Conquering BREEAM: A Guide

Summary

This article provides a practical guide to achieving BREEAM certification for new construction projects in the UK. It outlines key steps, from choosing an assessor to focusing on key assessment categories, offering actionable advice for success. This guide helps developers navigate the BREEAM process and maximize their project’s sustainability performance.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Okay, so you’re aiming for BREEAM certification for your new UK construction project? It can feel like a monumental task, I get it. But honestly, with the right game plan, you can definitely make it happen. Think of it as a structured journey towards building something truly sustainable. Let’s break down the key steps.

Step 1: Build Your Dream Team

First things first, you absolutely need a licensed BREEAM assessor on board. They’re the pros who’ll guide you from start to finish, from that initial pre-assessment all the way to the final stamp of approval. Trust me, you can find them on the BRE website; it’s worth the effort. And, while you’re at it, seriously consider bringing in a sustainability consultant who knows BREEAM inside and out. Their experience can be a game-changer, helping you fine-tune your building’s design to ace those BREEAM criteria. I remember one project where a consultant suggested a simple tweak to the window placement, boosting our natural light score significantly. That alone really justified the expense.

Step 2: Know the BREEAM Game

Next, get cozy with the BREEAM UK New Construction scheme. BREEAM is like a sustainability report card, it checks how buildings perform across categories like energy, water, materials, waste, even stuff like occupant wellbeing and innovation. Each category has its own rules and credit system, but remember the weighting of each category isn’t equal, it depends on the project type. So make sure you’re aware of what will impact you the most!

Step 3: The All-Important Pre-Assessment

Don’t skip the pre-assessment! Your assessor will run it, and it is super important. It’s basically a sneak peek at your project’s BREEAM potential. It highlights areas where you can improve early on, letting you fix things in the design phase. Think of it as a dress rehearsal; it will save you a headache further down the line. Plus it sets realistic targets for your project, which really helps keep everyone on track.

Step 4: Nail the Big Categories

Yes, every BREEAM category matters. But some are just bigger players, with more impact, so prioritize the big ones! For example:

*Energy Efficiency: This is about slashing energy use. Think solar panels, ground source heat pumps, the whole shebang. Remember, an energy-efficient design isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for your operating costs too. It is a win-win situation.

*Water Conservation: Get serious about saving water. Water-efficient fixtures are a must, and look into rainwater harvesting. I’ve even seen greywater recycling systems used for things like toilet flushing, innovative right?

*Materials Selection: Opt for sustainable materials; simple as that. Recycled and locally sourced materials cut down on transportation emissions, which is a big deal. Look for materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as well.

*Waste Management: A solid waste management plan is essential. Set targets for diverting waste from landfills; you’d be surprised how much you can recycle with the right approach.

*Health and Wellbeing: Design with people in mind. Good air quality, plenty of natural light, comfy acoustics, all that stuff. You want to create a space where people actually enjoy spending time.

Step 5: Document EVERYTHING

This is huge: meticulous documentation. As you implement sustainability measures, document every single thing! Gather evidence that proves you’re meeting BREEAM criteria. This is a gift to your assessor during the final assessment.

Step 6: Keep Improving!

Now, here’s a thing to remember, BREEAM isn’t a one-and-done kind of deal. You need to keep monitoring and improving! Regularly check how your building’s performing against those BREEAM criteria. And find ways to make things even better. It makes certain that your building lives up to its sustainability promise for years to come. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.

By following these steps, you can navigate the BREEAM process successfully. It allows you to create buildings that benefit both the environment, and the people who use them. Because let’s be real, achieving BREEAM isn’t just about getting a certificate, is it? It’s about building better, greener, and more sustainable.