essential. The assessor should be able to effectively translate complex sustainability concepts to different stakeholders and foster collaboration throughout the project.
Professionals, like those at Focus360, offer valuable expertise that can streamline your journey toward BREEAM certification. Their knowledge and experience help you navigate the process efficiently and achieve the best possible outcome for your project.
BREEAM: Building a Better Future
BREEAM certification not only demonstrates your commitment to sustainability but also offers a strategic path for creating buildings with lasting value. Through reduced operational costs, increased market appeal, and enhanced occupant well-being, BREEAM-guided design translates into tangible benefits for both developers and the environment. By partnering with a qualified BREEAM assessor, you gain the expertise necessary to optimise your project’s sustainability performance, unlock these benefits, and make a positive contribution to the built environment.