Navigating BREEAM: Assessor Tips

Summary

This article provides a guide for new BREEAM assessors, outlining essential steps for successful project navigation. It emphasizes early involvement, proactive communication, and understanding the BREEAM process. The guide also includes practical advice and key questions to ask clients.

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** Main Story**

Okay, so you’re stepping into the world of BREEAM assessments? It can definitely feel like a lot to take in at first, but honestly, with the right approach, you’ll be guiding projects to sustainability success in no time. Let’s break down some key steps and insights that’ll help you navigate the BREEAM landscape. Think of it as a roadmap to success.

Initial Steps: Building a Solid Foundation

Get Involved Early: Seriously, try to get in touch with the project team as early as possible, ideally during the RIBA Stages A/B. Why? Because getting involved early on means you can seamlessly weave BREEAM requirements into the design. This maximizes credits and, more importantly, saves everyone from costly retrofits down the line. I remember one project where we weren’t brought in until late in the game, and boy, did we have to work overtime to make things right. Something like 30% of the credits? Yeah, they need action right around the concept design stage.

Client Briefings Are Key: Hold really thorough briefings with the client to nail down expectations, deliverables, and the BREEAM process itself. Instead of just throwing the whole manual at them, clearly explain the evidence needed and how it should look, using specific examples to keep it clear. Trust me, transparency from the start builds trust, and that makes collaboration so much smoother. Don’t forget to ask about their prior BREEAM experiences, and just how well they understand their role in the process. What are their specific project goals and requirements? These questions are essential.

Pre-Assessment is Vital: Do a pre-assessment to gauge the project’s environmental impact, spot any time-sensitive requirements, and set minimum standards for the target BREEAM rating. This proactive step helps you minimize costs and avoid headaches by preventing the need for design changes later. And believe me, those changes can be a real pain.

Assessment in Action: Driving Towards Success

Stay Communicative: Keep the lines of communication open with the design team. Regular updates and support make a huge difference. While winning credits isn’t your only job, proactively offering assistance strengthens relationships and creates a collaborative environment. Think of yourself as a guide, not a gatekeeper.

Be a Guide, Not a Dictator: Remember, you’re an assessor, not the appointed person, AP. You’re the specialist, sure, but focus on guiding and explaining, not dictating. It’s all about proactive support without overstepping. That approach earns repeat business and boosts your reputation.

Evidence Collection is Critical: Meticulously coordinate the collection of evidence. You need a solid, auditable trail for BRE Global to make their certification decision. Keep clear records and manage documentation effectively. Think of it as building a legal case; you need to have all your ducks in a row.

Don’t Skip Site Visits: Regular site visits are essential. They let you gather evidence, verify the design implementation, and tackle any on-site issues as they arise. Plus, getting a feel for the site helps you understand the project better overall.

Essential Questions: Digging Deeper

So, what questions should you be asking? Here’s a quick rundown:

• What makes this project unique?
• Where are we in the project timeline?
• Do we have a BREEAM AP?
• What’s the client’s BREEAM IQ?
• Is the BREEAM level realistic?
• Client’s choice, or a planning must-have?
• What meetings have happened, and are there notes?
• What RIBA Stage are we at? Can we snag those Stage-specific credits?
• Can we actually hit all the mandatory credits?
• Where do we need to focus our energy first?

Key Qualities: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Perseverance: BREEAM assessments, let’s face it, they can be tough. So, grit and determination are a must. Keep pushing through those challenges, and you’ll get there.

Honesty is the Best Policy: Don’t pretend to know everything. If you need to research something, admit it. Give accurate answers, even if it takes time.

Patience is a Virtue: Some teams need more hand-holding than others. Be patient and adapt your approach to fit their needs.

Adaptability is Key: The BREEAM landscape is constantly changing. You have to embrace continuous learning and stay on top of the latest standards and best practices. It can be a drag, I know, but it’s part of the job.

Resourcefulness Matters: Don’t be afraid to tap into available resources, like senior BREEAM assessors. They can help you fill in knowledge gaps and fine-tune your approach. They’ve been there, done that, and can offer invaluable insights.

By keeping these steps in mind and developing these qualities, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the BREEAM process effectively. You’ll not only guide projects towards sustainability but also establish yourself as a trusted advisor. Remember, you play a crucial role in making the built environment more sustainable. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Plus, it looks great on the CV, doesn’t it?