BREEAM Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as selecting the right scheme, conducting pre-assessments, and understanding the scoring system. It also explores the benefits of BREEAM certification, including increased asset value and enhanced marketability. Follow these steps to ensure your building project meets high sustainability standards.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Navigating the BREEAM Certification Process: A Practical Guide

So, you’re thinking about getting BREEAM certification? That’s fantastic! It’s a serious commitment to sustainability and can really pay off in the long run. But, let’s be honest, the process can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be. Think of this as your roadmap to success.

Step 1: Getting to Grips with BREEAM – The Basics

First things first: understand what BREEAM actually is. BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is basically a globally recognized yardstick for measuring how sustainable a building is. It looks at everything, from energy efficiency and water usage to the materials used and the overall impact on occupant health and well-being. And because it’s a points-based system, knowing how it works will give you a real advantage.

Consider it this way, you wouldn’t start a marathon without knowing how long it is, right?

Step 2: Choosing the Right BREEAM Scheme – Tailoring to Your Project

BREEAM isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. There are different schemes designed for different types of projects. You’ve got:

• BREEAM Communities: Think large-scale master planning projects.
• BREEAM New Construction: Perfect for those shiny, brand-new buildings.
• BREEAM In-Use: For when you’re looking to improve the sustainability of an existing building.
• BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out: Ideal for renovation projects, big or small.
• BREEAM Infrastructure: This one’s for the big boys – infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and so on.

Picking the right scheme is crucial, it will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the line.

Step 3: The Importance of a Licensed Assessor

You absolutely need a licensed BREEAM assessor. They’re the experts who will guide you through the entire process. They’ll give you advice, conduct assessments, and make sure you’ve got all the documentation you need. Finding a good one is key. Make sure they’ve got experience and a solid understanding of your project. You can find them on the BRE Global’s website.

I remember one time, a client tried to cut corners by skipping this step. Let’s just say it ended in a lot of frustration and ultimately, they had to hire an assessor anyway.

Step 4: Pre-Assessment is Key

Don’t skip the pre-assessment! It’s like a health check for your project. It’ll help you see where you’re doing well and where you need to improve. Plus, it’ll give you a realistic idea of what BREEAM rating you can achieve. And it’s an iterative process, the more you work on your sustainability, the better that BREEAM score will become. It might take an extra week or two, but it will pay dividends in the long run.

Step 5: Registering Your Project – Making it Official

Once you’ve done your pre-assessment and have a good idea of your strategy, register your project with BRE Global. This involves submitting some paperwork and paying a fee. But think of it as your official starting gun!

Step 6: Evidence Gathering and Assessment Submission

This is where the hard work really begins. You’ll need to work closely with your assessor to gather all the evidence you need to show that you’re meeting the BREEAM criteria. This can include design specs, construction details, operational data. Once you’ve got everything together, your assessor will submit the assessment to BRE Global for review.

It can be a bit of a slog, this part, but it’s worth it in the end.

Step 7: Certification – The Finish Line! And Beyond…

Fingers crossed, after the assessment, BRE Global will issue your BREEAM certificate and rating. The rating goes from Pass all the way up to Outstanding, so aim high! But remember, getting certified is just the beginning. You’ll need to keep monitoring and managing your building to maintain that rating. And you might need to repeat a certification down the line.

The Upsides of BREEAM Certification

So, why bother with BREEAM in the first place? Well, there are plenty of reasons:

• Increased Asset Value: BREEAM buildings tend to be worth more. Simple as that.
• Enhanced Marketability: It makes your building more attractive to tenants and investors, particularly those who care about sustainability. Think of it as a great selling point.
• Reduced Operating Costs: Sustainable design can save you money on energy and water bills. Who doesn’t want that?
• Improved Occupant Well-being: BREEAM prioritizes the health and comfort of the people who use the building. That means happier, more productive occupants. A win for everyone!
• Environmental Protection: Ultimately, BREEAM helps you reduce your impact on the planet, and we could all do with that, couldn’t we?

Pro-Tips For Nailing That BREEAM Score

Want to really maximize your BREEAM score? Here are a few extra tips:

• Engage Early: Get your assessor involved as early as possible in the project. It’ll make a huge difference.
• Set Ambitious Targets: Don’t be afraid to aim high. But make sure your targets are realistic, too.
• Think Outside the Box: Explore innovative solutions and technologies to boost your score.
• Collaborate: Get everyone on board, from architects to building managers. Teamwork makes the dream work.
• Document Everything: Keep meticulous records. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. The worst thing you can have, is good work that you just can’t prove.

Ultimately, BREEAM certification isn’t just about getting a piece of paper. It’s about creating a more sustainable future. If you approach it with the right mindset and follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your sustainability goals. And let’s face it; that’s something we can all be proud of.