BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s most established and widely recognized green building certification systems. Launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom, BREEAM provides a robust framework for evaluating the environmental performance and sustainability of buildings across a range of categories. It serves as a global standard for driving best practices in sustainable building design, construction, and operation. BREEAM aims to reduce buildings’ environmental impacts, enhance their economic viability, and improve user well-being.
The Importance of BREEAM Certification
In today’s context of climate change and environmental degradation, the importance of sustainable building practices cannot be overstated. The construction and operation of buildings significantly contribute to carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion. BREEAM certification not only helps mitigate these impacts but also contributes to a building’s long-term value and resilience.
For developers, achieving BREEAM certification can lead to a range of benefits including enhanced asset value, lower operational costs, and improved marketability. For occupants, it means a healthier, more comfortable environment that fosters well-being. From an environmental perspective, BREEAM-certified buildings consume fewer resources, produce less waste, and minimize harmful emissions.
The Structure of BREEAM Certification
BREEAM assesses buildings across several sustainability criteria, each focusing on different aspects of a building’s performance. These categories are:
Energy: Evaluates the building’s energy consumption, efficiency, and carbon footprint. Measures include energy-efficient systems, renewable energy use, and reducing operational energy demand.
Water: Assesses water use and management, including efficient water fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and minimizing water wastage.
Materials: Focuses on the sustainability of the materials used in construction, assessing their lifecycle, sourcing, and impact on the environment.
Waste: Measures how well the building minimizes waste during construction and operation, including recycling and reuse practices.
Health and Well-being: Evaluates indoor environmental quality, including air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and noise pollution, all of which contribute to occupant health and comfort.
Transport: Assesses the accessibility of sustainable transportation options, such as public transport, cycling facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Pollution: Focuses on reducing air, water, and light pollution through measures like controlling emissions, reducing water run-off, and limiting light pollution from the building.
Land Use and Ecology: Assesses the building’s impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity, encouraging developments that enhance, rather than harm, local environments.
Management: Measures how well the building is managed throughout its lifecycle, from design to operation, including construction practices, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Innovation: Rewards projects that go beyond current best practices, encouraging novel approaches and technologies that push the boundaries of sustainable design.
LEED or BREEAM is not mandatory, these are volunteeer-based certification system.
BREEAM Certification Process
Achieving BREEAM certification involves a rigorous assessment process that requires planning, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability throughout the project’s lifecycle.
1. Pre-Assessment
The process typically begins with a pre-assessment, where the project team evaluates the building’s design and performance against BREEAM criteria. This step allows the team to identify areas where they can score well and those needing improvement. During this phase, a BREEAM Assessor, an accredited professional with knowledge of BREEAM standards, may be appointed to guide the project.
2. Detailed Assessment
Once the project moves forward, a more detailed assessment is conducted. The BREEAM Assessor reviews the design, materials, and operational plans, and may conduct site visits to ensure compliance with BREEAM standards. This assessment involves gathering evidence, such as building plans, material certifications, and energy models, to demonstrate the building’s performance across the different sustainability criteria.
3. Scoring and Rating
Each BREEAM category is assigned a certain number of credits, and the total number of credits determines the building’s rating. BREEAM certification is awarded at five levels based on the percentage of available credits achieved:
- Pass: 30% of available credits
- Good: 45%
- Very Good: 55%
- Excellent: 70%
- Outstanding: 85%
Achieving a higher BREEAM rating signifies a greater commitment to sustainability and higher building performance. Projects often strive for an “Excellent” or “Outstanding” rating to demonstrate leadership in sustainable building.
4. Certification
After the assessment is complete and the score is finalized, the project is awarded a BREEAM certificate, verifying its sustainability performance. This certificate can be used to market the building as a high-performance, environmentally friendly asset.
Types of BREEAM Schemes
BREEAM offers several different certification schemes tailored to various building types and project stages. These include:
- BREEAM New Construction: For new buildings from design through construction.
- BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out: Focused on refurbishing or fitting out existing buildings to enhance their environmental performance.
- BREEAM In-Use: Evaluates the sustainability of existing buildings in operation.
- BREEAM Communities: Focuses on master planning large-scale developments and communities to ensure sustainable development practices.
