Unlocking BREEAM Excellence: Your Certification Guide

Summary

This article provides actionable steps to achieve BREEAM certification, covering key aspects like early integration, assessor collaboration, and focusing on specific criteria. From understanding the process to leveraging technology, this guide offers valuable insights for a successful BREEAM journey. Achieve BREEAM excellence by following these expert tips!

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, let’s talk about BREEAM. In today’s business climate, you really can’t afford to ignore sustainable building practices anymore. And that’s where BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) comes in. It’s become a leading global standard for figuring out how well buildings are performing environmentally. Getting BREEAM certification isn’t just about showing you care about sustainability, it’s also about boosting market value, cutting costs, and making things better for the people who use the building. Basically, it’s a win-win. So, let’s break down how you can navigate the BREEAM certification process and really nail it.

Early Integration: Get Ahead of the Game

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t start a marathon without stretching, right? Same goes for BREEAM. You need to weave the BREEAM framework into your project from the get-go, during the initial planning and design phases. By being proactive, you make it easier to fold sustainable solutions right into the project’s DNA. This maximizes their impact and, crucially, avoids nasty surprises like increased costs or project delays.

Trust me, trying to shoehorn in sustainability features later? Yeah, that can get really expensive and it’s never quite as effective. It’s a bit like trying to add seasoning to a cake after it’s baked, you just won’t get the same flavor. I remember on one project, we tried to add solar panels at the last minute, and it was a complete nightmare. Don’t let that be you. Plan ahead!

Your BREEAM Sherpa: The Assessor

A licensed BREEAM assessor? They’re your best friend, seriously. Their expertise is vital for getting your head around the specifics of the BREEAM scheme you’ve chosen. They’ll decode the criteria, communicate effectively with your team, and, help you gather all the proof you need to submit, which can be a headache, I won’t lie. So, get an assessor on board ASAP to get the most bang for your buck.

Finding a qualified and licensed assessor familiar with your project type is, essential. It is essential they are experienced in your particular niche, as the last thing you want is someone learning on the job.

Cracking the Code: BREEAM Categories

So, BREEAM looks at a bunch of different categories. The weightings will shift depending on the scheme and project type, but you’ll generally be looking at areas like energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, transport, health, well-being, and how the whole thing’s managed. Keep these in mind from the start to maximize your score. I mean, who wouldn’t want to ace the test, right?

Here are some additional tips to focus on in this area:

• Prioritize the categories that are weighted heavier in order to maximize your returns.
• Do your research, to know exactly what each category is specifically looking for.
• Remember that innovation is also rewarded, don’t be afraid to explore opportunities to go beyond the standard requirements

Pre-Assessment: A Sneak Peek

Want to know how you’re doing before you submit your project for real? A pre-assessment is your crystal ball. It helps you see where you’re doing well and where you need to up your game, so you can fine-tune your strategies before the final assessment. See it as a roadmap to boost your sustainability game and snag a higher rating which boosts your building’s value, and that’s always a good thing.

Tech to the Rescue

Let’s face it, technology can be a game-changer. Think smart building systems, automation – occupancy detection, smart lighting, fancy HVAC systems… all that jazz. This optimizes energy efficiency, slashes water consumption, and pumps up the indoor environmental quality. That’s higher BREEAM scores and long-term cost savings, what’s not to love?

Water, Water Everywhere…But Let’s Save Some

Water conservation, it’s a big deal with BREEAM. Strategies such as:

• Rainwater harvesting,
• Graywater recycling,
• Water-efficient fixtures

These things all minimize water consumption and achieve water credits. Smart water management systems can further optimize water usage and detect leaks early on, reducing waste and operational costs. Why not explore water-saving tech to go above and beyond the minimum requirements? It will rack you up those extra points.

Happy People, Happy Planet: Occupant Well-being

Let’s not forget the people using the building! Create an indoor environment that’s healthy and comfy. Think good lighting, clean air, comfy temperature, and designs that are ergonomic. A comfortable pleasant spaces maximizes the occupants’ experience.

Sustainable Materials: From the Ground Up

Go for sustainable, responsibly sourced materials that don’t trash the environment. Look for materials with recycled content, think about how long they’ll last, and make sure your waste management during construction and operation is top-notch. Using sustainably sourced materials significantly reduces your project’s environmental footprint, it’s a no brainer. And look for local sourcing options when available. It’s a little thing, but it all adds up.

Keep on Keeping On: Continuous Improvement

BREEAM isn’t a one-and-done thing; it’s a commitment. Keep an eye on how your building’s performing, make improvements as needed, and stay in the loop on the latest BREEAM standards and best practices. That’s how you keep your building environmentally responsible and valuable over time. Regular reviews and maintenance is how you ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion: A Greener Tomorrow, Together

Look, BREEAM certification isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s about creating buildings that are good for the environment, good for business, and good for the people who use them. And in the end, that’s what it’s all about, don’t you think? So, kick off your BREEAM journey today and help build a greener future.