Boosting Wellbeing: A Guide to Achieving BREEAM Health and Wellbeing Credits

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing BREEAM health and wellbeing credits. It covers key areas such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and daylighting, offering actionable steps to enhance occupant wellbeing and achieve a higher BREEAM rating. By following these tips, developers can create healthier, more sustainable buildings that benefit both occupants and the environment.

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** Main Story**

So, you’re aiming for a top-notch BREEAM rating, huh? That’s fantastic! As you probably know, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the global standard for sustainable buildings. Getting a high score shows you’re serious about the environment, and a big chunk of that comes down to the Health and Wellbeing category. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about crafting spaces where people actually thrive. Let’s break down how you can ace those Health and Wellbeing credits.

1. Fresh Air, Fresh Minds: Optimizing Indoor Air Quality

Think about it, what’s more fundamental than clean air? BREEAM cares deeply about this, checking everything from ventilation rates to the materials you use. If the air is stale, people will feel it. And, believe me, they will complain about it.

• Ventilation is Key: Design with generous ventilation. We’re talking a constant stream of fresh air to wash away indoor pollutants. It’s not just about opening a window; its about engineering clean air into the building.
• Filter Like a Pro: High-efficiency air filters? Absolutely. Get those dust, pollen, and mystery particles out!
• Low-VOC Love: Choose materials that don’t off-gas nasty stuff. Low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are your friends.

2. Goldilocks Zone: Achieving Thermal Comfort

Temperature matters, a lot. You don’t want people shivering in July or sweating in January. I remember one office I worked in where it was always freezing. Productivity plummeted. BREEAM looks at insulation, glazing, and your HVAC system to judge thermal comfort.

• Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: Good insulation is essential for keeping the temperature steady, come rain or shine.
• Smart Glazing Choices: High-performance glazing that lets in light but keeps out excessive heat. You don’t want a greenhouse effect, believe me.
• HVAC That Works: A well-designed HVAC system that regulates temperature reliably. Plus, individual controls are a plus!

3. Let There Be Light: Maximizing Daylight

Natural light isn’t just about saving energy; it’s a mood booster. Plus, who wants to work under harsh fluorescent lights all day? BREEAM looks at window size, placement, and how well daylight reaches different areas.

• Go Big on Windows: Big windows let in lots of natural light, its as simple as that.
• Strategic Placement: Position windows to spread daylight evenly. Think about how the sun moves throughout the day.
• Glare Control is Critical: Utilize shading to minimize glare and prevent overheating. Blinds, overhangs, you name it. If people can’t see their screens, they will be unhappy!

4. Shhh! Minimizing Noise Pollution

Ever tried concentrating next to a noisy HVAC system? It’s torture. Noise pollution is a productivity killer and BREEAM acknowledges this.

• Sound Insulation Matters: Use sound-absorbing materials to block noise between spaces.
• Silence the Machines: Implement noise control measures for HVAC and other equipment. The quieter the better.
• Create Quiet Zones: Designate quiet areas for focused work or relaxation. Think libraries, but in an office.

5. Beyond the Basics: Little Extras Can Make a Big Difference

So you’ve nailed the big stuff? Awesome. Let’s go the extra mile. These are some additional factors that will help you get those coveted Health and Wellbeing Credits.

• Nature Connection: Incorporate greenery. Rooftop gardens, indoor plants – anything that brings nature indoors. Remember, biophilic design principles can make a big difference.
• Encourage Activity: Promote physical activity with stairs and bicycle storage. Make it easy and appealing to be active during the work day. For example, make the stairs an appealing option to use by including art on the walls, or an interesting design.
• Occupant Control: Give people control over their environment – adjustable lighting, temperature, etc. People like autonomy, and will be more likely to report that they are comfortable in their work environment.

In conclusion, really focusing on occupant wellbeing is a clever move. By building healthier and more comfortable spaces, we’re not only meeting BREEAM requirements, but investing in the people who use those spaces every day. And that, let’s be honest, makes good business sense.