Unlocking BREEAM: Your Certification Guide

Summary

This article provides a clear, actionable, step-by-step guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key aspects such as understanding the process, assembling a team, conducting assessments, and implementing sustainable strategies. It emphasizes the importance of early planning and collaboration for optimizing resource use and maximizing returns. By following these tips, building owners and developers can navigate the certification process effectively.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Cracking the Code: Your BREEAM Certification Roadmap

So, you’re thinking about going for BREEAM certification? Excellent choice. It’s a serious badge of honor when it comes to showing the world you’re committed to sustainable building. This guide is designed to cut through the jargon and give you a clear, actionable path to achieving that certification.

What Exactly Is BREEAM, Anyway?

BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method if you want the full mouthful, is a globally recognized benchmark. Think of it as a sustainability report card for buildings. It scrutinizes everything from the initial design to how the building operates day-to-day, checking for things like energy efficiency, responsible water usage, smart material choices, and even how it impacts the health and well-being of the people inside. The higher your BREEAM score, the better you’re doing.

Step 1: Setting Your Sights and Picking the Right ‘Flavor’ of BREEAM

First things first: what do you really want to achieve? Are you dead-set on slashing energy bills? Maybe you’re passionate about minimizing water waste, or perhaps it’s all about creating a healthier indoor environment. Pinpointing those goals is key. Once you’re clear on your objectives, you’ll need to pick the right BREEAM scheme. Now, BREEAM isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. They’ve got different versions tailored to different project types – new builds, existing structures, renovations, even entire communities. Picking the perfect scheme is important, it ensures the assessment lines up perfectly with what you’re trying to do.

Step 2: Assembling Your A-Team and Getting Them Involved Early

You can’t do this alone. You’ll need a solid team in your corner – architects, engineers, contractors, maybe even a dedicated sustainability consultant. And here’s a pro tip: get a licensed BREEAM assessor on board ASAP. I mean, right from the beginning. This is crucial. Seriously. That assessor’s your guide, your translator, your sustainability guru. They know the BREEAM standards inside and out, and they’ll make sure your project ticks all the right boxes. Plus, they can spot potential problems early on, saving you a headache (and money!) down the line. Trust me, I once saw a project almost derailed because they brought in the assessor way too late. It wasn’t pretty.

That said, early collaboration enables seamless integration of sustainability from day one.

Step 3: Time to Assess and Implement Those Eco-Friendly Ideas

Time to put your building under the microscope! A pre-assessment is where you get a clear picture of where you stand against BREEAM criteria. It’s all about identifying those areas where you can improve. This pre-assessment helps you formulate your sustainability strategy, which should encompass actionable steps to elevate your building’s performance. Think high-efficiency HVAC systems, integrating renewable energy sources, using water-saving fixtures, opting for eco-friendly materials, and implementing effective waste management. Put these strategies into practice throughout design and construction. Don’t forget consistent monitoring and adjustments to keep your project on course. This isn’t a set and forget it process.

Step 4: Documentation: Your Best Friend and Final Assessment

Document everything. I can’t stress this enough. Keep meticulous records of every sustainability measure you implement. This documentation is your proof, your evidence that you’re playing by the BREEAM rules. Once the building is finished, your BREEAM assessor will conduct a final evaluation. Following which, the assessor submits the results to the BREEAM certification body for review and verification.

Step 5: Celebration! And Then… More Work

If all goes well – and it will, if you’ve followed these steps – your building will earn its BREEAM certification and rating, ranging from a simple ‘Pass’ all the way up to ‘Outstanding’. Don’t be shy about showing off your achievement! Promote that rating. It’ll boost your building’s appeal, attract eco-conscious tenants, and impress potential investors. That said, you can’t rest on your laurels. Maintaining those high sustainability standards requires ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement. Is there any way to further improve energy efficiency? Is there a new approach to water saving you could impliment? Keeping on top of your building’s performance is vital.

So, there you have it. With careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the benefits of BREEAM certification – not only for your building but for the planet, too. You’ll be well on your way to optimizing resource use, maximizing returns, and contributing to a greener built environment.