Summary
This article provides eight actionable steps to elevate your building’s BREEAM rating. From early engagement with BREEAM specialists to embracing innovative solutions, each step offers valuable insights for maximizing your sustainability efforts. Follow these steps to create environmentally friendly and economically viable buildings.
Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.
** Main Story**
Okay, so boosting your building’s sustainability? It’s not just a nice-to-have anymore, it’s pretty essential. And let’s be real, a high BREEAM rating? That’s like shouting from the rooftops that you’re serious about a greener future.
Think of this as your cheat sheet – eight actionable steps that’ll help you bump up that BREEAM rating. We’re talking buildings that are not only kind to the planet but also, crucially, good for your wallet and the people who use them. Win-win-win, right?
1. Early Engagement is Key (Seriously, Early!)
Get a licensed BREEAM assessor or an accredited professional (AP) involved from the get-go. I mean, from the very start of the project. It’s like having a sustainability sherpa guiding you up the mountain. Their expertise is invaluable; they’ll make sure your design is aligned with BREEAM criteria from the jump.
Why is this so important? Well, it’s simple: you want to avoid expensive retrofits down the line. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen and it isn’t pretty. Getting it right early maximises your chances of snagging a higher rating. Saves time, saves money, saves headaches.
2. Energy Performance: Make it a Priority
Energy efficiency? It’s a cornerstone of BREEAM. Think efficient HVAC, smart lighting systems. Consider chucking in renewable energy sources; solar panels, ground-source heat pumps. Not only do you earn valuable BREEAM credits but, as a result, you’re slashing operational costs.
I remember working on a project where we upgraded the lighting to LEDs, it was a fairly simple change. The client was astounded by the energy savings, a positive knock on affect and he managed to increase his BREEAM rating.
3. Sustainable Materials: They Actually Matter
Opt for materials that are sustainable, durable, and, crucially, recyclable. Look for low environmental impact across their whole lifecycle, think about it, cradle to grave and make sure the materials are responsibly sourced. Consider materials with recycled content, it helps to contribute to a circular economy.
It’s like voting with your wallet; you’re supporting companies that are doing things the right way. Plus, it minimizes your project’s environmental footprint, which, let’s face it, is the whole point.
4. Design with Occupants Front of Mind
Prioritise health and well-being of the occupants. Maximize natural daylight, this one is crucial. Ensure you implement good acoustic performance, it might sound basic but if you don’t get it right it is a huge negative. Ensure excellent indoor air quality, this one should be a given.
Creating a comfortable and healthy environment boosts your BREEAM score, not to mention, it enhances occupant satisfaction and productivity. Happy people, happy building, happy planet.
5. Water Efficiency: It’s Crucial, I Mean It!
Implement water-efficient fixtures, fittings, and technologies. Develop comprehensive water conservation strategies; minimize water consumption both internally and externally. Consider rainwater harvesting or even greywater recycling systems. That’s not all, though, you want to ensure responsible water management which will earn valuable BREEAM credits.
6. Innovation for Extra Points
How can you think outside the box and explore innovative solutions that go beyond the standard BREEAM requirements? Consider incorporating intelligent water reuse systems, green roofs, or even other cutting-edge technologies.
If you do this, you are going to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and it can earn you additional credits. That said, don’t break the bank chasing these innovations. You don’t want to over complicate things.
7. Waste Management: No Excuses!
Implement effective waste management strategies during both construction and operation, minimise waste generation, prioritises reuse and recycling, and develop a comprehensive construction waste management plan. This approach minimizes landfill use and contributes to a circular economy.
8. Ongoing Monitoring for Continual Improvement
Plan for post-occupancy monitoring to ensure your building operates as designed. Regular assess the performance of sustainability systems; Identify any gaps and implement corrective actions. This ongoing monitoring demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and can earn you valuable BREEAM credits.
So, there you have it, eight pretty straightforward steps. You’re on your way to a better BREEAM rating and a more sustainable building. Just remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. Keep at it, and you’ll see results.
Loving the cheat sheet approach to BREEAM! Early engagement is indeed key, but have you seen projects where the “sustainability sherpa” and the architect ended up in a design standoff? How was that resolved?
Great question! Design standoffs can definitely happen. In my experience, clear communication protocols and a shared commitment to the project’s sustainability goals are crucial. Facilitated workshops to find creative solutions that meet both architectural vision and BREEAM criteria often help. Has anyone else experienced this and found a useful resolution?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
Love the “sustainability sherpa” analogy! But what happens when that sherpa suggests something wild, like a bee-friendly roof garden in the Arctic? Asking for a friend… who may or may not be covered in honey.
That’s a fantastic point! The “sustainability sherpa” needs a reality check button for extreme suggestions. Maybe a risk assessment matrix that factors in location, climate, and, most importantly, the honey situation? It’s about finding solutions that are both innovative and practical. What are everyone’s thoughts?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
The emphasis on occupant well-being is critical. Do you think BREEAM adequately addresses the long-term impacts of material choices on indoor air quality, beyond initial VOC emissions? I wonder if more focus is needed on lifecycle assessments regarding human health.
That’s a great point about long-term impacts and lifecycle assessments! BREEAM definitely covers VOCs, but a deeper dive into the long-term health consequences of material choices would be a valuable addition. Perhaps integrating more comprehensive health impact assessments could be a future direction. What are your thoughts?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
Thank you to our Sponsor Focus 360 Energy
A “sustainability sherpa,” eh? Sounds fancy. Does this sherpa also pack the emotional baggage when the client realizes “sustainable materials” doesn’t always mean “cheap materials”? Asking for *another* friend, whose wallet is currently weeping.