Boosting Biodiversity: BREEAM Certification Guide

Summary

This article provides a practical guide to achieving BREEAM certification, emphasizing actionable steps for boosting your building’s ecological performance. From selecting the right BREEAM scheme to incorporating innovative solutions, we cover key strategies for maximizing your sustainability score. By following these steps, you can contribute to a greener built environment and enhance your building’s market value.

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Boosting Biodiversity: Your BREEAM Certification Playbook

So, you’re aiming for BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification, huh? Great choice! It’s not just a badge of honor; it’s a real commitment to building better, more sustainable spaces. Let’s break down how you can make it happen, focusing on boosting biodiversity and overall sustainability. Think of this as your actionable guide.

Phase 1: Setting the Stage

1. Pick the Right BREEAM Scheme: BREEAM’s got a scheme for nearly every building type and stage. Are you building from scratch? Renovating? Is it for infrastructure, or are the buildings in use? Make sure you choose the one that actually fits your project. Honestly, if you’re even a little unsure, grab a BREEAM professional. They’ll save you headaches down the road.

2. Get a BREEAM Assessor Onboard, ASAP: Trust me on this one, early collaboration with a qualified BREEAM assessor is an absolute must. It’s like having a seasoned guide through a dense forest. They’ll point out the pitfalls and help you snag the best score possible, plus they have insight into the certification process. Look for someone with solid experience, it is vital.

3. Do a Pre-Assessment: Think of it as a practice run. A pre-assessment helps you spot potential problems and, more importantly, opportunities before you’re too far in. This way, you can fine-tune your approach and hit those BREEAM targets more efficiently. Its much better to do this at the beginning of the project than realize you made mistakes towards the end.

4. Officially Register Your Project: Make it official! Register your project with the BRE. Doing so shows your commitment to BREEAM, plus, it gives you access to all sorts of helpful resources and support. You can’t get the accreditation unless you register it, so just get it done.

Phase 2: Building for Nature

1. Site Selection? Think Ecology First: Okay, I know this isn’t always possible, but if you’re still choosing a site, think green. Go for locations that won’t trash the local ecosystem. How close is public transport? Is there existing wildlife there? Could you actually improve the area’s ecology? Brownfield sites can be goldmines for this – reclaiming them is a big BREEAM win.

2. Water Efficiency is Key: Slash water use like it’s going out of style! Install water-efficient fixtures, think about rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling. Every drop saved helps.

3. Energy Performance – Crank It Up: Design for serious energy efficiency. Renewable energy sources are a no-brainer, of course, but also consider smart building tech, and really nail that building orientation and insulation.

Phase 3: Upping the Sustainability Game

1. Sustainable Materials All the Way: Go for recycled and locally sourced materials as much as you can. That cuts down on environmental impact and transportation emissions. Consider the entire lifecycle of the materials, from where they’re dug up to where they end up after demolition.

2. Indoor Air Quality is so Important: Don’t underestimate the value of a healthy indoor environment! Maximize natural light, make sure there’s good ventilation, and keep the temperature comfy. And don’t forget about acoustics and air quality – happy occupants are healthy occupants.

3. Waste Management Should be Effective: Seriously, implement serious waste reduction and recycling strategies from day one. That means minimizing construction waste, promoting robust recycling programs, and composting organic waste. You’d be surprised how much waste you could reduce if you put your mind to it.

Phase 4: Aiming Higher

1. Get Innovative With it: Don’t be afraid to push the envelope. Try new technologies, materials, or designs that take environmental performance to the next level. What does that mean? Well, for example, in one of my company’s new constructions, we had the idea of using a type of algae that absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, it worked out great!

2. Monitor, Adapt, Repeat: This isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ deal. Keep a close eye on building performance and tweak your strategies as needed. Regular check-ups help maintain those high sustainability standards. And ensure you still meet BREEAM criteria.

So, there you have it. Follow these steps, and not only will you achieve BREEAM certification and minimise your environmental impact, but you’ll boost your building’s market value and attract environmentally conscious tenants. It’s a win-win, and frankly, it’s the right thing to do.