Unlocking BREEAM: Your Certification Guide

Summary

This article provides a clear, actionable guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps like choosing the right scheme, appointing an assessor, conducting pre-assessments, and understanding the rating system. It emphasizes the importance of early planning and stakeholder engagement for a successful and efficient certification process. By following these steps, building owners and developers can navigate the BREEAM certification process with confidence.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Unlocking BREEAM: Your No-Nonsense Guide

Getting BREEAM certification? It can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. But don’t sweat it. This guide will break down the process into clear steps, helping you get all the benefits of a more sustainable building without pulling your hair out.

Step 1: Understanding the BREEAM Universe

First things first, you’ve got to know what you’re working with. There’s a whole range of BREEAM schemes out there, and they’re not all created equal. You’ve got options for new builds, existing buildings, renovations, even entire communities. Picking the right scheme for your project is absolutely critical; it’s the foundation for everything else. Seriously, it is. Head over to the BREEAM website, have a good look around. That’s where you can find all the nitty-gritty details about each scheme’s requirements.

Step 2: Assemble Your Sustainability Dream Team

You can’t do this alone, trust me. You need expert guidance. So, bring in a licensed BREEAM assessor as early as possible in the project. Think of them as your sherpa, guiding you up the mountain. They’ll give you invaluable advice and make sure you tick all the right boxes. But it’s not just about the assessor. Get your design and construction teams on board too, make sure everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to sustainability. Clear communication between everyone involved? Non-negotiable.

Step 3: Pre-Assessment: Your Crystal Ball

Okay, this is a big one. Do a thorough pre-assessment with your assessor. What this does is basically a trial run of the actual assessment, giving you a sneak peek at your likely rating and flagging up any areas where you need to up your game. It’s like a dress rehearsal before opening night. This will let you set realistic targets and fine-tune your sustainability strategy before it’s too late. Honestly, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Step 4: Officially in the Game

Once you’re happy with your strategy after that pre-assessment, register your project with BRE. Don’t put this off, get it done early to avoid any hold-ups later on. Your assessor will walk you through the whole registration process and tell you exactly what paperwork you need.

Step 5: Show Time: The BREEAM Assessment

Right, time to gather all your evidence. You’ll need to show that you’re meeting the criteria for your chosen scheme. Your assessor will put together all the documentation to prove your building’s performance in areas like energy efficiency, water use, materials, and the quality of the indoor environment. They’ll then send all this off to BRE for them to have a look at.

Step 6: Claim Your Prize

After BRE have checked everything over, you’ll get your BREEAM certification and rating; it could be anything from a ‘Pass’ to ‘Outstanding.’ And guess what? Your project will get listed on GreenBookLive, which is basically an online who’s who of sustainable buildings. This shows everyone you’re serious about sustainability – potential tenants, investors, even the community. A great benefit to the project, and its future.

Getting Top Marks: Extra Tips

• Get Started Early: I can’t stress this enough. Get your BREEAM assessor involved right from the start. It’ll make a massive difference.
• Set Ambitious Goals: Push yourself. Aim high, but make sure your targets are actually achievable based on that pre-assessment.
• Be Innovative: Think outside the box. Look for creative solutions that go above and beyond the usual requirements to get those extra credits.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Keep everyone in the loop. Open communication between the design team, contractors, and even the people who’ll be using the building is essential.
• Don’t Stop Improving: BREEAM isn’t a ‘one and done’ kind of thing. Keep checking your building’s performance and look for ways to make it even better.

BREEAM certification is more than just a badge; it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. Lower running costs, a more attractive building, and a healthier environment for everyone inside. Following this guide and embracing sustainability? You can turn your building into a shining example of environmental responsibility and grab that BREEAM certification you deserve. What is there to lose?