BREEAM Certification: A Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as selecting the right scheme, appointing an assessor, conducting pre-assessments, and understanding the certification levels. It also emphasizes the importance of early planning and stakeholder communication for a successful BREEAM certification journey. By following this guide, you can navigate the BREEAM certification process effectively and achieve your sustainability goals.

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** Main Story**

BREEAM Certification: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sustainable Building

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable buildings. Achieving this certification demonstrates your commitment to environmentally responsible construction and operation, leading to numerous benefits such as reduced energy consumption, enhanced marketability, and improved occupant well-being. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to achieving BREEAM certification.

Step 1: Select the Right BREEAM Scheme

BREEAM offers various assessment schemes tailored to different building types and project stages. Carefully analyze your project’s characteristics, such as its purpose (residential, commercial, industrial), size, and whether it’s a new construction, renovation, or in-use building. Choosing the appropriate scheme ensures a focused and efficient assessment process. For example, BREEAM Communities applies to planning stages, BREEAM New Construction to design and construction, and BREEAM In-Use to operational buildings. BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out addresses renovations, while BREEAM Infrastructure focuses on civil engineering projects.

Step 2: Appoint a Licensed BREEAM Assessor

A licensed assessor is crucial for navigating the BREEAM certification process. They provide expert guidance on meeting the scheme’s requirements, conduct assessments, and submit necessary documentation. Engage an assessor early in your project to benefit from their expertise throughout the design and construction phases. They can help you maximize your BREEAM score by identifying the best solutions for compliance and assisting with target setting and performance monitoring. A good assessor will also ensure smooth communication between your design team and the certification body.

Step 3: Conduct a Pre-Assessment

A pre-assessment helps estimate your project’s potential BREEAM rating and identify areas for improvement. This voluntary exercise provides valuable insights into your project’s strengths and weaknesses regarding sustainability, allowing you to adjust your strategies and maximize your score in the final assessment. Work closely with your assessor to understand the scoring criteria, set realistic goals, and improve your benchmark percentage scores.

Step 4: Register for the Assessment

Once you’ve completed the pre-assessment and implemented necessary improvements, officially register your project for the BREEAM assessment. Your assessor can typically assist you with this process. Early registration is recommended, especially for schemes like BREEAM New Construction, as some credits are tied to specific RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stages. For BREEAM In-Use, you can register your assets directly online or through a licensed BREEAM In-Use auditor.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Documentation

Thorough and accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with BREEAM criteria. Work with your assessor to gather all required evidence, ensuring it’s clearly labeled and organized. Use checklists and conduct thorough reviews to avoid submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation, which can delay the certification process and negatively impact your score.

Step 6: Understand the BREEAM Certification Levels

BREEAM ratings range from Pass to Outstanding, reflecting a building’s sustainability performance. Aiming for higher ratings such as Excellent or Outstanding can significantly enhance your building’s market value, attract environmentally conscious tenants and investors, and demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. However, achieving these higher levels requires innovative solutions and meticulous attention to detail.

Achieving BREEAM Excellence: Key Considerations

• Early Planning: Integrate BREEAM considerations from the earliest design stages to avoid costly retrofits and maximize your chances of achieving a high score. Early engagement with your assessor is essential for identifying opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls.

• Stakeholder Communication: Effective communication among all stakeholders—architects, contractors, engineers, and building owners—is essential for successful BREEAM certification. Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the project’s sustainability goals.

• Focus on Key Categories: While all BREEAM categories are important, certain categories, such as energy, health and well-being, and materials, typically carry more weight. Pay close attention to these categories to maximize your overall score.

• Innovation: BREEAM rewards innovation in sustainable building practices. Explore and implement innovative solutions to minimize your building’s environmental impact and potentially earn extra points.

By understanding these key considerations and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the BREEAM certification process and create truly sustainable buildings that benefit both the environment and your bottom line.