Green Building Goals

Summary

This article provides a step-by-step guide to achieving BREEAM certification for your building project. It covers key aspects such as understanding BREEAM criteria, integrating sustainability into the design, and maintaining performance post-certification. Follow these tips to create an environmentally friendly and high-performing building.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

So, you’re thinking about building green? That’s fantastic! BREEAM certification is a globally recognized badge of honor for sustainable building. Think of it as a comprehensive roadmap to creating a building that’s not just environmentally friendly, but also performs like a champ. Let’s dive into how you can actually achieve BREEAM certification for your project.

Understanding the BREEAM Game

First things first, you’ve gotta get acquainted with the BREEAM framework. What does it actually look at? Well, BREEAM assesses buildings across a whole range of categories. We’re talking energy efficiency, water management, health and well-being, even pollution, transport, and materials. Don’t forget waste, land use, ecology, and those all-important management processes too.

It’s a lot, I know! But understanding the specific criteria and the rating system – Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding – is absolutely critical. It lets you set realistic goals for your project. And hey, the BREEAM GreenBookLive website? It’s your new best friend. Seriously, it’s packed with valuable info.

Design with BREEAM in Mind – Right From the Start

Look, early integration is non-negotiable. Get a licensed BREEAM assessor on board during the initial design phase. And I mean right at the start. Their expertise is, frankly, invaluable. They can guide you on meeting the specific criteria for your building type and help you maximize your potential score. Think of them as your BREEAM whisperer.

Work with them, collaboratively, to develop a sustainability strategy that covers all the BREEAM categories. This strategy? It should clearly outline the measures, the technologies, the design features – everything you’re implementing throughout the project lifecycle. It all works together, you see?

• Prioritize energy efficiency. Get creative with innovative architectural and engineering strategies.
• Implement water conservation. Efficient fixtures, smart technologies, thoughtful landscaping – it all matters.
• Utilize sustainable materials. Think low environmental impact, and don’t forget those lifecycle assessments.
• Prioritize occupant well-being. Indoor air quality, natural light flooding the space, and comfortable temperatures are not luxuries; they’re essential.

Construction and Operation: Walk the Talk

Now, here’s where the rubber meets the road. You need to make sure your contractor really understands and follows those BREEAM requirements during construction. Don’t just assume they do. Regular site inspections are crucial. So are progress meetings. These keep everyone on the same page and help you address any issues that pop up.

And, of course, implement rigorous monitoring and documentation procedures. You need to track your building’s performance against those BREEAM criteria throughout both the construction and operational phases. After all, you can’t improve what you don’t measure. Continuously assess and refine your strategies based on the data you collect.

Post-Certification: The Journey Continues

Don’t think BREEAM certification is some kind of finish line. In fact it’s only the start, its not something you just get and forget. You’ve committed to sustainability, so keep going. Regularly review and update your building’s sustainability strategies, systems, and technologies. You need to adapt to evolving best practices and, of course, to technological advancements. This proactive approach is what ensures long-term environmental performance and maximizes the benefits of your BREEAM certification.

Inspiration: BREEAM in the Real World

Want to see what’s possible? Check out some buildings that are rocking the BREEAM certification. Take The Crystal in London, for example. BREEAM Outstanding! It uses ground-source heat pumps and solar panels. And in Monaco, the MoNa Résidence achieved BREEAM Excellent, showing that energy self-sufficiency is totally achievable. These success stories – and there are many more – highlight the tangible benefits. We’re talking reduced operating costs, healthier occupants – it’s a win-win.

Aiming for Outstanding – Think Outside the Box

Why not strive to go above and beyond? Push the boundaries of standard practices to unlock the highest BREEAM ratings. It can be done! Look for innovative solutions in energy efficiency, material selection, and even waste reduction.

For example:

• Advanced stormwater management
• Incorporating FutureBuild’s criteria

These can seriously boost your project’s sustainability profile and even earn you innovation credits! So, dare to think outside the box and create a truly exceptional sustainable building. Because why settle for good when you can be outstanding?

At the end of the day, BREEAM certification isn’t just a label; it’s a commitment. It’s a commitment to creating a better, more sustainable future. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?