Get Your BREEAM Certification

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as understanding the process, assembling a team, and focusing on key assessment categories. We’ll explore practical strategies and innovative solutions to help you maximize your BREEAM score and gain recognition for your building’s sustainable design. Follow these actionable steps to elevate your building’s environmental performance and unlock the numerous benefits of BREEAM certification.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, so you’re thinking about going for BREEAM certification? It’s a fantastic goal. Basically, it’s like getting an environmental seal of approval for your building, and it really demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Let’s break down how to actually achieve it.

First Things First: Understanding BREEAM

Before you even think about starting, it’s vital to get your head around what BREEAM actually is. There are a bunch of different BREEAM schemes, each designed for different types of projects. We’re talking new builds, refurbishments, buildings already in use, even entire communities. Picking the right scheme is absolutely key – kind of like choosing the right tool for the job, isn’t it? I mean, you wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a screw, would you?

So, get familiar with the BREEAM criteria. Understand how the rating system works, ranging from a simple ‘Pass’ all the way up to ‘Outstanding’. The higher you aim, the more you’ll need to up your game when it comes to environmental performance. It’s ambitious, but worthwhile.

Assembling Your Dream Team

Okay, next up, assemble your squad. Get a licensed BREEAM assessor on board as early as possible, trust me on this one. They are worth their weight in gold. They’ll guide you through the whole process, answering your questions, interpreting the criteria, and making sure you dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s. They’ll also take charge of the final assessment, so you really want someone who knows what they’re doing, right?

That said, you should set your sustainability goals early. Make them clear, measurable, and make sure everyone involved in the project understands them. This way everyone’s on the same page, and it helps to foster collaboration. Put together a solid sustainability strategy, outlining the steps you’ll take to meet BREEAM requirements.

Focusing on What Matters Most

BREEAM assesses loads of different things, so prioritising what’s important can really boost your score, and help you keep on track. You don’t need to do everything perfectly, focus on what matters:

• Energy Efficiency: This is a big one. Think about things like passive design (making the most of natural light and ventilation), renewable energy (solar panels, maybe?), and really efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Water Management: You should consider water-saving technologies. Rainwater harvesting? Greywater recycling? They can make a surprisingly big difference.
• Materials: It’s all about sustainable, locally sourced materials. Look for stuff with a low environmental impact and think about using recycled or reclaimed materials too.
• Waste Management: Construction waste is a huge issue, so careful planning is essential. Implement waste segregation and recycling programs. It all adds up.
• Health and Wellbeing: Happy occupants, happy building! Prioritise good indoor air quality, natural light, and comfortable temperatures. If it’s not nice to be in, what’s the point?
• Innovation: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Novel energy-efficient technologies, unique waste reduction strategies… Show them you’re doing something special. Maybe there’s a way to introduce a new system that no one else is doing? It’s all about pushing boundaries.

Getting Assessed and Certified

Right, you’ve done all the hard work. Now, it’s time for the assessment, you will need to start by registering your project with BREEAM. And pay a registration fee, of course.

Now, this involves completing questionnaires, providing evidence, you know, basically proving you’ve done everything you said you would. Your BREEAM assessor will then take a look at everything, assigning scores and determining your overall BREEAM rating. It can be a bit nerve-wracking, I won’t lie. I remember once, we were waiting for a result on a project, and it felt like waiting for exam results all over again!

Staying Certified: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

So, you’ve got your certification! Congratulations! But don’t get too comfy. BREEAM certifications don’t last forever. The validity period depends on the scheme and the level you achieved. For new builds, a ‘Pass’ lasts three years, but an ‘Outstanding’ lasts five. So, to keep that certification, you need to maintain that high performance. Consider making further improvements to boost your rating when it’s time for reassessment. After all BREEAM likes ongoing improvement and rewards you for constantly striving for higher standards.

So, there you have it. A step-by-step guide to BREEAM certification. Remember, a higher rating means lower running costs, a higher asset value, and healthier, happier occupants. It’s a win-win-win! So, why not start your BREEAM journey today? Contribute to a more sustainable world, one building at a time.