BREEAM & Climate Resilience

Summary

This article provides a guide for UK architects on designing climate-resilient buildings and achieving BREEAM certification. It discusses key strategies such as flood risk management, thermal performance, and sustainable material selection. By following these steps, architects can create environmentally friendly and resilient structures that meet BREEAM standards.

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** Main Story**

Designing for a future shaped by climate change isn’t just a trend for UK architects; it’s a necessity. We’re seeing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, and our buildings need to stand up to the challenge while minimizing their environmental footprint. BREEAM, the globally recognized sustainability assessment method, offers a great framework to achieve this. Let’s break down how you can design climate-resilient buildings and secure that valuable BREEAM certification.

Getting Started: Understanding BREEAM and Your Project

1. Pick the Right BREEAM Scheme: First things first: BREEAM isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They’ve got specific schemes tailored to various building types and project phases – whether it’s new construction, a refurbishment project, or even just a fit-out. Choosing the right one is key. Select the scheme which most closely matches your project.

2. Bring in a BREEAM Assessor: Think of your BREEAM assessor as your guide through this process. They’re licensed experts who can offer invaluable advice and ensure you’re meeting all the compliance requirements. Don’t skip this step; it could save you headaches later.

3. Do a Pre-Assessment: This is where you get a sneak peek. A pre-assessment will give you an idea of your potential BREEAM rating early on and highlight areas where you can improve. Working closely with your assessor here is crucial to understanding the criteria and how the scoring system works.

Designing for a Changing Climate

1. Figure Out Your Climate Risks: You need to understand the specific hazards your location faces. I mean, is it prone to flooding? Are you expecting increasingly harsh summers? Climate modeling is your friend here, and don’t forget to factor in future climate change scenarios, too.

2. Manage That Flood Risk: If you’re in a flood-prone area, this is non-negotiable. Raise ground floor heights and access levels above predicted flood levels, that’s a start. Then, incorporate flood-resistant materials and robust stormwater management systems. Trust me; future you will thank you for it.

3. Thermal Performance is Key: Overheating is becoming a real concern, particularly in urban areas. So, optimize your building design to combat this. Think passive design strategies: building orientation, smart shading, natural ventilation, thermal mass, and high-performance insulation. Consider what I mentioned before regarding climate change adaptation, it will ensure long-term effectiveness. One thing I’ve seen work well is incorporating brise-soleils into the design – they look great and provide effective shading.

4. Water Efficiency Matters: Integrate water-efficient fixtures, appliances, and rainwater harvesting systems. Think about how you can reduce water consumption and mitigate potential water scarcity issues. Every little bit helps, and it’s a smart move for the environment and your client’s wallet.

Achieving BREEAM Glory

1. Choose Materials Wisely: Go for responsibly sourced materials with a low environmental impact and high recycled content. Consider their full lifecycle – from production to disposal – including embodied carbon emissions.

2. Energy Efficiency is a Must: Design for optimal energy performance. Implement energy-saving HVAC and lighting systems, consider renewable energy sources (solar panels, heat pumps are your friends), and ensure airtight construction. Don’t forget to conduct lifecycle carbon assessments, too.

3. Think About Health and Wellbeing: A building isn’t just a structure; it’s a space where people live and work. So, design for occupant comfort and wellbeing. Maximize natural light, ensure good acoustic performance, and prioritize excellent indoor air quality. Happy occupants equal a successful project, in my opinion.

4. Waste Not, Want Not: Implement waste reduction strategies throughout the construction process. Prioritize reuse and recycling of construction materials, but also implement policies such as ordering the correct sizes of materials. Doing this reduces waste massively and reduces your carbon footprint, you’re also likely to save a bit of money which is always useful.

5. Embrace Nature: Minimize the building’s ecological footprint and enhance biodiversity. Green roofs, landscaping with native species, and sustainable drainage systems all contribute to a healthier environment. It’s about giving back to nature, not just taking from it.

6. Get Innovative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Explore innovative solutions that exceed standard BREEAM requirements. Advanced stormwater management, innovative building materials, or other sustainable technologies could earn you extra credit points. Just make sure you document these innovations properly.

The Home Stretch

1. Register Your Project: Time to make it official. Formally register your project with BRE.

2. Prepare That Assessment: Work closely with your assessor to gather all the necessary documentation and submit your BREEAM assessment. Don’t leave this to the last minute; it’s more involved than you might think.

3. Get Certified: Assuming everything goes well – and it should if you’ve followed these steps – you’ll receive your BREEAM certification and rating. Also, get your project listed on the BREEAM GreenBookLive website to showcase your achievement. You can then use this to encourage future customers.

Following these steps will help you design climate-resilient, sustainable buildings, and achieve BREEAM certification. Which contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future. It’s a win-win for everyone, but the most important thing is to collaborate with your BREEAM assessor throughout the process. One thing I’ve learned over the years is, that they can save you a lot of time and potential headaches, and always remember to keep up-to-date with the latest BREEAM standards, it’s an evolving world.