In a world where sustainability is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of responsible business practice, the construction and real estate industries are under increasing pressure to adopt green building standards. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, I recently had a conversation with James Turner, a sustainability consultant at Calfordseaden, who shared his insights on the importance and benefits of LEED and BREEAM certifications.
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James began by explaining the core concepts of these certifications. “LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized green building certification program,” he said. “It provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Similarly, BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.”
The conversation took an informative turn as James elaborated on the curriculum of a recently introduced course aimed at professionals in the industry. “The course will cover the core concepts and benefits of LEED certification,” he noted. “Participants will gain an understanding of how LEED certification can lead to significant reductions in energy and water use, as well as improved indoor environmental quality.” James stressed that the course also delves into the importance of sustainable site development and material selection, which are crucial for the long-term sustainability of buildings.
When asked about the practical benefits of LEED certification, James was quick to highlight several key points. “LEED-certified buildings are not only more environmentally friendly, but they also offer substantial economic benefits,” he explained. “These buildings often see lower operating costs and increased asset value. Additionally, there is a growing market demand for green buildings, making LEED certification a valuable asset for property owners and developers.”
James then shifted the focus to BREEAM certification, another pivotal topic in our discussion. “Investing in BREEAM certification not only enhances the sustainability of a building but also ensures compliance with stringent environmental standards,” he said. “BREEAM assessments cover a wide range of categories including energy, water, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes.”
According to James, one of the standout features of BREEAM certification is its adaptability. “BREEAM is versatile and can be applied to new builds, refurbishments, and in-use buildings,” he noted. “This flexibility allows for a comprehensive approach to sustainability, taking into account the entire lifecycle of a building.”
Our conversation naturally gravitated towards the broader implications of these certifications, particularly in light of the recently released RICS 2023 Sustainability Report. James expressed concern over the report’s findings, especially the significant gap in the measurement of embodied carbon in construction projects. “The report reveals that about 43% of professionals do not measure embodied carbon emissions, which is alarming,” he stated. “This is a crucial area that needs immediate attention if we are to make meaningful progress towards reducing our carbon footprint.”
James also touched upon the investment hurdles highlighted in the RICS report. “High initial costs are a major barrier to investing in green buildings,” he acknowledged. “However, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. Green buildings tend to have lower operating costs, and as market demand for sustainable buildings grows, their asset value increases.”
The discussion took a reflective turn as James pondered on the need for clearer Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards in the UK. “Clearer EPC standards could be a game-changer,” he mused. “They would not only encourage investment in energy efficiency but also lead to greener building practices across the board.”
In conclusion, James emphasised that the journey towards sustainability is a collective effort. “The construction sector’s contribution to global emissions is significant,” he reminded. “Without reducing both embodied and operational emissions from buildings, achieving global emission targets will remain a distant goal. It’s essential for us, as industry professionals, to champion the adoption of standardised, rigorous carbon assessment methods and strive towards a more sustainable future.”
As I wrapped up my conversation with James, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by his dedication to sustainability. His insights reinforced the importance of certifications like LEED and BREEAM in driving the construction industry towards a greener future. For professionals in the field, understanding and embracing these certifications is not just a professional obligation but a moral one as well.
John Williams
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