In the world of sustainable building certification, BREEAM holds a significant place, providing guidelines and a framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. However, as with any certification system, the devil is in the details, and understanding the intricacies of these processes is crucial. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Oliver Reid, an experienced BREEAM assessor, to delve into the specifics of conducting a Post-Construction Review (PCR) for a certified design stage assessment.
Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.
Oliver, who has been involved with BREEAM assessments for over a decade, began by explaining the importance of PCRs in the lifecycle of a BREEAM assessment. “A PCR is essentially a verification step,” he noted. “It’s where we confirm that the design intentions have been realised in the actual construction. It’s a vital process because it ensures the building meets the sustainability standards that were set out during the design stage.”
One of the key aspects Oliver highlighted was the common misconception that a new assessment registration is required for a PCR. “This can be a point of confusion,” he said. “But the BREEAM Knowledge Base clearly states that when completing a PCR, it is not necessary to submit a new assessment registration. The PCR is a continuation of the design stage assessment, not a separate entity.”
Oliver went on to explain the procedural simplicity of initiating a PCR within the BREEAM Projects platform. “For those of us doing it regularly, it’s quite straightforward,” he assured. “You start by locating your certified design stage assessment in your project folders on BREEAM Projects. If it’s your own assessment, starting a PCR is just a matter of a few clicks.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining clear and comprehensive records throughout the project stages. “Record keeping is crucial,” he stressed. “Under BREEAM guidelines, all documentation and evidence must be maintained for at least ten years following the submission of the report to BRE Global. This isn’t just about meeting compliance for the sake of it; it’s about ensuring that the building’s sustainability credentials can be verified long after the project is completed.”
One of the challenges Oliver mentioned was the addition of credits between stages. According to BREEAM’s protocol, additional credits can be added at the PCR stage, provided there is sufficient justification and evidence. “It’s a great opportunity to enhance the building’s rating if additional sustainable features have been implemented post-design,” Oliver explained. “However, it does require meticulous documentation and communication with the BREEAM QA team.”
Amendments to BREEAM certificates, another topic we touched upon, can arise if discrepancies are found post-certification. “If there’s an error in the information initially provided, amendments can be made,” Oliver said. “But it’s important to note that a certificate amendment fee will apply, so accuracy in documentation right from the start can save a lot of time and cost.”
Throughout our conversation, Oliver reiterated the importance of the assessor’s role in ensuring compliance and the integrity of the certification process. “Ultimately, the assessor is responsible for demonstrating compliance,” he concluded. “The assessor’s job is to provide a clear trail of evidence and a thorough thought process, which can be audited by BRE Global. It’s a responsibility we take seriously because it upholds the credibility of BREEAM as a certification.”
In wrapping up our discussion, it was clear that the PCR process is not just a bureaucratic hurdle but a crucial step in verifying and enhancing the sustainability of a building. Oliver’s insights underscore the complexity and importance of the assessor’s role in this journey, ensuring that sustainable design intentions are genuinely realised in practice.
For those involved in BREEAM assessments, understanding the nuances of the PCR process can make a significant difference in achieving and maintaining certification, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
Emily Thompson
Be the first to comment