Unlocking BREEAM’s Value

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide for UK property developers seeking to achieve BREEAM certification. It outlines practical steps, from understanding BREEAM to incorporating sustainable practices, maximizing resource efficiency, and enhancing building performance. By following this guide, developers can unlock the numerous benefits of BREEAM, including enhanced reputation, cost savings, and increased property value.

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** Main Story**

Cracking the BREEAM Code: A Developer’s Guide

Let’s face it, these days, everyone’s talking about sustainability. And as a UK property developer, getting BREEAM certification is increasingly becoming less of an option and more of a necessity. It’s not just about being green; it’s about boosting your bottom line, too. Not only does achieving this highly respected accreditation show you’re serious about sustainability, but it unlocks some serious financial and reputational advantages, too.

So, where do you even begin? This article is your go-to guide, offering practical advice to help you navigate the BREEAM certification process. Think of it as having a conversation with a colleague over coffee, but instead of coffee, we have sustainable buildings.

Getting to Grips with BREEAM

First thing’s first, what even is BREEAM? BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s top dog when it comes to assessing a building’s sustainability. It looks at everything from how much energy it uses to where its materials come from, and even how it impacts the well-being of the people inside.

Each of these categories has specific targets, and your project gets a score based on how well you meet them. The better you do, the higher your BREEAM rating – ranging from a simple “Pass” all the way up to “Outstanding.” A high rating shows you’ve built a building with the environment and its occupants in mind, and that’s a powerful message to send.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

• Know What You Want: First, you need a target. What rating do you want to achieve? Aiming for “Excellent” or “Outstanding” gives you something to work towards. It’s like setting a sales target – you’re more likely to hit it if you know what it is. So, you know what you’re aiming for, right?

• Get the Experts Onboard Early: Here’s a pro tip: Get a BREEAM assessor involved early – ideally, while you’re still designing the building. Their knowledge will be a game-changer. They can point out opportunities you might have missed and ensure you’re on the right track. I remember on one project, our assessor suggested a simple change to the window design that saved us a fortune in the long run.

• Do a Test Run: A pre-assessment is your friend. It’s like a dress rehearsal before the big show. It helps you identify potential roadblocks and fine-tune your sustainability game plan before the real assessment starts. It provides a baseline score, showing where you’re starting from, and pinpoints areas you need to improve.

Walking the Walk: Implementing Green Practices

• Energy, Energy, Energy: Make energy efficiency a priority. Think about renewable energy sources, a well-insulated building envelope, and smart technology that manages energy use. Because nothing says you don’t care like a poorly insulated building, right?

• Be Smart About Water: Water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting – it all adds up. And don’t forget the landscaping; choose plants that don’t need much watering.

• Choose Materials Carefully: Go for sustainable materials that are recycled, locally sourced, and have a low environmental footprint. Think about where the materials come from and what happens to them at the end of their life.

• Waste Not, Want Not: Create a waste management plan that covers both construction and operation. Minimize waste and maximize recycling.

• Healthy Buildings, Happy People: Design spaces that are good for people’s health and well-being. Natural light, good air quality, and bringing nature indoors are all great ideas. After all, who wants to work in a dark, stuffy box?

Resource Efficiency is Key

• Think Long Term: Conduct a life cycle assessment to understand the environmental impact of the building over its entire lifespan – from construction to when it’s eventually torn down (hopefully not for a long time!).

• Embrace the Circular Economy: Design for disassembly and reuse. Choose materials that can be recycled or repurposed later on.

• Run Like Clockwork: Implement building management systems that optimize energy and water use once the building is up and running.

Boosting Building Performance

• Get it Right from the Start: Commission all building systems thoroughly to ensure they’re working as they should. Then, keep monitoring things to track energy and water use and spot any issues.

• Get Everyone Involved: Educate the people who use the building about sustainable practices and encourage them to participate in saving resources.

Getting That BREEAM Stamp

• The Real Deal: Once construction is done, your BREEAM assessor will conduct a formal assessment. They’ll review all your evidence to make sure you’ve met the BREEAM requirements.

• The Big Moment: If you pass, BRE Global will award your BREEAM certification and give you your rating.

• Keep Improving: Consider doing a post-occupancy evaluation to see how the building is actually performing in real life and identify even more ways to improve.

By following these steps, you can achieve BREEAM certification, demonstrating your commitment to sustainability. But it’s not just about feeling good; it’s about attracting tenants, investors, and ultimately, building a better future, one sustainable building at a time. I for one think its a no brainer.