Hitting the Bullseye: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving BREEAM Certification

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and objectives. It offers actionable steps, from initial assessment to incorporating sustainability measures, ensuring your project aligns with BREEAM criteria. By following this guide, you can navigate the certification process effectively and create environmentally sound buildings.

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Main Story

Alright, let’s talk about BREEAM certification. Getting it can feel like climbing a mountain, I know, but honestly? It’s a really worthwhile journey, if you do it right. It’s all about getting those goals and objectives clear from the get-go, and making sure your project ticks all the boxes for sustainability. Think of it as setting a really solid foundation for a building that’s not just great to look at, but great for the environment too. So where do you even start?

First up, getting to grips with the BREEAM criteria. You’ve gotta know the rules of the game, right? I mean, there’s a whole range of assessment categories, ratings, and specific criteria that vary depending on whether it’s new construction, a refurb, or a building in use. So, do your research. Understanding this inside and out sets the stage for effective goal setting; it’s like having the map before you start the hike.

Next, think of a ‘pre-assessment’. This is key. It’s like getting a health check for your project before you go all in. It involves looking at your building’s design, construction, and even how you plan to operate it – all through the BREEAM lens. And, hey, a licensed BREEAM assessor? They’re worth their weight in gold at this stage; they can highlight potential pitfalls, suggesting where you could improve things, and help you understand how feasible your goals actually are, plus the costs associated with it. Trust me, it saves headaches later.

Then, it’s time for the SMART goals. We’re talking Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying “we’re gonna save energy!” try something like “We’re going to knock 20% off energy consumption compared to our baseline within two years.” See the difference? It gives you something real to aim for and helps you keep track of progress. I remember on a project, we didn’t do this, it was a disaster. The project was like a ship lost at sea!

After that, you’ll want a strong sustainability strategy. Now, this isn’t just a piece of paper, this is the blueprint for how you’re actually going to meet the BREEAM requirements. Think about energy-efficient systems, water-saving stuff, sustainable materials, managing waste effectively, and making sure the building is actually healthy for the people using it. It’s all connected, after all. On the other hand, if you neglect one key area, you could be hurting your certification, it’s always the hidden things that get you.

Now, integrating BREEAM from the get-go. From the initial design stages, you’ve got to bake BREEAM in. Get your architects, engineers, and contractors involved early and make it a collaborative process. Consider things like, which way does your building face, how much natural light is going to come in, how is the building going to perform thermally, and how good is the air quality going to be? It’s a bit like, a recipe needs all the right ingredients, right? And when you build from the ground up with a plan, you save so much time, and money later.

And then there’s construction. Make sure the construction team is fully clued up on the BREEAM plan. Regular site check ups, and team meetings are essential, so you can track progress and sort out any issues that pop up ASAP, because they always do. It might seem like a lot, but it keeps everything on track, believe me.

Don’t forget monitoring. Throughout the lifecycle of the project – that’s design, construction, and operation – it’s important to keep a close eye on performance. And document it all. I mean, what gets measured, gets managed, or so they say. So look at energy, water use, waste, the building’s internal environment, and even how happy the people using the space are. It isn’t just about meeting the requirements of BREEAM it’s also how you ensure ongoing improvement.

Finally, a BREEAM assessor is absolutely essential, they’re your expert guide. Engage them early to maximize their input and streamline the whole certification process. It’s worth it! That said, BREEAM often reward those who go above and beyond. If you want to make a real splash, try some innovative solutions; cutting edge tech, new materials, or adopting a circular approach.

By following these steps and putting in the effort, you can successfully achieve BREEAM certification, which really is a fantastic thing. It helps the environment, of course, but, it also boosts the value of your building, makes it more marketable, and, importantly, improves the wellbeing of those who are using it. What’s not to like?