Boosting Property Value with BREEAM

Summary

BREEAM certification not only benefits the environment but also adds significant value to your property. This article guides you through actionable steps to achieve BREEAM certification, focusing on maximizing your return on investment. From energy efficiency to occupant well-being, learn how to elevate your property’s worth while contributing to a sustainable future.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

BREEAM – or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – it’s basically the gold standard when it comes to green buildings globally. Honestly, going for BREEAM certification? Smart move. It’s not just about feeling good about saving the planet; it can seriously boost your property’s value, cut down on running costs, and, you know, attract those eco-conscious tenants everyone wants these days.

So, how do you even start? Think of this as your cheat sheet, a practical guide to getting that BREEAM stamp of approval.

Step 1: Setting Your Sights: Define Those BREEAM Goals

First things first, you’ve gotta nail down what BREEAM rating you’re aiming for. We’re talking Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding. And, yeah, it matters, because what you choose totally impacts the project’s size and how much it’ll set you back. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, either. Different building types (residential, commercial, industrial) have different rules. So, do your homework and check what’s needed for your particular project and location.

Step 2: Assemble Your A-Team: The Experts You Need

Look, BREEAM isn’t a solo gig. You’ll need a solid team. Get a qualified BREEAM Assessor on board right from the start. Seriously, they’re the key to navigating the whole thing. They know the ins and outs, help you max out your score, and keep you from pulling your hair out. Besides the assessor, consider bringing in architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants too. Because, teamwork makes the dream work, right?

Step 3: The Pre-Assessment Deep Dive

Before you even break ground (or start renovations), do a pre-assessment. It’s like a health check for your building. It shows how your building stacks up against BREEAM standards right now. This is going to highlight where you need to improve and let you create a cost-effective plan to hit your target rating. Think of it as finding the leaks before the flood!

Step 4: Energy Efficiency is King (or Queen)

Energy efficiency? Huge deal with BREEAM. So, how do you nail it? Here’s the breakdown:

• HVAC Heroes: Ditch the energy-guzzling dinosaur systems! Go for high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s worth the investment, trust me.
• Smart Lighting: Get with the times! Daylight sensors, LED lighting, intelligent controls… These aren’t just buzzwords; they slash energy use.
• Renewable Rockstar: Solar panels? Geothermal? Explore those options. They can really make a difference and seriously up your BREEAM score.

Step 5: Water Wise: Champion Water Conservation

Water’s precious, and BREEAM knows it. You need a solid water management strategy:

• Low-Flow is the Way to Go: Toilets, faucets, showerheads… upgrade to low-flow versions. It’s a simple change that has a huge impact.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Catch that rain! Use it for irrigation or other non-drinking uses. It’s free water, people!
• Leak Detection Superpowers: Implement smart systems that can spot leaks ASAP. A small leak can waste a ton of water (and money) over time.

Step 6: Material Matters: Prioritize Sustainable Materials

What your building is made of? Matters. A lot. Look for materials that are gentle on the environment:

• Recycled Content is Your Friend: The more recycled content, the better. It’s a win-win.
• Go Local: Source materials locally whenever you can. Cuts down on transportation emissions – simple!
• EPDs are Your Guide: Environmental Product Declarations? Learn them, love them. They give you the lowdown on a material’s environmental footprint.

Step 7: Indoor Oasis: Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality

Don’t forget the people who’ll be inside your building! Make it healthy and comfortable:

• Let the Sunshine In: Big windows, smart building orientation… Maximize natural light. People feel better and you use less electricity.
• Ventilation is Vital: Good ventilation is a must. Fresh air in, nasty pollutants out.
• Air Quality Monitoring: Keep an eye on that indoor air quality. Implement systems to monitor and control it.

Step 8: Waste Not, Want Not: Implement Waste Reduction Strategies

Construction and operation? Both create waste. Minimize it!

• Construction Waste Recycling: A must-have. Don’t just chuck everything in a landfill.
• Composting Systems: For organic waste? Compost it! It’s good for the environment and can be used in landscaping.
• Waste Audits: Regularly check where your waste is coming from. You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Step 9: The Big Picture: Consider Life Cycle Assessment

Think about the whole lifespan of your building. An LCA helps you see the environmental impact from construction to demolition. It’ll highlight ways to cut down on embodied carbon and boost overall sustainability.

Step 10: Paperwork Time: Document and Submit for Certification

Time to get organized. Work closely with your BREEAM Assessor to get all the paperwork together and submit your assessment. They will ensure you’ve ticked all the boxes, because it’s a pain if you miss something.

Step 11: Pop the Champagne: Celebrate Your Achievement and Reap the Rewards

You did it! Now, shout it from the rooftops! Promote your BREEAM rating. Attract tenants, impress investors, boost your brand image. It’s a win all around.

Honestly, it’s worth the effort. I remember on a project in 2022, we achieved ‘Excellent’ and the increase in property value was substantial. Plus, the tenants loved it.

By following these steps, you’re not just building a building; you’re building a sustainable future – and a more valuable property. This info is current as of today, but BREEAM standards can change. So, always check the latest guidelines and talk to your assessor.