Optimizing Materials for BREEAM

Summary

This article provides a practical guide to selecting and procuring materials for BREEAM certification. It emphasizes sustainable practices, covering key aspects like choosing eco-friendly materials, efficient procurement strategies, and leveraging technology. By following these best practices, construction projects can minimize environmental impact and maximize BREEAM credits.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

Main Story

Alright, let’s talk about BREEAM and how to actually nail those material selection and procurement aspects. Getting a high BREEAM rating? It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about thinking holistically, you know? It’s a journey, not a destination. So, here’s how I see it breaking down, in practical terms.

Phase 1: Smart Material Choices

• EPDs are Your Friends: Seriously, start with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). They give you the transparency you need, the cold, hard data to actually assess impact. And don’t just settle for generic averages, push for supplier-specific EPDs. The more precise the data, the better your decisions, I’ve found.

• Carbon Footprint? Shrink It: This is obvious, but crucial. Target materials that have the lowest carbon footprint possible. Really dig into the embodied carbon in the manufacturing phase. Where did the raw materials come from? What was the manufacturing process like? These questions matter. And it’s a surprisingly detailed investigation.

• Breathe Easy (Literally): Indoor air quality is huge. Select materials that release minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for certifications like Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort. They give you some credible assurance about the air you’re actually going to be breathing.

• Chemicals: Know What’s Inside: Demand a full chemical inventory from your suppliers. Cradle-to-Cradle Material Health Certificates? Those are great, I think. They give you that extra peace of mind that you aren’t introducing something nasty into the build.

• Recycle and Reuse – It’s Common Sense: Think about the end of life before you even start building. Specify materials that are designed to be easily recycled or reused. And bonus points if you can partner with manufacturers who actually have take-back programs in place. That means there’s an established recycling infrastructure, it’s not just wishful thinking. I had a manufacturer tell me they offered recycling, but when I checked they just threw it into landfill anyway, its amazing how some people treat recycling, isn’t it?

• Built to Last: Durability is key. Choose materials that’ll stand the test of time. Fewer replacements means less environmental impact in the long run, doesn’t it? It’s a no-brainer.

• Go Local (When You Can): Sourcing materials locally cuts down on transportation emissions. Plus, you’re supporting the local economy. You are also helping strengthen regional supply chains, I’ve seen projects delayed for months due to overseas suppliers, you can’t trust everything! It’s a win-win.

Phase 2: Streamlining Procurement

• Centralize It: Get a central procurement team, or at least a dedicated point of contact for all material purchases. It keeps things consistent, avoids duplication, and helps keep costs under control, which is important, and stops your spending spiralling out of control!

• Partners, Not Just Suppliers: Don’t just pick any supplier. Evaluate them carefully, taking into account their environmental performance, ethical practices, financial stability, and reliability. Aim for long-term partnerships with suppliers you can trust.

• Negotiate Like a Pro: Leverage those bulk purchasing opportunities and hammer out long-term agreements with your key suppliers. Joining buying groups can give you even more negotiating power. Every little bit helps, right?

• Tech to the Rescue: Embrace procurement software. It can manage orders, track inventory, analyze spending, automate tasks, and improve communication. And real-time inventory tracking? That prevents overstocking and shortages. What’s not to like?

• Talk to Your Suppliers (Seriously): Keep the lines of communication open. Foster trust and collaboration. Share your project goals and any potential changes. That way, your suppliers can adapt and meet your sustainability needs. It’s all about working together, really.

• Risk Management is Your Friend: You’ve got to have robust risk management strategies in place. Diversify your supply sources to avoid disruptions. Conduct regular risk assessments. And develop contingency plans for when, not if, things go wrong. And they will go wrong at some point, trust me.

• Never Stop Improving: Always be evaluating and refining your processes, based on performance data and market trends. Keep an eye on new sustainable materials, innovative construction techniques, and emerging best practices. The field is always evolving.

So, by putting these steps into action, construction projects can reach for those high BREEAM ratings and demonstrate real leadership in sustainable construction. It’s not always easy, but definitely worth it. What do you think? Worth a shot, right?