Unlocking BREEAM: Your Certification Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as understanding the process, engaging professionals, and implementing sustainable strategies. From pre-assessment to post-certification, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps needed to succeed. Embrace sustainable building practices and unlock the numerous benefits of BREEAM certification.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

So, you’re thinking about getting BREEAM certification for your building project? Great choice! It’s a fantastic way to show you’re serious about sustainability and environmental responsibility. But where do you even begin? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Lay of the Land

First things first: you’ve got to wrap your head around what BREEAM actually is. Basically, it’s a framework that assesses buildings across a bunch of categories – energy, water, materials, health, and well-being, to name a few. You’ll need to get familiar with each category and the specific criteria they use. The BREEAM website and official documentation are your best friends here. Trust me, it’s worth doing your homework upfront.

Assemble Your A-Team

Seriously, don’t try to go it alone! Bringing in a licensed BREEAM Assessor early on is key. They’re the pros who know the ins and outs of the whole process. They can guide you, point out potential problem areas, and make sure you’re on the right track. Think of them as your BREEAM sherpa. You might also want to consider bringing in an Accredited Professional, depending on your project’s needs. For example, on the last building I worked on, our AP saved us a fortune on window costs, by knowing which would be the most energy efficient, without negatively impacting natural light!

Pre-Assessment: Your Reality Check

Before you dive headfirst into implementation, do a pre-assessment. It’s like a practice run that shows how your building currently stacks up against BREEAM’s standards. This will highlight your strengths and, more importantly, your weaknesses. You can then use these results to create a solid plan for improvement. You’ll want to set targets too, don’t be too optimistic here, being realistic is key.

Getting Down to Business: Sustainable Strategies

Now for the fun part – actually doing things sustainably! This is where you get to flex your creative muscles and really make a difference.

• Energy Efficiency: Think renewable energy, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and maximizing natural light.
• Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling are all great options.
• Sustainable Materials: Go for locally sourced, low-impact materials. Consider how it’s made and what happens when it’s time to replace it.
• Waste Management: Construction waste is a huge problem, so put a good plan in place to minimize it and promote recycling.

Don’t be afraid to get innovative here! Smart building technologies, for instance, can significantly boost your building’s sustainability performance. I saw a really interesting system in a new build recently, it automatically adjusted temperature based on weather and building occupancy.

The Long Game: Monitoring and Improvement

BREEAM isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing commitment. After you get certified, you need to keep monitoring your building’s performance to ensure you’re still meeting the criteria. Review your strategies regularly and look for ways to improve. The industry is always evolving, so you’ll want to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices. Can you honestly say you’re trying to improve, all the time?

The Payoff: More Than Just a Green Badge

Okay, so you’re saving the planet – which is awesome, of course. But BREEAM certification also comes with a bunch of other perks.

• Higher Property Values: Certified buildings often command higher prices, who doesn’t want that?
• Happy Tenants: People want to live and work in healthy, sustainable environments. It’s a great selling point.
• Lower Operating Costs: Energy and water efficiency translate to real savings.
• Brand Boost: BREEAM certification shows you’re serious about sustainability, which can enhance your reputation and attract investors.

In conclusion, BREEAM certification is a worthwhile investment. It’s a roadmap to sustainability that can lead to financial savings, happier occupants, and a stronger brand. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to create a more sustainable future, and isn’t that what really matters? I think it is!