Get BREEAM Certified Now!

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as selecting the right scheme, conducting a pre-assessment, and focusing on crucial aspects like energy performance and life cycle assessment. It emphasizes user well-being and smart material selection, along with maintaining post-certification performance for long-term sustainability. Follow these actionable steps to unlock the numerous benefits of a BREEAM-certified building.

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** Main Story**

So, you’re aiming for BREEAM certification? That’s fantastic! It’s a serious badge of honor, showing you’re committed to building sustainably and responsibly. But let’s be honest, navigating the process can feel a bit like wading through treacle. This guide is here to simplify things, giving you actionable steps to make it a smooth ride.

Step 1: Picking the Right BREEAM Scheme

BREEAM isn’t one-size-fits-all, you know? They’ve got different schemes tailored for different types of projects, whether it’s new construction, a renovation, or even existing buildings. Spend some time figuring out what scheme best fits your project. It’s like choosing the right tool for the job – you wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a screw, right? Getting this initial step right makes sure you’re laser-focused on the relevant criteria. For example, there are separate schemes for new builds, existing commercial buildings and even infrastructure projects.

Step 2: Getting a Licensed BREEAM Assessor on Board

Think of a licensed BREEAM assessor as your Sherpa, guiding you through the certification mountains. They’re the experts, they’ll help you decipher the criteria and, importantly, make sure your project ticks all the boxes. They’ll also be the ones conducting the assessments and submitting the final report. It’s a good idea to get them involved early, too, even from the design phase. That way, you can bake BREEAM considerations right into the project, rather than trying to bolt them on later. I remember when I worked on a project a couple of years back; we bought our assessor in during the design phase and it saved us so much time and effort in the long run, believe me.

Step 3: Doing a Pre-Assessment – Your Practice Run

A pre-assessment? It’s basically a dress rehearsal before the big show. It lets you see how your project currently stacks up against BREEAM criteria, spotlighting areas that need some love. It’s all about spotting weaknesses early so you can get ahead. If you can, it’s a really good idea to undertake a pre-assessment. After all, the pre-assessment provides a benchmark to track progress against, but perhaps more importantly it demonstrates real commitment to sustainability, showing everyone involved you’re serious about this.

Step 4: Focus on the Key Aspects – Getting the Big Things Right

Okay, so what really moves the needle when it comes to BREEAM? Well, here are a few key things to consider:

• Energy Performance is key: Think energy-efficient tech and smart strategies to slash energy consumption. Renewable energy sources, energy-efficient lighting, and updated HVAC systems are a must. What’s not to love about making savings, while also saving the planet?
• Embrace the Circular Economy: Opt for sustainable and recyclable materials to lessen your project’s environmental impact. Minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency throughout the whole process.
• Life Cycle Assessment: Dive deep and assess your building’s environmental footprint across its lifespan. That includes embodied carbon from material production and operational carbon from energy use. Demonstrating commitment to the long term like this speaks volumes to how invested you are in making real change.
• User Well-being: Design for a healthy, comfortable environment that puts people first. Natural light, good acoustics, and top-notch air quality are non-negotiable. Happy people, happy planet, right?

Step 5: Register and Document Everything

Ready to make it official? Register for the BREEAM assessment and submit all your documentation. Be meticulous. The documentation should demonstrate how you are meeting the performance requirements.

Step 6: Keep Going – Certification Isn’t The End

Here’s the thing: BREEAM certification isn’t a ‘one and done’ kind of deal. It’s an ongoing commitment. You gotta keep monitoring your building’s performance, looking for ways to improve, and staying on top of things. It’s an marathon, not a sprint.

• Regular review and updates are essential for long-term sustainability. Occupant involvement in sustainable practices is also key. Continuous monitoring and adapting to best practices? That’s the name of the game.

So, there you have it. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to BREEAM certification. I’m sure you can do it! It’s not just about getting a certificate; it’s about building a better future, and creating high-performing buildings that are kinder to the planet, and healthier for the people using them. And you know what? That’s something worth striving for. Besides, BREEAM is recognised the world over. Achieving it also increases the market value of your building, and lowers operating costs. It’s a no brainer, isn’t it?