BREEAM Certification: A Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as selecting the right standard, conducting a pre-assessment, and implementing sustainable strategies. It also highlights the benefits of BREEAM certification, including improved environmental performance, reduced operating costs, and enhanced occupant well-being. By following the advice in this guide, you can navigate the BREEAM certification process successfully and create sustainable, high-performing buildings.

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** Main Story**

So, you’re looking to get BREEAM certification? That’s a solid move. Achieving that BREEAM certification is no small feat, but it’s a huge step toward creating buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also sustainable for the long haul. Let’s break down how to navigate this process without getting lost in the weeds.

Understanding BREEAM: The Lay of the Land

BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is essentially the gold standard when it comes to assessing a building’s environmental performance globally. Think of it as a comprehensive checklist, covering everything from energy efficiency to how happy and healthy the occupants are. The main categories that BREEAM assess include:

• Energy efficiency, so you’re not burning through resources
• Water usage, making sure you’re being water-wise
• Health and well-being, happy occupants are productive occupants
• Materials, opting for the sustainable stuff
• Waste management, less landfill, more recycling
• Land use, using land responsibly
• Pollution control, keeping things clean
• Transport, encouraging green commuting
• And innovation, because pushing boundaries is always good. Really understanding these categories and the criteria behind them is key. It’s the foundation for a successful BREEAM journey, trust me.

The Steps: Your BREEAM Roadmap

Alright, let’s get practical. Here’s how you actually get that BREEAM certification.

1. Pick the Right BREEAM Standard: BREEAM isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. There are different standards for different project types – new builds, refurbishments, buildings already in use, and even entire communities. Make sure you’re using the right checklist for your project.
2. Get a Licensed BREEAM Assessor on Board: This is non-negotiable. Think of them as your BREEAM sherpa. They’ll guide you, conduct the assessments, and help you craft a sustainability strategy tailored to your project. The earlier you involve them, the better – they can help you spot opportunities you might miss.
3. Pre-Assessment is Key: Before the official assessment, a pre-assessment is your chance to see where you stand. It’s like a practice run. It helps you identify areas where you’re doing well and, more importantly, where you need to improve. This helps you set realistic goals and avoid nasty surprises later on.
4. Craft a Sustainability Strategy: Now, work with your assessor to build a detailed plan that tackles all the relevant BREEAM criteria. This strategy should spell out exactly what you’ll do to boost energy efficiency, conserve water, manage waste, and so on. The golden rule? Integrate BREEAM considerations from the very start of the design phase. This is where I see most people coming unstuck, failing to plan from the start. For example, I remember once on a major industrial project that the client didn’t think about water recycling at the initial design phase. As a result, significant additional costs and delays arose later in the project.
5. Implement, Document, Repeat: Put your sustainability strategy into action during both the design and construction phases. This isn’t a set-and-forget situation. And, crucially, keep detailed records of everything you do. Sustainable materials? Log it. Green construction techniques? Document it. This is your evidence of compliance, so don’t skimp on the paperwork.
6. The Formal BREEAM Assessment: Once the building’s up, your assessor will conduct the official assessment. They’ll pore over your documentation, visit the site, and verify that everything meets BREEAM’s standards. If they spot any gaps, address them quickly.
7. Certification and Beyond: Pass the assessment, and you’ll get your BREEAM certification and rating. But it doesn’t end there! You need to keep monitoring the building’s performance to make sure it stays compliant with BREEAM standards.

Boosting Your BREEAM Score: Pro Tips

Want to really ace your BREEAM assessment? Here’s some extra advice:

• Early Integration is Key: Get BREEAM into the mix from day one of the design process. This helps you optimize sustainability measures from the get-go.
• Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate: Your BREEAM assessor is your ally. Lean on their expertise throughout the project. They have invaluable knowledge that is crucial in this process.
• Think Outside the Box: BREEAM rewards innovation. Look for creative solutions that go beyond the norm.
• Lifecycle Analysis Matters: Assess the environmental impact of your design choices and material selections over the building’s entire lifespan.
• Embrace Smart Tech: Smart building systems can significantly boost your BREEAM rating.
• Energy Efficiency First: A big chunk of the BREEAM assessment revolves around energy performance, so make it a priority.
• User-Friendly Design: Design the building with the comfort and well-being of its occupants in mind. The easier a building is to use and occupy, the better.
• Sustainable Materials are Non-Negotiable: Opt for materials with a low environmental impact and construction methods that are resource-efficient.
• Water Conservation is Crucial: Implement water-efficient fixtures and landscaping practices.

So, there you have it. Getting BREEAM certification is a challenge, no doubt, but it’s a worthwhile one. Not only does it reduce operational costs and improve occupant well-being, but it also boosts your building’s market value and shows that you’re serious about environmental responsibility. Worth it, don’t you think?