BREEAM Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM certification, covering key steps such as selecting the right BREEAM scheme, conducting a pre-assessment, and incorporating sustainable design principles. It also highlights the world’s largest BREEAM certification, achieved by Vesteda for nearly 27,500 homes, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainable building practices. By following these steps, building projects can enhance their environmental performance and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, so you’re thinking about BREEAM certification? It’s a big deal, showing you’re serious about sustainable building. Let’s walk through the steps, and I’ll even share a story about Vesteda – it’s pretty impressive.

First, though, let’s get on the same page about what BREEAM actually is. Basically, it’s like the gold standard for green buildings. Short for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, it’s been around since 1990 and is a framework for measuring and improving a building’s environmental footprint, from the initial design to when it’s fully operational, even when you’re just giving something a revamp.

Steps to BREEAM Glory

Okay, so how do you actually get that BREEAM certification? Here’s the breakdown:

1. Figure out your project’s scope. Not all BREEAM schemes are created equal! You need to pick the one that actually fits your project: something new, already being used, or just getting a makeover?

2. Get yourself a licensed assessor. This is non-negotiable, really. Think of them as your BREEAM sherpa, guiding you through everything. They understand the criteria, do the assessments, and handle the paperwork. Without them, you’re kind of lost. Believe me, I’ve seen projects try to cut corners here, and it never works out well.

3. Do a pre-assessment.. It’s like a dress rehearsal. A good pre-assessment will give you a sense of how you’ll rate and where you could do better. Plus you can adjust your strategy, saving you headaches (and money) later on. You don’t want to get halfway through the process to find out you’ve missed something crucial, do you?

4. Formally register your project. This is where you commit to the process with BRE Global, who manage BREEAM. They’ll give you all the support and resources you need, and it makes things official.

5. Embed sustainable principles into the core of your design. Think about everything: how much energy you’re using, whether you’re hoarding water, the materials you’re sourcing, how you’re dealing with waste, and the general quality of the indoor environment. Energy-efficient designs are your friend. Use water-saving tech. Pick materials that don’t destroy the planet. Consider solar shading for thermal comfort; every little helps.

6. Gather evidence, lots of it. This is the unglamorous part. You need all the documents you can lay your hands on to show you’re actually meeting the BREEAM criteria. I mean, drawings, specs, construction notes, performance data, the whole shebang. The better organized you are, the easier this will be for your assessor.

7. Submit the assessment. Finally, submit the completed assessment to the BREEAM assessor for review and wait. Fingers crossed! The assessor then checks everything is in order and if you’re doing well enough, the certificate and rating will be issued by BRE Global. If successful of course!

Vesteda: BREEAM on a Massive Scale

So, remember I mentioned Vesteda? They’re a Dutch residential real estate company, and they managed to get BREEAM-NL In-Use certification for almost 27,500 homes back in 2022. It was massive, the biggest residential BREEAM certification ever. It just goes to show what’s possible. If they can do that, well, can’t we all push a little harder?

Why Bother With BREEAM?

Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “This all sounds like a lot of work. Is it really worth it?” Here’s the thing: BREEAM certification isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s got real advantages:

• Better for the planet: You’ll be cutting carbon emissions, using energy more efficiently, and generally being more responsible with resources.
• Higher property value: Green buildings attract tenants and investors, boosting the appeal of your building and it’s value on the market.
• Happier occupants: BREEAM promotes healthy and comfortable environments, and who doesn’t want that?
• Global recognition: BREEAM is known worldwide, proving your commitment to sustainability.
• Lower operating costs: All that energy efficiency translates to lower utility bills, which, let’s be honest, is a win for everyone.

Ultimately, pursuing BREEAM certification isn’t just about getting a piece of paper. It’s about making a real commitment to a more sustainable future, one building at a time. And, hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll even break a record along the way. Now wouldn’t that be something?