When I sat down with Emily, a sustainability consultant with over a decade of experience in the field, I knew I was in for a conversation filled with insights about one of the most respected sustainability assessment methods in the world: BREEAM. As someone who has guided numerous projects to achieve BREEAM certification, Emily’s perspective was both enlightening and grounded in real-world application.
Tobiasz Karcz: Emily, can you start by explaining what drew you to work with BREEAM?
Emily: Absolutely, Tobiasz. My journey with BREEAM began when I realised that sustainable building practices were not just a trend but a necessity. BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating the sustainability of buildings. Its suite of schemes enables consistent and comparable assessments, which are crucial for developers and stakeholders aiming to boost their sustainability credentials.
Tobiasz Karcz: It sounds like BREEAM plays a pivotal role in the construction and real estate industry. Can you elaborate on how it facilitates sustainable development?
Emily: Certainly. BREEAM covers a wide range of criteria, from energy efficiency and water usage to health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes. What’s remarkable is its ability to provide a holistic view of a building’s sustainability. This comprehensive approach ensures that projects meet high environmental standards, which in turn enhances their marketability and long-term value.
Tobiasz Karcz: That’s fascinating. Could you share an example of a project you’ve worked on that achieved BREEAM certification?
Emily: One project that stands out is a mixed-use development in the heart of London. The developer was aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating, which is no small feat. We had to meticulously plan and implement strategies across all BREEAM categories. For instance, we incorporated high-efficiency HVAC systems, utilised renewable energy sources, and employed sustainable materials. The project also focused on occupant wellbeing by ensuring ample natural light, excellent indoor air quality, and green spaces.
Tobiasz Karcz: What were some of the challenges you faced during this project?
Emily: One of the biggest challenges was balancing the various sustainability targets with the budget constraints. Sustainable solutions can sometimes have higher upfront costs, although they often lead to savings in the long run. It required a lot of stakeholder engagement to ensure everyone understood the benefits of aiming for a high BREEAM rating. Another challenge was the complexity of the BREEAM criteria. Each point of assessment needed thorough documentation and evidence, which meant coordinating closely with architects, engineers, and contractors.
Tobiasz Karcz: How did the project ultimately benefit from achieving BREEAM certification?
Emily: Achieving BREEAM certification brought multiple benefits to the project. Firstly, it significantly boosted the development’s market appeal. Tenants are increasingly looking for sustainable spaces, and a BREEAM certification is a strong indicator of a building’s environmental performance. Secondly, it led to operational cost savings, especially in energy and water use. Lastly, it enhanced the wellbeing of the occupants, which is a crucial aspect of modern building design.
Tobiasz Karcz: You mentioned earlier that BREEAM provides a consistent and comparable assessment. Can you explain why this is important?
Emily: Consistency and comparability are key because they allow different projects to be evaluated against the same set of standards. This level playing field is essential for benchmarking and improving building performance across the industry. It also provides a clear and credible metric for investors and occupants who are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their decision-making processes.
Tobiasz Karcz: With climate change becoming a more pressing issue, do you see BREEAM’s role evolving in the future?
Emily: Definitely. BREEAM is continuously updated to reflect the latest environmental standards and best practices. As the focus on sustainability intensifies, I believe BREEAM will play an even more critical role in driving the construction industry towards greener practices. Its frameworks will likely become more stringent, pushing projects to adopt even more innovative and effective sustainability measures.
Tobiasz Karcz: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with BREEAM?
Emily: My advice would be to start with a good understanding of the BREEAM criteria and how they apply to your specific project. Engage with a qualified BREEAM assessor early in the process to guide you through the complexities. And most importantly, foster a collaborative environment among your project team. Sustainability is a collective effort, and successful BREEAM certification often hinges on effective teamwork and communication.
As I wrapped up my conversation with Emily, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her dedication and the tangible impact of her work. The BREEAM suite of schemes indeed enables consistent and comparable assessments, setting the gold standard for sustainability in the built environment. For anyone looking to elevate their sustainability credentials, achieving BREEAM certification is a commendable and rewarding journey.
Tobiasz Karcz
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