Boost Your BREEAM Score

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as early planning, assessor collaboration, and understanding the criteria. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials, construction techniques, and integrating BREEAM considerations from the project’s outset. By following these actionable steps, developers can improve their BREEAM rating and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, let’s talk about boosting your BREEAM score – because let’s face it, a high rating isn’t just a badge of honor, it seriously ups your project’s value. Think of it as the ultimate green seal of approval. So, how do you ace this? Well, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you moving in the right direction.

1. Get in Early, Plan Smart

First things first, dive into the BREEAM methodology headfirst. I mean, really get to know the assessment criteria like the back of your hand. You need to understand the scoring system, the different certification levels – the whole shebang. Now, here’s the kicker: start early, I mean as early as humanly possible. Ideally? During the initial design phases. Trust me, integrating sustainable practices from the get-go will save you from costly retrofits down the road. It’s like trying to add sprinkles after the cake is baked – messy and not nearly as effective. Plus, early engagement? It lets you set crystal-clear sustainability goals right from the start, which can significantly impact design.

2. Buddy Up with a BREEAM Assessor

Seriously, find yourself a qualified BREEAM assessor, and do it fast. Their expertise? Invaluable. They’re like your Yoda in this whole process. They can guide you through the BREEAM maze, conduct pre-assessments to spotlight areas begging for improvement, and ensure your project ticks all the necessary boxes. Not only that but they can also give you the lowdown on maximizing your score without blowing your budget. Remember that, budgets matter.

3. Know the Rules, Play the Game: Pre-Assessment Time!

This involves deep-diving into the specific demands of each category, from energy efficiency and water management to material selection and waste reduction. Do your homework, research the criteria, its really important. I remember on a recent project, the team thought they could wing the water management section, but a quick chat with the assessor highlighted some critical oversights, which thankfully we could account for in the early stages. Don’t make the same mistake, get informed, get a pre-assessment.

Conducting this pre-assessment helps estimate what BREEAM rating you might be able to achieve and where you can improve before the official assessment. This step is the key to refining strategies and maximizing your score.

Sustainable Materials and Construction

4. Sustainable Materials: The Core

Prioritizing sustainable materials with a minimal footprint should be the cornerstone of your project. Consider the full lifecycle of your materials: from extraction and manufacturing all the way to disposal and recycling. Opt for recycled or locally sourced materials whenever possible – think lower transportation emissions, supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win. And hey, what about innovative materials with smaller carbon footprints? And don’t forget the impact of material choices on indoor air quality, it’s a big deal.

5. Building Better: Sustainable Construction Techniques

Use construction techniques that prioritize efficiency and waste reduction. Modular construction, prefabrication, and off-site manufacturing? They can cut construction time, minimize waste, and improve overall efficiency. I’ve seen it myself, modular builds can be surprisingly effective, and can streamline the build process. Also consider the impact they have on the local area, with less mess, less noise and faster build times, what’s not to like? Implement strategies for waste segregation, recycling, and responsible disposal during construction, you can’t just skip this step.

Optimizing Energy and Water Management

6. Energy Efficiency: The Low Hanging Fruit

Design your building with energy efficiency top of mind. That means high-performance HVAC systems, LED lighting, smart building controls. Consider renewable energy sources, like solar panels or geothermal energy, to slash your building’s carbon footprint. Not sure where to start? Model your building’s energy performance; identify areas where you can optimize.

7. Water, Water Everywhere, But Let’s Conserve It

Install water-saving fixtures and technologies throughout the building: low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads. Think about rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation or non-potable uses. Your landscape design? It should feature drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems to reduce water consumption.

8. Breathe Easy: Prioritizing Indoor Air Quality

Create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Adequate ventilation, daylighting, thermal comfort, these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re essential. Use low-VOC materials to minimize indoor air pollution and promote the occupant well-being. Design spaces with access to natural light and views to boost occupant satisfaction. Trust me, people notice these things. Don’t forget the impact on their health and productivity.

9. Location, Location, Sustainable Location

Encourage sustainable transportation for the building occupants. A project I worked on in London did well by providing excellent transport links and bike storage facilities. Locate your project near public transport, provide bicycle storage, and promote walking and cycling. Consider car-sharing programs and minimize parking spaces. Think about how your site layout impacts the surrounding ecosystems and aim to promote biodiversity. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to assess and mitigate flood risk.

10. Document Everything, Submit Like a Pro

Keep meticulous documentation throughout the project to prove compliance with BREEAM requirements. Work closely with your assessor to compile all the necessary evidence and submit it for the formal assessment. Respond to any feedback from the assessors quickly and accurately, don’t leave them waiting for weeks, it’s a bad look. Make sure all your documentation is clear, concise, and easily accessible for review, so you can find what you need and when you need it.

Ultimately, boosting your BREEAM score is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about creating a genuinely sustainable building that benefits both the environment and its occupants. It requires a holistic approach, a dedication to detail, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?