In April 2023, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) unveiled a pivotal update to the BREEAM Quality Assurance (QA) process, which seeks to improve the precision and dependability of BREEAM assessments. This enhancement, detailed in the BREEAM Knowledge Base under the section “4 Operational,” introduces a more stringent framework for managing Non-Conformances (NCs) and aims to elevate the overall quality of submissions. In this article, we explore the critical elements of this new approach and its implications for BREEAM assessors.
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The revamped QA process has been meticulously crafted to ensure that assessments submitted for review are as accurate and comprehensive as possible. Assessors are now required to present assessments only when they are entirely confident in the accuracy of the provided information. This submission should be complemented by detailed assessor notes that directly reference specific criteria and compliance notes. This heightened scrutiny is aimed at reducing the incidence of NCs identified during audits, thereby enhancing the integrity of the assessment process.
A notable aspect of this update is the introduction of a halting mechanism that activates when an audit identifies a significant number of NCs. Specifically, if an assessment reaches 12 NCs, the audit process is halted, and no further issues are examined during that submission. This protocol applies to both initial submissions and resubmissions. The underlying rationale is to dissuade assessors from treating the QA process as a mere checking service and to encourage them to thoroughly address all feedback before resubmitting. This approach instils a sense of rigour and responsibility among assessors, ensuring they approach each submission with utmost diligence.
For initial submissions halted due to reaching the 12 NCs threshold, it implies that certain issues earmarked for audit remain unreviewed. In the case of resubmissions where the previous assessment also encountered 12 or more NCs, it signifies that some issues that previously received feedback have not been reassessed. In such scenarios, assessors must include a note indicating, “This issue has not been reaudited within this submission due to 12 NCs halt being applied.” It becomes imperative for assessors, when resubmitting, to meticulously action and implement all QA feedback across the assessment, encompassing issues that have not yet been reviewed. This may necessitate the submission of updated evidence for both assessed issues and those pending assessment.
Upon resubmission, the 12 issues with NCs raised will undergo reauditing. Should the overall NC count decrease, the remaining issues selected for audit will also be examined. However, if the assessment once again accrues 12 NCs, it results in a halt, and a QA Audit Failure charge is levied and invoiced on the subsequent submission. This charge also applies to third submissions and beyond. Nevertheless, exceptions are made for assessors submitting their inaugural assessment under a new scheme, wherein the halting mechanism is not enforced until their second submission. This exemption acknowledges the initial learning curve associated with new schemes and provides assessors with leeway to adapt.
When assessments are submitted multiple times with the same NCs identified, the QA process demands that assessors make substantial updates to reduce these NCs. If an assessment is submitted three or more times with the same number of NCs, a QA Failure Resubmission charge is imposed. To avert this, it is advisable for assessors to raise queries if there is any ambiguity with the QA feedback and resolve these issues before resubmitting. This proactive engagement with the QA process fosters clarity and ensures that assessors are equipped with the necessary information to make informed updates.
Overall, the April 2023 update to the BREEAM QA process signifies a decisive move towards ensuring higher quality and more accurate submissions. By instituting rigorous measures to manage NCs and encouraging assessors to thoroughly address feedback, BRE aims to bolster the credibility and reliability of BREEAM assessments. For assessors, this entails a heightened emphasis on accuracy, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive engagement with the QA process to secure successful certification outcomes. As the construction industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of these updates is essential for maintaining compliance and delivering sustainable, high-quality projects.
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