Green Certification Guide

Summary

This article guides you through the process of obtaining green building certifications, emphasizing BREEAM. It outlines the benefits, the process, and actionable steps to achieve BREEAM certification. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the complexities of green building certifications, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Your Guide to Green Building Certifications: Why and How to Get Certified

Let’s face it; green building certifications are more than just some passing fad. They really represent a solid commitment to the environment and to sustainable building practices, something that’s becoming increasingly important. In this guide, we’ll explore exactly why you should consider getting your building certified and offer some clear, actionable steps to achieve BREEAM certification – you know, one of the big players when it comes to global standards.

Why Go Green? The Benefits of Certification

Seriously, why should you bother with all this? Well, green certifications offer a ton of benefits, not just for building owners, but for the people who use the building and, of course, the planet. Think about it: you could see some serious cost savings by using less energy and water. Plus, improved indoor air quality does wonders for the health and well-being of everyone inside. And let’s not forget, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors becomes a whole lot easier when you can show you’re serious about sustainability.

Besides all that, it’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your company’s social responsibility. It can give your brand a real boost, and it contributes to a future that’s, well, a little less bleak. I remember working on a project a few years ago where we achieved LEED Gold certification; it not only felt good, but it also increased the property value significantly. Speaking of financial benefits, certified buildings often see higher lease rates and increased property values. What’s not to like?

BREEAM: A Deep Dive into a Leading Standard

So, what exactly is BREEAM? Well, it stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, and it started out in the UK. It’s now one of the most widely used methods for measuring a building’s sustainability performance worldwide. It takes a look at all sorts of things, from energy and water use to the health and well-being of occupants, pollution levels, transportation options, the materials used, waste management, and even land use.

Achieving BREEAM Certification: A Step-by-Step Approach

Getting BREEAM certification isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a structured process that needs careful planning and, honestly, a good bit of elbow grease. But don’t worry, it’s totally achievable! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

• 1. Project Assessment:
  • First, figure out which BREEAM scheme is the right fit for your project. Is it new construction? Or are you working on a refurbishment? There are different schemes for different project types.
  • Then, do a preliminary assessment. How does your project currently stack up against BREEAM criteria?
• 2. Appoint a BREEAM Assessor:
  • This is crucial: you need to engage a licensed BREEAM assessor. They’ll guide you through the entire process, offer expert advice (trust me, you’ll need it), and carry out the necessary assessments.
• 3. Develop a Sustainability Strategy:
  • Next, create a solid sustainability strategy that clearly outlines your project’s environmental goals. What are you aiming to achieve?
  • Make sure you integrate BREEAM requirements right into your design, construction, and operational plans from the get-go.
• 4. Evidence Collection and Documentation:
  • This is where the meticulous part comes in. You need to gather everything to prove that you’re meeting BREEAM criteria.
  • Keep detailed records of all your sustainable design and construction practices. Trust me, you’ll be thankful you did when it comes to the audit.
• 5. Submission and Review:
  • Once you’ve got everything together, submit your completed assessment and all supporting documentation to your BREEAM assessor.
  • They will review everything and give you feedback. Be prepared for revisions!
• 6. Certification Award:
  • If all goes well – and if you’ve followed the steps carefully – your project will receive its BREEAM certification rating. That could be a Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or even Outstanding. Imagine that!

Beyond BREEAM: Exploring Other Green Certifications

While we’ve focused on BREEAM here, remember that it’s not the only option out there. There are quite a few other certifications that cater to different building types and sustainability goals. For example, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is another major player, especially in the US. Then you’ve got things like the Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, and Energy Star. Honestly, choosing the right certification depends on exactly what you need for your project and where you are located.

Making Green Building a Reality: Tips for Success

• Early Integration: Get those sustainability considerations baked in from the beginning! The earlier, the better. You’ll get far better results that way.
• Collaboration: Keep everyone talking to each other. Foster open communication and collaboration between everyone involved in the project.
• Innovation: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Explore cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials to push the boundaries.
• Life-Cycle Thinking: Think about the whole picture, from construction all the way to demolition. What happens to the building at the end of its life?
• Continuous Improvement: Once you’ve got your certification, don’t just sit back and relax. Keep monitoring and evaluating your building’s performance. Where can you improve even further?

If you follow these steps and take a proactive approach to sustainability, you can transform your building into a true example of environmental responsibility. Plus, you get to enjoy all the benefits that come with green certification. As of today, March 13, 2025, this information reflects our best understanding of green building certifications. Just keep in mind that standards and specific requirements can change, so always double-check the latest guidelines.