How to Achieve BREEAM Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as choosing the right BREEAM scheme, appointing an assessor, conducting pre-assessments, and implementing sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of early planning, collaboration, and ongoing monitoring for a successful BREEAM assessment. By following these steps, building projects can minimize their environmental impact and achieve a higher BREEAM rating.

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Main Story

Alright, let’s talk BREEAM certification. It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a real commitment to building sustainably, and frankly, it can seriously boost a project’s value. You know, something I think we all should be striving for. So, how do you actually get there? Let’s break it down.

1. Getting a Grip on BREEAM:

BREEAM, or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a big deal globally. It’s a standard for measuring how sustainable buildings are. We’re talking everything from energy efficiency to waste management; they look at all of it. And, you’ve got to understand there are different BREEAM schemes out there. You can’t use the same template for a new build and a refurb, right? So, get familiar with the different options that fit various project types like new builds, refurbishments, or in-use buildings. It’s crucial to know the landscape before diving in.

2. Laying Out Your Goals:

Before you even start, you’ve got to ask yourself, “What are we trying to achieve here?” Seriously. You’ve got to set clear, measurable sustainability goals that mesh with BREEAM’s criteria. It’s not enough to just want to ‘be sustainable’; aim for a specific rating – pass, good, very good, excellent, even outstanding. That’ll determine the effort and resources needed. Setting clear targets is key, ensuring everyone on the team is on the same page. It’s like mapping out your route before a road trip; you wouldn’t just drive aimlessly, would you?

3. Picking the Right BREEAM Scheme:

As I touched on, not all schemes are equal. BREEAM tailors its assessment to different project types – new construction, refurbishments, existing buildings in use, you name it. Choosing the right one is vital, it can make or break your success. Think about the building’s purpose, size, etc. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to chat with a BREEAM assessor; they’re the experts.

4. Finding the Right Assessor:

Speaking of experts, a licensed BREEAM assessor is your guide through all of this. It’s like having a sherpa on a mountain climb. They’ll advise you on meeting requirements, conduct assessments, and submit the final report. And trust me, engage them early, preferably during the design stage. This helps embed sustainability from the get-go. A good assessor is worth their weight in gold.

5. The Pre-Assessment Pit Stop:

Before any big decisions are set in stone do a thorough pre-assessment. Consider it a dress rehearsal. This step highlights areas needing improvement and helps gauge your likely BREEAM rating. It’s a smart move as it flags challenges and opportunities early on allowing you to tweak your strategy. It’s much better to address these things before you’re too far in, trust me.

6. Registering Your Project:

Once you’ve got everything lined up, it’s time to officially register your project with BREEAM. Think of it as making your intentions official. Go to their website and get it done.

7. Implementing Sustainable Practices – The Heart of it All:

Okay, this is where the rubber hits the road. It’s about putting all those plans into action, across design, construction, and operations. Let’s focus on some key areas:

• Energy Efficiency: Think energy-saving tech and smart strategies to cut consumption.
• Water Conservation: Install efficient fixtures and landscaping to save water. Simple as that.
• Sustainable Materials: Select eco-friendly materials considering their lifecycle. Not all materials are created equal.
• Waste Management: Implement waste reduction and recycling. Construction sites can generate a lot of waste, so this is really important.
• Indoor Environmental Quality: Ensure great indoor air, lots of natural light, and comfortable temperatures for your occupants. Happy people, right?

8. Keeping an Eye on Things:

Throughout the project, monitor and document your building’s performance against the BREEAM criteria. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Regular inspections, data collection, and meetings are vital. You need to stay on track, make tweaks if necessary, and have solid records of your sustainability efforts. I remember on a previous project the amount of time we saved just from regular updates. Communication was crucial.

9. The Final Submission:

When everything’s done, your assessor will get all the paperwork together and send off the final assessment for BRE to review.

10. Certification – the Sweet Reward:

And… if all goes well, you’ll achieve BREEAM certification! It’s a public recognition of your hard work, commitment to sustainability, and it can definitely boost your market value and makes the project a lot more attractive to tenants who care about environmental impact. It’s a win-win.

So, to wrap it up, achieving BREEAM certification is a journey that involves careful planning, collaboration with experts, and rigorous monitoring. You really can’t cut corners, you need to be all in. It’s challenging, sure, but honestly, it’s worth it for the sustainable and valuable buildings we’re creating. In my humble opinion, it’s the future of construction.