- BREEAM Infrastructure (formerly CEEQUAL): For civil engineering projects and infrastructure.
These schemes allow BREEAM to be applied to a wide range of projects, from offices and retail spaces to schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.
Global Reach of BREEAM
Although it was developed in the UK, BREEAM has grown into an internationally recognized certification system. It has been adapted for use in countries around the world, with localized versions that account for different climates, regulations, and cultural practices. Today, BREEAM certifications can be found in over 80 countries.
This global reach has helped BREEAM establish itself as a leader in sustainable building certification, especially in Europe. Many governments and local authorities require or encourage BREEAM certification for new developments, contributing to its widespread adoption.
BREEAM vs. Other Green Building Certifications
BREEAM is often compared to other certification systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL, which are prominent in other regions, particularly North America. While all these systems aim to promote sustainable building practices, they differ in approach, criteria, and focus.
BREEAM places significant emphasis on the overall lifecycle of the building, including management practices and environmental impacts. It also has a strong focus on adapting to local contexts, with tailored versions available for different countries.
LEED tends to focus more on energy efficiency and resource use, with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions.
WELL Certification focuses exclusively on health and well-being, looking at how buildings can improve the physical and mental health of occupants.
Each system has its strengths, and often projects will seek multiple certifications to address different aspects of sustainability and well-being.
Benefits of BREEAM Certification
1. Environmental Impact
BREEAM certification drives a significant reduction in the environmental impact of buildings. Certified projects use less energy, water, and raw materials, leading to reduced carbon emissions and resource consumption. By promoting responsible sourcing of materials, waste reduction, and biodiversity protection, BREEAM helps create buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also resilient in the face of climate change.
2. Economic Value
BREEAM-certified buildings are typically more cost-effective over their lifecycle. While initial construction costs may be higher due to the need for sustainable technologies and materials, these costs are offset by long-term savings in energy and water use, lower maintenance expenses, and potential tax incentives or grants. BREEAM-certified buildings also tend to have higher market value, as more investors and tenants are seeking sustainable assets.
3. Occupant Well-being
BREEAM-certified buildings provide healthier, more comfortable environments for occupants. Features such as natural lighting, good indoor air quality, and thermal comfort contribute to higher levels of productivity and well-being. This can lead to lower absenteeism, higher employee satisfaction, and improved retention in office environments.
4. Reputation and Marketability
Achieving BREEAM certification demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Certified buildings are often seen as more desirable by investors, tenants, and the general public. They offer a competitive edge in markets where environmental performance is becoming increasingly important.
5. Resilience and Future-Proofing
With its emphasis on sustainability and long-term performance, BREEAM helps future-proof buildings against changing regulations, market demands, and environmental conditions. Certified projects are often better prepared to deal with the challenges posed by climate change, energy scarcity, and shifting economic conditions.
BREEAM Consultancy
BREEAM consultancy plays a crucial role in helping developers, architects, and building owners navigate the complex process of achieving BREEAM certification. A BREEAM consultant is a trained expert who guides projects from the early design stages through to post-construction, ensuring that sustainability goals are met across various criteria. They provide strategic advice on how to incorporate sustainable practices, optimize energy use, reduce waste, and improve environmental impact.
Consultants are essential in managing the BREEAM assessment process, from conducting initial feasibility studies to gathering evidence for the final certification. They work closely with design teams, project managers, and contractors to ensure that the building complies with BREEAM’s stringent requirements in categories such as energy efficiency, materials, waste management, and occupant well-being.
Additionally, a BREEAM consultant can offer tailored solutions to meet specific project goals, whether it’s achieving a certain rating (e.g., Excellent or Outstanding) or maximizing resource efficiency. By leveraging their expertise, consultants help streamline the certification process, minimize delays, and ensure that the project reaps the full financial and environmental benefits of BREEAM certification. Ultimately, BREEAM consultancy helps elevate the sustainability profile of a building, making it more attractive to investors, tenants, and regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
BREEAM certification is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability in the built environment. By setting high standards for energy efficiency, resource use, health, and well-being, BREEAM-certified buildings contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or occupant, BREEAM offers tangible benefits, from lower operational costs to healthier, more comfortable spaces. As the demand for green buildings continues to grow, BREEAM’s role in driving sustainable development will only become more important.