Target BREEAM: Top 10 Tips

Summary

This article provides ten actionable tips for achieving BREEAM certification, focusing on early planning, collaboration, and maximizing credits. It emphasizes proactive engagement with assessors and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, from design to post-construction. By following these steps, projects can achieve higher BREEAM ratings more efficiently.

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** Main Story**

So, you’re aiming for BREEAM certification? Excellent choice. It’s a real badge of honor in the construction world, signaling a serious commitment to sustainability. But let’s be honest, navigating the BREEAM process can feel a bit like climbing a mountain. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got some tips to help you reach the summit.

Getting Started Right

1. Jump in Early: Seriously, the earlier you start thinking about BREEAM, the better. Integrating it from the get-go means your design team can bake those requirements right into the foundation, almost literally. Think of it this way: it’s far easier to adjust the sails at the beginning of a journey than to try and turn the ship around mid-ocean. Trying to bolt on sustainable features later? It’s going to cost you time, money, and probably a few headaches. And you will get better credit optimization.

2. Assemble a Dream Team: You wouldn’t try to win the Champions League with a Sunday League squad, would you? Same goes for BREEAM. Get a qualified assessor and other experts involved early. Their knowledge of the criteria is invaluable, helping you make smart decisions and implement those sustainable strategies effectively. Think of them as your BREEAM sherpas, guiding you up the mountain. Actually, it’s not a mountain, it’s a… well you get the picture.

3. Take Stock: Before you even start designing, do a pre-assessment. It’s like a health check for your project. Where do you stand against BREEAM benchmarks right now? What needs to improve? This gives you a realistic view of what you’re up against and helps you create a solid sustainability strategy. Trust me, this roadmap is a lifesaver. I didn’t do this on a project once, and boy did I regret it.

During Design and Construction

1. Aim High, Young Padawan: If you’re aiming for “Very Good,” aim for a score that’d put you in the “Excellent” range. Why? Because stuff happens. Things change during construction. Maybe a certain material becomes unavailable, or there’s a slight design modification. That extra buffer gives you some wiggle room, a safety net to ensure you still hit your target rating. You’ll thank me later for this one.

2. Get Creative: BREEAM loves innovation. Don’t just stick to the same old solutions. Explore new ways to boost energy efficiency, choose sustainable materials, and reduce waste. These innovative approaches not only elevate your sustainability game, but can also significantly boost your BREEAM score. It’s about thinking outside the box, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

3. Think Long-Term: Conduct a lifecycle assessment to understand the environmental impact of your design choices over the long haul. I mean, we’re not just building for today, right? What materials and systems will stand the test of time and contribute to sustainability throughout the building’s lifespan? This kind of analysis ensures you’re not just ticking boxes, but actually making responsible choices.

Wrapping Up and Beyond

1. Talk, Talk, Talk: Communication is the lifeblood of any successful project, and BREEAM is no different. Keep everyone – the assessor, project manager, contractors – on the same page. Consistent and clear communication ensures everyone understands the BREEAM goals and can implement sustainability measures effectively. Miscommunication can lead to costly errors and, yes, loss of those precious credits.

2. Appoint a Champion: Every project needs a superhero, and in this case, it’s a Sustainability Champion. This person is responsible for ensuring those BREEAM requirements are met throughout the build. They’re the liaison between the assessor and the construction team, keeping everyone focused on sustainability. If there’s no-one championing it, things can slip.

3. Prove It: After construction, make sure everything you planned is actually implemented and, crucially, documented. This means verifying the performance of installed systems, collecting the evidence you need for that final BREEAM assessment. Get that paperwork in order or risk losing credits.

4. The Journey Never Ends: BREEAM certification? That’s a milestone, not the finish line. You should continuously monitor and manage your building’s performance to ensure you maintain compliance. Review and update your sustainability strategies regularly, adapting to new best practices and striving for continuous improvement. It’s not just about getting the certificate; it’s about building a truly sustainable future. Think of it as a constant process, rather than a destination, wouldn’t you agree?