BREEAM Certification: A Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification for your building projects, emphasizing the crucial role of TÜV SÜD. It outlines actionable steps, from initial design stages to post-construction assessment, and highlights key considerations for maximizing your BREEAM score. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your project meets the highest sustainability standards and gains a competitive edge.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Okay, so you’re looking to get BREEAM certified, that’s great! It’s definitely a badge of honor in the green building world. Getting that certification isn’t just about feeling good, it’s a real game-changer for your property. It’ll boost its value, slash operating costs, and show everyone you’re serious about sustainability. Now, it might seem daunting, but it’s totally achievable if you break it down into steps. And, honestly, getting a little help from a pro like TÜV SÜD can make a world of difference.

Getting Started Right: The Importance of Planning

1. Early Engagement is Key: Seriously, you can’t just tack BREEAM onto the end. Think of it as baking a cake, you wouldn’t throw the flour in at the last minute would you? Contacting TÜV SÜD’s BREEAM Accredited Professionals (APs) super early, like in the initial design phase, that’s where it’s at. It’s like having a seasoned chef guide you from the start, and their expertise makes sure you’re on the right track from the get-go and you won’t have to rip out things later. TÜV SÜD’s APs can also help you with feasibility assessments, creating a killer plan, and even reviewing your mechanical and electrical system designs.

2. Picking the Right Scheme: Now, BREEAM, it’s not one-size-fits-all. They’ve got schemes for new buildings, for buildings already in use, even for refurbishments. So, you’ve got to pick the one that fits your project. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because Collaborating with TÜV SÜD will make sure you get the right one for you.

3. The Pre-Assessment Advantage: I highly recommend doing a pre-assessment with TÜV SÜD. Think of it as a practice run. This pre-assessment helps figure out where you might be falling short and, therefore, allows you to set some realistic goals. I remember once, a client skipped this step, and, well, let’s just say they had a rude awakening during the real assessment. Let’s just say there where some problems with their design, and it caused delays.

Building Green: Sustainability in Action

4. Energy, Energy, Energy: If there is one thing to take away from this, it’s to prioritise energy performance. BREEAM loves buildings that are energy-efficient. So think things like high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, and even exploring renewable energy like solar. TÜV SÜD is great for figuring out just how much energy you’re saving with these additions. You’d be surprised how much it can add up!

5. Health and Happiness: Here’s a big one: BREEAM also cares about the people inside the building. So make sure you’re designing spaces that prioritize natural light, good acoustics, and the very best air quality you can get. Because what’s the point of a sustainable building, if the people living there don’t like it?

6. The Circular Economy: Consider this, are you choosing materials wisely? You want stuff that’s responsibly sourced, recyclable, maybe even made from recycled materials themselves. Think low-carbon concrete or recycled aluminum. Plus, come up with strategies to reduce waste during construction. It’s all about closing the loop!

Getting Certified: The Final Steps

7. The BREEAM Assessor is Your Guide: You’ll need a certified BREEAM Assessor to give your project the once-over and gather all the evidence needed for certification. TÜV SÜD’s assessors really know their stuff; they know the BREEAM system inside and out, so they’ll guide you through the entire process, which is a relief, honestly.

8. Documentation is Your Friend: Listen, keep everything. All your records, documents, everything that proves you’re meeting BREEAM’s standards. Making sure your documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time can be a bit of a headache, so, TÜV SÜD can help with that too.

9. The Final Check: After construction is done, it’s time to make sure everything’s built as planned and that you’re still meeting all those BREEAM requirements. This post-construction assessment is there to confirm that the final product matches the BREEAM rating you were aiming for.

TÜV SÜD: Your BREEAM Ally

Honestly, TÜV SÜD can be a real asset in this whole process. Their team knows all the ins and outs of green building certification. They can give you technical advice and guide you through every step of the BREEAM process. Teaming up with them, helps you navigate the BREEAM complexities and can help you achieve those high sustainability standards. BREEAM isn’t just about being green though, it’s about making your building more attractive to renters and investors, all while showing that you’re thinking about the future. It’s an investment that pays for itself both for the environment, and your pocket book, it’s a win-win.